The answer is – existing beneficiaries DO NOT have to reapply for SASSA Older Person Grants before the end of 2025. Mercifully, despite the agency’s best efforts to limit the number of new recipients and keep its budgets in check, there is no such reapplication process for elderly clients.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean there aren’t big changes to core SASSA grants coming in 2026. So, while you may not need to reapply for SASSA Older Person Grants, you will need to remain proactive to hold onto your state pension …
REAPPLY FOR SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS
Specifically, the South African Social Security Agency’s social welfare budget is being slashed for the 2026/27 financial year by R14 billion. As such, the agency has introduced all manner of measures to save money. Like mandatory biometric enrolment, and stricter asset and means tests.
Moreover, those who have had their SASSA grants reviewed, do say it is a bit like you reapply for SASSA Older Person Grants. Happily, if you’re a permanent South African resident, who is over the age of 60, you never technically need to reapply for your benefits ever again. Just as long as you maintain compliance.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN OLD-AGE GRANTS?
Following this month’s (October 2025) increase, here’s a quick reminder of who is eligible for SASSA Older Person Grants going forward:
- South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees.
- If you don’t already receive any other social grant from the government.
- You’re not housed in a state institution/care facility.
- Your means are no more than R107 800 (single) or R215 760 (married) per annum.
- Likewise, your assets don’t amount to more than R1 524 600 (single) or R3 049 200 (married).
NEVER REAPPLY FOR SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS AGAIN
Government does say your benefits may occasionally be reviewed to check that you still qualify. And did not misrepresent yourself in your initial application. In fact, a large number of fraudulent claims occur when older persons pass away and family members illegally continue to claim their welfare. That is why SASSA has the right to review your status, even to confirm proof of life.
Beyond failing the SASSA review, your grant may be suspended if:
- If you fail to co-operate with a SASSA official during your review.
- It is found you committed fraud and misrepresented yourself in the application.
- You’re absent from the country for three months.
- Should you not claim your benefits for three months.
Are you surprise beneficiaries don’t need to reapply for SASSA Older Person Grants each year? Should the agency consider doing so to keep budgets in check?
