This is a monthly social grant for older or disabled people who served in the Second World War or the Korean War. From April 2026 it pays R2 420 per month. To qualify, you must live in the country, pass a financial check and be 60 or older, or have a disability that stops you from working.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much it pays, what documents you need and how to apply step by step.
What Is the War Veterans Grant?
The war veterans grant is paid by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It supports people who fought in two specific wars and who now have little income in old age.
It is different from the pension paid to modern veterans. That pension is linked to the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011 and is managed by the Department of Military Veterans, which falls under the Department of Defence and Military Veterans. To apply for a military veterans pension, a person must be listed on the National Military Veterans Database. Some government pensions are also paid through the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).
In simple terms, the war veteran’s grant is a SASSA grant for old soldiers from past wars, while the other benefits are for people who served in more recent forces.
How Much Does the Grant Pay?
The grant pays R2 420 per month from April 2026. This is R20 more than the older persons grant, which pays R2 400.
The money is paid every month on the same payment date as other adult grants. The agency publishes the dates each year, and payment usually starts in the first week of the month.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, you must meet all of these rules:
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You must live in South Africa.
- You must be 60 or older, or have a disability that stops you from working.
- You must have served in the Second World War or the Korean War.
- You must pass the means test.
- You must not receive another social grant for yourself.
- You must not be cared for in a state institution.
If you are admitted to an institution where the state takes care of you, such as a state hospital or care home, your grant may be reduced or stopped. This rule exists because, in that case, it is the duty of the state to care for you.
The Means Test
Like most grants, this one checks your finances. SASSA looks at your earnings and property to decide if you qualify.
For 2026, the limits are the same as for the old age pension:
| Item | Single | Married |
| Income limit (per annum) | R112 200 | R224 400 |
| Asset limit | R1 584 000 | R3 168 000 |
If you are married, your spouse’s income and assets are added to yours. The home you live in is not counted as an asset.
Income includes things like a private pension, rent from property and money from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Other grants paid to your children are not counted.
Documents You Need
Take these documents to the office:
- Your green ID book or smart ID card.
- Your discharge certificate or other proof of military service.
- Proof of income and property, such as bank statements or a pension letter.
- Proof of marital status, such as a marriage certificate or divorce order.
- A medical assessment or report, if you are applying because of a disability.
- Your bank details, if you want the money paid into an account.
If you do not have an ID, you can complete an affidavit at the office. This must be done in front of a commissioner of oaths. You must also bring a sworn statement from a reputable person who knows you, such as a ward councillor, a social worker, a minister of religion or school principal.
How to Apply Step by Step
To apply for the SASSA war veterans benefit, follow these steps.
Step 1: Go to an Office
Visit a SASSA office near your home. Most people go to the nearest SASSA office in their area. Some services are also listed on the SASSA services portal, but most applications for this grant are still done in person.
Step 2: Fill In the Form
A SASSA officer will help you complete the application form. The form must be filled in while you are with the official, so do not sign a blank form or one filled in by someone else.
Step 3: Have Your Fingerprints Taken
Your fingerprints and photo will be captured for identity checks.
Step 4: Get Your Receipt
When you finish, the officer will give you an acknowledgement of receipt. Keep this proof of application safe. It has your reference details and the date you applied.
Step 5: Wait for the Decision
A decision usually comes within three months. If you are approved, payments will be backdated to the date you applied.
If you will turn 60 soon, ask whether you can apply three months in advance, as this is allowed for some age-based grants.
When Someone Else Applies for You
If you are too old or sick to visit an office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. They must bring:
- A letter from you that explains why you cannot come in person.
- A doctor’s note, if your health is the reason.
- Your ID and their own ID.
A SASSA official may visit your home to confirm your details. A relative can lodge the grant on your behalf, but the money must still be paid to you.
Collecting Your Money
Once approved, you can choose how to receive payments:
- Into your own bank account.
- Onto a Postbank Black Card.
- At selected pay points, if available in your area.
If you cannot fetch the payment yourself, you can appoint a procurator. This is a person you trust who can collect the grant for you. You can also give someone power of attorney to collect the money on your behalf. A SASSA official will help you fill in the right form, and that person must show their own ID when collecting.
What If Your Application Is Declined?
If SASSA declines your application, you will receive a letter with the reason. You can first ask SASSA to reconsider its decision.
If you still disagree, you must appeal within 90 days of the decision. In the past, people had to appeal to the Minister of Social Development. Today, appeals go to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals, which acts for the minister. You have 90 days from the date of the decision letter to lodge it.
Take a copy of all your documents and your receipt when you appeal.
When the Grant May Stop
Your grant may be stopped or reviewed if:
- Your income or assets rise above the limit.
- You are admitted to a state-funded institution.
- You do not collect your money for three months in a row.
- You leave the country for a long time.
- SASSA finds false information on your file.
If this happens, contact the office of the department or your local SASSA office straight away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a military veteran from recent conflicts get this grant?
No. This grant is only for people who served in those two wars. A military veteran from more recent service should contact the military veterans office instead.
Can I apply for the war veterans grant and an old age pension together?
No. You can only receive one adult social grant at a time.
Can someone collect the grant for me?
Yes. You can name a trusted person to collect it for you.
What happens if I lose my receipt?
Visit the office where you applied. Staff can look up your file with your ID.
Is the war veterans grant taxed?
No. Social grants are not taxed.
Final Tips
- Apply as soon as you qualify, since payments start from the date of application.
- Keep your discharge papers and receipt in a safe place.
- Tell SASSA about any change in your income or address.
The War Veterans Grant is a small but important way that South Africa thanks those who served. If you or a family member qualifies, visit your nearest office and start the process today.