SASSA Grant

How To Apply For Sassa Old Age Pension 2025-2026

Applying for an old age pension from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a vital step towards obtaining financial support and assistance in your senior years. SASSA allows older people to receive monthly grants to assist cover their essential living expenditures.

If you or a loved one is qualified for the old age pension, this guide will help you through the application procedure. By following these easy steps, you can guarantee that your application is all-inclusive and boost your chances of obtaining the SASSA assistance you deserve.

READ HERE: How To Apply For Sassa Old Age Grant Online 2025-2026

How To Apply For Sassa Old Age Pension 2025-2026

The Old Age Pension provides financial assistance to eligible older people, giving them a sense of security and stability during their retirement years. Follow the below steps to apply for Sassa Old Age Pension;

Select An Application Method

Sassa Old Age pension Grant applications can be submitted via WhatsApp, the SRD website, or the SASSA Chatbot. You should only apply using one way,however, submitting several applications will not speed up the process and may even slow it down.

Select one of theses methods:

WhatsApp:

Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
Provide your personal details
You will receive a Reference number, an OTP and and a link to click
Click on the provided link, fill in your OTP and verify your account
Fill in your surname and ID number
Confirm your personal details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat

Apply via the SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website
Fill in your mobile number and ID number and click “send SMS”
You will receive a 6 digit OTP via SMS
Insert the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”

Apply via the SASSA Chatbot:

In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (orange box on the side of the screen)
Fill in your ID number and mobile number
On the chat, choose the option to apply for the SRD R350 grant
Click on the SRD website link provided by the SASSA Chatbot
Follow the SRD website steps.

Necessities for The Older Person Grant 2025-2026

To apply for the SASSA Older Persons Grant, you must meet the eligibility conditions (note that these criteria are subject to change). The general criteria for Sassa Olde Age grant are:

You must be a South African Citizen, a Permanent citizen dweller, or a Fugitive
You must be over 60 years old
You must settle within South Africa
You must meet the means test as stated below (for income and assets)
You must NOT be receiving care in a state institution (this includes state old age homes, rehabilitation centres or prisons)
You must NOT be receiving any other social grant for yourself.

Legal Papers Required When Applying For Older Persons Grant 2025-2026

When applying for older people grant through SASSA, applicants must have the following papers with them (originals or certified copies):

ID Document (if this is not available, you may submit an affidavit to confirm personal information) this must be completed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official)
Fugitive status permit and 13-digit refugee ID: if applicable
Proof of marital status:

Marriage certificate: if you are married
Divorce order: if divorced
Copy of spouse’s death certificate, their will, and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts where applicable: if your spouse died within the last 5 years

Proof of accommodation
Proof of income or dividends (your own and your spouses): if applicable
Proof of assets, including the municipal value of your property: if applicable
Proof of private pension: if applicable
3 months bank statements
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) (‘blue book’) or discharge certificate from your previous employer, if you were employed.

Older Persons Grant Application Outcome 2025-2026

Applications are evaluated within three months, following which you will be notified in writing if your application was accepted or refused. SASSA will offer an explanation for your rejection if you were refused. If your application was denied, you can ask SASSA to reconsider it. If your application is still refused after reconsideration, you may file an appeal with the Minister of Social Development.

Contact Sassa

For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly:

Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call centre on 0800 60 10 11
Contact the SASSA Head Office on 012 400 2322
Email SASSA Head Office at: Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: Contact SASSA.

Applying for the SASSA Old Age Pension can give older people critical financial assistance, allowing them to live a more secure and dignified life throughout their retirement years. You may assure a smooth application procedure for the 2025-2026 year by following the steps provided in this guidance. For more information visit the official website of Sassa.

Bernice Asante