1. What is the SASSA Old Age Grant?
The Old Age Grant (often referred to as the Older Persons Grant) is a non‑contributory social grant administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It is meant to provide some basic income support to elderly citizens or permanent residents who meet eligibility criteria.
It is not a contributory pension; beneficiaries do not pay into it during their working life. Rather, it’s means‑tested, so the government assesses income and assets to decide if someone qualifies.
2. Latest Increase: What is the Amount for October 2025?

a) Recent Increase
- In September 2025, SASSA announced a R10 increase for most social grants starting in October 2025.
- Prior to that, in April 2025, the Older Persons Grant was increased so that those aged 60–74 would receive R2,310 per month, and those aged 75 and older would receive R2,330 per month.
- Thus, effective October 1, 2025, the new grant amounts become:
- R2,320 per month for beneficiaries aged 60–74
- R2,340 per month for beneficiaries aged 75+
Because of this, the “R2,335” figure you mention is slightly off—under the official increase, those 75+ will get R2,340 as of October 2025.
Some sources had speculated or circulated versions such as R2,335 (for 75+) or R2,315 / R2,335 broadly, but these appear to be approximations or rounding in media sites.
So, “Who gets the R2,335 payment?”—in practical terms, as of October 2025, no one should get exactly R2,335; the official figure for 75+ is R2,340. The R2,335 figure is likely an older figure or a rounded estimation from media.
If someone claims they will receive exactly R2,335, that may be based on out-of-date or speculative sources.
3. Who Qualifies to Receive the Old Age Grant?
To get the Old Age Grant, you must satisfy several criteria. Below is a breakdown of the official eligibility rules, incorporating known updates to 2025.
a) Basic Eligibility
- Age
You must be 60 years or older. - Citizenship / Residency
You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a refugee residing in South Africa. - Not in State Institutions
You should not be cared for in a state institution (for example, you cannot receive the Old Age Grant if living full‑time in certain state facilities). - Means Test (Income & Assets Test)
Because this is not universal, your financial standing is assessed.- Income: There is a maximum allowable income for an individual to qualify.
- Assets / Property: Your assets are also assessed. The exact thresholds are sometimes published in regulations or guidelines from the Department of Social Development / SASSA.
- To illustrate, past figures included about R86,280 per year income limit for single individuals, and R1,227,600 in assets (these are from previously circulated guidelines)
- Not Receiving Another State Pension / Grant
You should not already be receiving another state pension grant (meaning: the grant should not duplicate a full pension). - Documentation / ID
You require a valid 13‑digit South African ID or approved identity document, proof of residence, and financial records (income, bank statements, assets).
Those are the main eligibility requirements. If you meet all of these, you are generally eligible to receive the Old Age Grant.
4. Payment Dates & Schedule for October 2025

Knowing when your grant will be paid is important for planning. SASSA distributes social grants on staggered dates to manage demand at pay points and banks.
a) October 2025 Payment Dates
- Old Age Grants (Older Persons) are scheduled for payment on Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Disability Grants: 3 October 2025
- Children’s Grants: 6 October 2025
- Other grants (War Veterans, etc.) often align with Older Persons date or the nearest suitable date.
It’s worth noting: some provincial SASSA pages list payment dates differently due to local holidays or adjustments, but the mainstream news and central announcements are reliable.
Also, always verify close to the date in case of last-minute changes.
b) Frequency and Timing
- Grants are paid monthly.
- The grant is typically available from early in the month, starting on the designated payment date.
- Beneficiaries can collect their funds at banks (via direct deposit), at retail pay points (Pick n Pay, Shoprite, etc.), or through SASSA card pay points, depending on how they choose to be paid.
5. How to Apply for the Old Age Grant

If you’re not yet receiving the grant but believe you qualify, here’s how to apply:
- Submit Application
Apply at the nearest SASSA office (Regional or local), or through authorized social development offices. - Provide Required Documents
- Valid 13‑digit South African ID or approved identity document
- Proof of residence (municipal bill, affidavit, etc.)
- Proof of income (payslips, pension statements, bank statements)
- Proof of assets (property deeds, savings, vehicle registrations)
- Banking details (account number, branch) if you choose direct deposit
- Any other supporting documents SASSA requests (depending on your case)
- Means Test / Assessment
Your application will be assessed against the means test (income and asset limits). SASSA may ask for further documentation or verification. - Approval & Back Pay
If the application is approved, you will start receiving monthly payments. SASSA may backdate grant payments to the date you applied, depending on processing times. - Keep Information Updated
You must inform SASSA of any changes in your income, assets, or banking details. Failure to do so may lead to suspensions or adjustments.
6. What to Do if You Were Expecting R2,335
Given that the officially announced new amount for October 2025 is R2,340 (for 75+), if someone is stating they will get exactly R2,335, here are things to check:
- Confirm your age bracket (60–74 vs. 75+).
- Ensure your application / status is approved and active.
- Check for misprints or reporting errors in media sources (some use rounded or slightly outdated figures).
- Confirm via SASSA directly (visit office, call their helpline) what your exact benefit amount will be.
7. Key Tips, Warnings & Additional Notes

- Verify with official sources: Always cross-check with SASSA’s official website or contact them directly. Media outlets sometimes misreport small amounts.
- Beware of scams: Many pensioners report scam calls trying to trick them into giving OTPs, personal detail updates, or approving withdrawals. Never share OTPs or account information with unsolicited callers.
- Don’t miss the payment date: Go on or soon after your payment date. Late collection may be subject to SASSA rules.
- Keep your banking / contact details updated: Ensuring SASSA has your correct information is essential for smooth payment.
- Rights to back pay: If your application was delayed but eventually approved, ask SASSA if you are eligible for back pay.
- Annual and midyear adjustments: Grant amounts are adjusted in national budgets. In 2025, there was an increase in April and a smaller increment in October.
- Provincial variation: While the central payment schedule is standard, local SASSA or provincial offices may have slight adjustments due to public holidays or operational constraints. Always check locally near the month.
Summary (Quick Reference)
Topic | Detail |
---|---|
Grant amount (Oct 2025) | 60–74: R2,320 ; 75+ : R2,340 (IOL) |
“R2,335” figure | Slightly older / speculative — official is R2,340 for 75+ |
Eligibility | Aged 60+, SA citizen or resident, means test (income & assets), not in state institution, valid ID, not receiving other pension grants |
Payment date | 2 October 2025 for Older Persons Grant (IOL) |
Application | Apply at SASSA office, submit documents, processing, possible back pay |
Caution | Watch out for scams, keep your info updated, confirm via official sources |
FAQs
1. What is the SASSA Old Age Grant?
It’s a monthly social grant for South African elderly citizens or permanent residents who meet age and means test requirements. It offers basic income support, not a contributory pension.
2. Who qualifies for the Old Age Grant?
Anyone aged 60+, who is a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, passing income and asset tests, and not living in a state institution or receiving another pension.
3. How much is the Old Age Grant in October 2025?
As of October 1, 2025, the amounts are R2,320 for ages 60–74, and R2,340 for those aged 75 or older, following a recent R10 increase.