The elderly citizens of South Africa will not suffer financially due to government discontinuation of aid in January 2026, and one of the many grants which rely on this economic aid to live is the monthly Old Age Grant of R2,315. The elderly will face fewer problems as they will be able to cover their basic needs including food, light, and water, transport and medical expenses, etc. That is why we are providing information regarding the payment days in January 2026, eligibility criteria and the trouble-free methods of grant delivery.
What Is the SASSA Old Age Grant?
The SASSA Old Age Grant (the Older Persons Grant) is a social grant that is disbursed monthly by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to the elderly of South Africa. It may seem that aged people are lesser in number hence there is no argument on their survival, but still, they have to live in poverty without any support like a backup. According to the grant allocation schedule, the amount of the grant for the month of January 2026 is R2,315 monthly for the age group of 60-74 years and a little bit less for the group of over 75 years.
Payment Dates for January 2026
The payment dates for January 2026 social grants are set by SASSA and thus the elderly can manage their budgets immediately after the holidays:
- Old Age Grant (60–74 years): Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Old Age Grant (75+ years): Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- This schedule is in line with the SASSA payment calendar that automatically allocates the grants for the elderly at the beginning of the month followed by the grants for the disabled and children.
- On the contrary, the beneficiaries need to be aware that the funds may take as long as 3 working days to reflect in their accounts depending on.
Who Is Eligible for the Old Age Grant?
With regard to the R2,315 Old Age Grant, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has set certain criteria that the applicants must fulfill in order to receive the money.
1. Age Requirement : If you are 60 years or older, then you can apply for the grant.
2. Citizenship/Residency: You must be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a recognized refugee. If not, you will be disqualified.
3. Means Test (Income and Assets): SASSA will conduct a means test to determine the applicants who truly need the grant to survive versus the ones who likely do not need it: Your total monthly income should not exceed a certain limit (this limit is usually around R8,070 monthly for one person). Moreover, your assets will be evaluated, and you cannot own more than a certain amount in terms of value. If your income or assets are above these limits you will not qualify for the grant.
4. Residency: You must be living in South Africa when you apply and must not be permanently residing in a state-run institution. If your application meets these requirements and you have submitted all the necessary documents, SASSA will process your application and if it is approved, your grant payment will start on the specified dates.
How Payments Are Made
Upon approval of the Old Age Grant, there are different payment methods to choose from:
- Direct deposit into your selected bank account
- Withdrawal from an ATM or an authorized retail store using the SASSA/Postbank card
- Receiving cash at retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Checkers
- Beneficiaries are encouraged to keep their banking and contact information updated with SASSA at all times to prevent any interruptions.
also read : SASSA 2026 Grant Payments: January–February Schedule And Key Preparations Explained