It’s good news for February 2026 SASSA Old-Age Grants. Following January’s social welfare disbursements that fell in the second week of the month, recipients will not have to wait five weeks for the next one. Tuesday 3 February 2026 is the next scheduled grant payment date for the elderly. As before, over 60s will receive R2 320. And over 75s receive R2 340, the highest-value grant in the country.
Better still, February 2026 SASSA Old-Age Grants could soon see meaningful increases announced. Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana typically announces these at the annual budget speech where the country’s fiscal policy is agreed upon. The 2026 Budget Speech is scheduled for Wednesday 18 February 2026, following the earlier State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday 12 February 2026.
FEBRUARY 2026 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
At this stage it’s too early to tell by how much South African Social Security Agency might increase. The expectation is for an above-inflation figure, just like last year. However, this doesn’t align with the Department of Social Development budget cuts set out in last year’s budget. Currently, the social development allocation sits at R285 billion. This figure falls by R14 billion, to R271 billion. And again in 2027 by R11 billion, to R260 billion. Of course, February 2026 SASSA Old-Age Grants proceed unchanged for the moment.
In SASSA’s favour is the sheer number of ‘core’ grant recipients – from Childcare to Older Persons and Disability. With approximately 45% of the population receiving some form of grant, government could ill afford to alienate these residents. Plus, parliament heard how SASSA was able to fix major vulnerabilities in its grant system. Doing so allowed a saving of as much as R700 million last year through biometric verification and income reviews.
CROSS-REFERENCED GOVERNMENT DATABASES
Which is why it’s important you keep up to date with all the eligibility requirements for February 2026 SASSA Old-Age Grants. Last year, the National Treasury introduced stricter more frequent interventions to close security gaps for grants. As such, the agency can now monitor people’s income in real time using bank records, cross referenced with government databases like the UIF and DHA.
Therefore, here’s how you can pass SASSA’s all-important asset and means test:
- Your income must be less than R107 800 (single) or R215 760 (married) per annum.
- This equates to R8 983 (single) or R17 980 (married) per month.
- And your cumulative assets (property) cannot be more than R1 524 600 (single) or R3 049 200 (married).
DOCUMENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2026 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
First-time SASSA applicants must make sure you bring the following documents (original and copies) when you are applying for February 2026 SASSA Old-Age Grants:
- Official RSA identity document (ID) (preferably a Smart ID Card with a digital ID photo).
- Valid three months’ statement certified by your bank, plus copies.
- All documents proving your marital status, plus death certificates if necessary.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it, not older than three months).
- Documents proving your income and/or financial dividends.
- Comprehensive information regarding assets/valuation of any property you own.
- Full declaration of any private pension in your name.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
If you’re a first-time applicant, you can get a friend/loved one to assist with your application. The forms are not available online, you must go to a SASSA office in-person. The queues are really long, so ensure you have all the documents you need, so you’re not sent away empty handed.
The next payment date after February, but before (unconfirmed) increases is:
- Tuesday 3 March 2026.
Contact SASSA here for more info:
- SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
If your application for February 2026 SASSA Old-Age Grants is denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision by clicking HERE.
But what do you think? Will SASSA grants increases in 2026 be sufficient? How much would you like to see the SASSA Old-Age Grant increased by? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
