SASSA spends R10 billion a month on Older Person’s Grants: Here’s where the money goes

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) spends an estimated R10.16 billion every month on Older Persons Grants (OAGs), with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng accounting for the largest shares of expenditure.

The figures are based on the number of older persons receiving social grants in each province at the end of June 2026.

South Africa had 4 234 556 Older Persons Grant beneficiaries mid-year.

Using the standard monthly grant of R2 400, SASSA’s baseline monthly expenditure on older persons grants amounts to approximately R10.16 billion.

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How much SASSA spends on old-age grants per province

KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of older persons grant beneficiaries, with 829 678 people receiving the grant.

This translates into estimated monthly expenditure of almost R2 billion in the province alone.

Gauteng follows with 811 681 beneficiaries, costing SASSA approximately R1.95 billion per month.

The Eastern Cape has 644 762 older persons grant beneficiaries, representing monthly expenditure of approximately R1.55 billion.

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Here is the provincial breakdown, ranked from highest to lowest:

Province	Beneficiaries	Monthly spend
KwaZulu-Natal	829 678	R1.99 billion
Gauteng	811 681	R1.95 billion
Eastern Cape	644 762	R1.55 billion
Limpopo	550 267	R1.32 billion
Western Cape	431 997	R1.04 billion
North West	314 658	R755.2 million
Mpumalanga	308 794	R741.1 million
Free State	238 943	R573.5 million
Northern Cape	103 776	R249.1 million
Total	4 234 556	R10.16 billion

Figures are estimates calculated using the standard R2 400 monthly grant. Actual expenditure will be slightly higher because beneficiaries aged 75 and older receive an additional R20 per month.

KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng account for the biggest expenditure

The figures highlight the significant financial commitment required to support older South Africans across the country.

KwaZulu-Natal accounts for approximately 19.6% of all older persons grant beneficiaries, while Gauteng represents around 19.2%.

Together, the two provinces account for more than R3.93 billion in estimated monthly old-age grant payments.

The Northern Cape has the smallest number of beneficiaries, with 103 776 older persons receiving the grant. This represents estimated monthly expenditure of R249 million.

The Western Cape has 431 997 beneficiaries, costing approximately R1.04 billion per month.

How much does SASSA spend annually?

At the standard monthly grant rate of R2 400, the estimated national expenditure translates into approximately R121.96 billion annually.

This calculation assumes that the June 2026 beneficiary numbers remain unchanged for 12 months.

The Older Persons Grant provides financial support to qualifying South Africans aged 60 and older.

Recipients aged 60 to 74 receive R2 400 per month, while those aged 75 and older receive R2 420.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the South African Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension), you must meet these criteria:

• Age: Be 60 years or older
• Citizenship/Residency: Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee living in South Africa
• Means Test: Your income and assets must fall below the threshold:
  • Single person: Annual income under R86 280; assets under R1 227 600
  • Married person (combined): Annual income under R172 560; assets under R2 455 200
• Exclusions: You cannot be cared for in a state institution or receive another social grant

Grant Payouts

• Ages 60 to 74: Maximum R2 400 per month
• Ages 75 and older: Maximum R2 420 per month

Required Documents

Bring or upload certified copies of the following documents:

• Identity: Valid 13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card (or a Section 24 refugee permit if applicable)
• Spouse’s Info: ID and proof of income/assets for your spouse if you are married
• Marital Status: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or spouse’s death certificate (or a sworn affidavit if relevant)
• Proof of Residence: Utility bill, letter from a ward councillor, or traditional leader
• Income & Assets: 3 months’ bank statements, payslips, pension slips, or details of property and other assets
• Banking: A confirmation letter from your bank account where payments should be deposited

Note: If you are too old or sick to visit the office yourself, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a note from you.

How to Apply

• In Person: Visit your SASSA Local Office. Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer. There is no application fee
• Online: Submit your application through the SASSA Services Portal
• Processing Time: Applications take up to 3 months to process. If approved, backpay is calculated from the date you applied

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