To check your SASSA Old Age Grant status, visit services.sassa.gov.za, call the toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11, or visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID. The Old Age Grant pays R2,190 per month (ages 60-74) or R2,210 per month (ages 75 and older).
How to Check Your Old Age Grant Status
The Old Age Grant, also known as the Old Age Pension or State Pension, uses the general SASSA services portal. Here are all the ways to check your SASSA status for this grant.
1. Online at services.sassa.gov.za
Visit services.sassa.gov.za and enter your details to view your Old Age Grant status. The portal shows your application status, payment history, and other important information. It is available 24 hours a day.
2. Phone the SASSA Helpline
Call 0800 60 10 11 toll-free from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. Provide your ID number and the agent will check your Old Age Grant status. They can also explain any issues with your application or payments.
3. WhatsApp
Send a message to 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp and follow the prompts. Provide your ID number to receive basic information about your grant status.
4. Visit a SASSA Office
Go to your nearest SASSA office with your ID document. A staff member will check your status and help with any problems. This is recommended for new applications or complicated issues.
5. USSD
Dial *120*69277# from any network and follow the menu prompts. This works on any cellphone, even without data or a smartphone.
Old Age Grant Status Meanings
Here is what each SASSA status meaning indicates for your Old Age Grant application.
Approved: Your application was successful. You will receive monthly payments of R2,190 (ages 60-74) or R2,210 (ages 75+). Payments are made on the scheduled Old Age Grant payment dates.
Pending / In Progress: SASSA is still processing your application. This can take up to 30 days from the date you applied. If the means test or identity verification takes longer, it may be delayed further. Call 0800 60 10 11 if you have been waiting more than 30 days.
Declined / Rejected: Your application was not approved. The most common reasons are: failing the means test (income or assets too high), not meeting the age requirement, or missing documents. You will receive a letter with the reason. You can appeal the decision within 90 days.
Suspended: Your grant has been temporarily stopped. Reasons include not collecting payments for three months, SASSA needing to re-verify your details, or a change in your circumstances. Visit your SASSA office to resolve this.
Lapsed: Your grant has expired, usually because you did not collect payments for an extended period. You will need to visit a SASSA office to apply for reinstatement.
Old Age Grant Payment Dates 2026
The Old Age Grant is paid on a specific date each month. Old Age Grant beneficiaries are usually the first to be paid in the monthly SASSA payment cycle. This is because many elderly beneficiaries collect in person and SASSA wants to reduce their waiting time.
The current amounts are:
- Ages 60 to 74: R2,190 per month
- Ages 75 and older: R2,210 per month
For exact payment dates, visit our Old Age Grant payment date page. You can also view the full schedule on our SASSA payment dates page.
Common Old Age Grant Problems
Here are common issues with the Old Age Grant and what you can do about them.
Means test failure: The Old Age Grant has both income and asset thresholds. If SASSA determines that your income or assets are above the limit, your application will be declined. If you believe the assessment was incorrect, gather your financial documents and appeal or visit your SASSA office.
Missing or expired documents: SASSA requires a valid South African ID, proof of residence, and proof of income or an affidavit. If your ID has expired or your documents are incomplete, your application will be delayed. Visit the Department of Home Affairs to renew your ID if needed.
Bank account issues: If your banking details are incorrect or your account has been closed, your payment may fail. Visit a SASSA office to update your banking information. You can also choose to collect at a Post Office or retail partner instead.
Payments stopped without notice: If your payments suddenly stop, it could be due to SASSA running verification checks. This sometimes happens when beneficiary information is reviewed. Contact SASSA immediately at 0800 60 10 11 or visit your local office.
Old Age Grant Eligibility
To qualify for the SASSA Old Age Grant, you must meet the following requirements.
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be 60 years of age or older
- Pass the means test (your income and assets must be below the thresholds set by SASSA)
- Not be living in a government-funded institution (such as a state old age home)
- Not be receiving any other social grant for yourself (you may still receive a grant as a caregiver for a child)
- Reside in South Africa
Applications are done in person at a SASSA office. You cannot apply online. Bring your South African ID, proof of residence, bank statements or proof of income, and any other documents SASSA requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Old Age Grant and the State Pension?
They are the same thing. The SASSA Old Age Grant is commonly called the State Pension or Old Age Pension. The official name is the Older Persons Grant. It pays R2,190 per month for ages 60-74 and R2,210 per month for ages 75 and older.
Can I receive the Old Age Grant and work at the same time?
You can work, but your income will be considered in the means test. If your combined income (including any earnings) exceeds the threshold, your grant may be reduced or you may not qualify. It is best to check with SASSA about the current income limits.
How long does an Old Age Grant application take?
SASSA aims to process applications within 30 days. In some cases it may take longer due to verification requirements. Check your status regularly using the methods listed above.
My spouse receives the Old Age Grant. Can I also apply?
Yes. Both spouses can apply for the Old Age Grant. However, the means test considers your combined household income and assets, which may affect eligibility or the amount you receive.
What happens to the Old Age Grant when the beneficiary passes away?
The grant stops when the beneficiary dies. Family members should notify SASSA as soon as possible to avoid any overpayment, which SASSA may recover later. Contact the SASSA helpline or visit your local office to report the death.
For information on all SASSA grants and how to check each one, visit our SASSA status check by grant type hub or the main SASSA status check page.