At what age do people receive old-age grants in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana?

South Africa, Botswana and Namibia all provide government support to older people, but the age at which people qualify for an old-age payment differs between the three neighbouring countries.

For millions of elderly people across Southern Africa, these payments provide an important source of income after retirement or when they are no longer able to earn a regular wage.

Here is how the qualifying ages compare.

South Africa — old-age grant at 60

In South Africa, people can apply for the Older Persons Grant once they reach the age of 60.

The grant is administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and is subject to eligibility requirements, including a means test.

The South African government says applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees who live in South Africa and meet the income and asset requirements.

From April 2026, the maximum Older Persons Grant increased to R2 400 per month.

People aged over 75 receive a maximum of R2 420.

This means South Africans can potentially start receiving the old-age grant five years earlier than the current qualifying age in Botswana.

Namibia — old-age grant at 60

Namibia also provides an old-age grant from the age of 60.

The Namibian government says citizens and permanent residents aged 60 and older can qualify, provided they permanently reside in Namibia.

Unlike South Africa’s Older Persons Grant, Namibia describes its old-age grant as a monthly unconditional allowance.

The current payment is N$1 600 per month for each beneficiary. People can apply once they reach the age of 60.

Botswana — 65 years

In Botswana, the current government information states that citizens qualify for the Old Age Pension from the age of 65.

The government website says the pension is available to Botswana citizens aged 65 and above.

The government has also increased the value of the pension. Botswana’s 2025/26 budget measures raised the Old Age Pension from P830 to P1 400 per month, according to the country’s DailyNews.

There have been moves and proposals to reduce the qualifying age to 60.

However, the current government service information still lists 65 years as the qualifying age, making it important to distinguish the proposed change from the rule currently published by government.

How the three countries compare

Country	Old-age payment	Current qualifying age	Monthly payment
South Africa	Older Persons Grant	60	Up to R2 400
Namibia	Old Age Grant	60	N$1 600
Botswana	Old Age Pension	65	P1 400

For now, South Africa and Namibia have the same qualifying age of 60, while Botswana’s current published requirement remains 65.

The comparison could change if Botswana implements its proposed reduction in the pensionable age.