SASSA War Veterans Grant - Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply
The War Veterans Grant is a monthly social grant of R2420 provided by SASSA to South African citizens and permanent residents who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Zulu uprising and are unable to support themselves. This is one of the oldest social grants in South Africa, honouring the service and sacrifice of those who served in these conflicts. The grant increased by R85 in April 2026, up from R2335.
Quick Facts - War Veterans Grant
Monthly Amount
R2420
Who Qualifies
Veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean War, or Zulu uprising
How to Apply
In person at any SASSA office
Next Payment Date
Thursday, 2 April 2026
Age Requirement
60 years or older
2026 Increase
+R85/month
Eligible Military Conflicts
The War Veterans Grant specifically covers service in the following conflicts. Veterans of other conflicts or military operations may not qualify for this particular grant, though they may be eligible for other SASSA grants.
World War I
1914 - 1918
World War II
1939 - 1945
Korean War
1950 - 1953
Zulu Uprising
1906
Note: Given the dates of these conflicts, the number of living veterans who qualify for this grant is very small and continues to decline each year.
Who Qualifies for the War Veterans Grant?
| Age Requirement | 60 years or older |
| Military Service | Must have served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, or the Zulu uprising |
| Citizenship | South African citizen or permanent resident |
| Max Income (Single) | R96 840 per year (R8 070/month) |
| Max Income (Married) | R193 680 per year (R16 140/month) |
Full Requirements
- Must have served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Zulu uprising
- Must be unable to support themselves
- Must pass the means test
How to Apply for the War Veterans Grant
Applications must be made in person at a SASSA office. Given the age of eligible veterans, a family member or authorised representative can apply on behalf of the veteran with a letter of authorisation and the veteran's original documents.
Gather Documents
Collect the veteran's South African ID, proof of military service (discharge certificate, service record), proof of residence, bank statements, and any income documentation.
Visit a SASSA Office
The veteran or an authorised representative should visit the nearest SASSA office. If the veteran is unable to travel, a family member can apply on their behalf with proper authorisation.
Complete the Application
A SASSA official will help complete the form, verify documents, and conduct the means test assessment.
Receive Outcome
SASSA will process the application and notify you of the outcome. If approved, payments begin in the next payment cycle.
Means Test for the War Veterans Grant
Like the Older Persons Grant and Disability Grant, the War Veterans Grant is subject to a means test. SASSA assesses both your income and assets to determine whether you qualify and at what amount. Your primary residence is excluded from the asset calculation.
| Criteria | Single | Married |
|---|---|---|
| Max Annual Income | R96 840 | R193 680 |
| Max Monthly Income | R8 070 | R16 140 |
Income includes all sources such as private pensions, annuities, rental income, interest from investments, and any other regular income. If your income is between certain thresholds, SASSA may award a reduced grant rather than the full amount using a sliding scale calculation.
War Veterans Grant vs Older Persons Grant
Both the War Veterans Grant and the Older Persons Grant provide monthly financial support to elderly South Africans. However, there are important differences between the two. You cannot receive both grants at the same time - if you qualify for the War Veterans Grant, it replaces the Older Persons Grant.
| Feature | War Veterans Grant | Older Persons Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | R2,420/month | R2,400 (60–74) / R2,420 (75+) |
| Age Requirement | 60+ | 60+ |
| Military Service | Required (specific conflicts) | Not required |
| Grant-in-Aid Eligible | Yes (+R580/month) | Yes (+R580/month) |
The War Veterans Grant amount of R2,420 is the same as the enhanced Older Persons Grant rate for those over 75. If you are a war veteran and also qualify for the Older Persons Grant, SASSA will automatically place you on the War Veterans Grant as it provides the higher or equal benefit regardless of age.
Required Documents
- South African ID document (original and copy)
- Proof of military service (discharge certificate, service record, or SANDF verification)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or affidavit)
- Bank statements for the past 3 months
- Proof of any income (pension, investments, etc.)
- Marriage certificate and spouse's details (if married)
- Letter of authorisation (if someone applies on the veteran's behalf)
War Veterans Grant Payment Dates 2026
War Veterans Grant payments are made at the very beginning of each month, on the same day as Older Persons and Disability grants. These are always the first grants to be paid in each cycle.
Next War Veterans Grant Payment
Thursday, 2 April 2026
For the full payment schedule, visit our payment dates page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the War Veterans Grant?
How is the War Veterans Grant different from the Older Persons Grant?
Can family members of deceased war veterans receive the grant?
What proof of military service is needed?
Related Grants
War veterans may also qualify for these additional grants: