Are you a South African pensioner relying on the SASSA Old Age Grant? Two major developments are on the horizon: grant amounts for 2025/2026 and the implementation of a new biometric system. Let's break down what you need to know.
SASSA Old Age Grant: What is it?
The SASSA Old Age Grant provides vital financial assistance to South African citizens and permanent residents aged 60 and over. It aims to support a reasonable standard of living for those with limited income or savings after retirement.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you must be:
- 60 years or older
- A South African citizen or permanent resident
- Meet the requirements of SASSA's income and asset test.
This test assesses your financial situation to determine if you qualify for the full grant amount, a reduced amount, or no grant at all.
SASSA Old Age Grant Amounts 2025/2026
The exact grant amounts for 2025 are confirmed, while the 2026 amounts are estimates based on projections and subject to government approval. Keep an eye on official SASSA communications for final figures later in the year.
Important: We are unable to provide exact figures without the official data. Please refer to SASSA's website for confirmed amounts.
SASSA Implements Biometric System
Starting September 1, 2025, SASSA is rolling out a new biometric system across all provinces. This system will require fingerprint enrolment or facial recognition for all new grant applications.
Why Biometrics?
SASSA believes this system will be crucial in combating fraud and ensuring that grants are distributed to legitimate recipients. By capturing biometric data, SASSA can verify the identity of applicants and reduce errors in the system.
This is a significant step towards a more secure and efficient grant distribution process, helping to protect the funds intended for vulnerable South African pensioners.