Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed during the 2026 Budget Speech that the Old Age Grant will increase from April 2026. The adjustment forms part of broader social grant increases announced in the national budget.
But beyond the increase itself, there are important qualification rules, verification checks and review processes that pensioners need to understand.
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s changing — and what elderly beneficiaries should do next.
For a broader look at the national budget highlights, read our coverage of 8 big wins from Budget Speech 2026.
The 2026 Old Age Grant Increase
From April 2026:
- Old Age Grant increases by R80
- New monthly amount: R2,400
- War Veterans Grant increases to R2,420
The increases were confirmed in our full breakdown of the updated grant amounts here:
👉 2026 SASSA increase confirmed — new grant amounts from April
The National Treasury has allocated R292.8 billion to social grants for the 2026/27 financial year.
SASSA Welcomes the Increase
In an official media statement issued on 26 February 2026, SASSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Themba Matlou welcomed the announcement:
“We welcome the announcement by Minister Godongwana. Social grants provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in society, this much-need increase will help cushion our valued social grant beneficiaries against economic hardships. This further reaffirms government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and inequality.”
Matlou also confirmed that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will continue in its current form over the year ahead.
SASSA reiterated that it is working to connect beneficiaries with economic opportunities to support sustainable livelihoods.
How does the increase compare to inflation?
South Africa’s current inflation rate is sitting at around 3.5%, according to recent data
👉 See latest inflation update
The Old Age Grant increase of R80 represents a roughly 3.7% adjustment — slightly above inflation.
However, it is smaller than the 2025 increases, when permanent grants rose by R130 as government cushioned households against VAT pressures.
Who qualifies for the Old Age Grant in 2026?
To qualify for the Older Persons Grant, you must:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Live in South Africa
- Not receive another social grant for yourself
- Meet the means test requirements
The means test (important)
Your income and assets must fall below a certain threshold.
SASSA regularly reviews grants to ensure beneficiaries still qualify.
Recent Treasury data shows:
- Bank account and income verification checks have been intensified
- Over 290,000 beneficiaries were flagged for review in 2025
- Some grants were adjusted or cancelled after reassessment
You can read more about ongoing reviews here:
👉 SASSA grant reviews 2026 — pensioners and recipients under verification
What pensioners should do now
Even if you are already receiving the grant, it’s important to:
✔ Ensure your banking details are correct
✔ Keep your contact details updated
✔ Respond quickly if SASSA requests documents
✔ Attend review appointments if notified
New applicants must undergo biometric verification.
When will the new amount be paid?
The new grant amount takes effect from April 2026.
For current confirmed payment dates, see:
👉 March 2026 SASSA payment dates for all 8 grants
April payment dates will be confirmed closer to the start of the new financial year.
The bigger budget picture
According to National Treasury:
- 26.5 million South Africans receive some form of social grant
- Around 4.2 million are Older Persons Grant beneficiaries
- Social development spending continues to form one of the largest portions of non-interest government expenditure
The 2026 Budget Speech signals continued support for elderly South Africans — but also tighter compliance and verification.
How to contact SASSA
If you have questions about your grant:
- 🌐 Official website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
- 📞 SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
- 📱 SRD enquiries: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- 📧 Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
For media enquiries, SASSA spokesperson: Paseka Letsatsi | 082 883 9969
What happens next?
While the increase offers relief, discussions continue about the long-term structure of social protection — including the future of the SRD grant.
As confirmed during Budget 2026, further refinements to the grant system are expected to be discussed later in the year.
For pensioners, the message is clear:
The increase is confirmed.
The money goes up in April.
But staying compliant with eligibility rules is just as important.
