The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) spends an estimated R10.16 billion every month on Older Persons Grants (OAGs), with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng accounting for the largest shares of expenditure.
The figures are based on the number of older persons receiving social grants in each province at the end of June 2026.
South Africa had 4 234 556 Older Persons Grant beneficiaries mid-year.
Using the standard monthly grant of R2 400, SASSA’s baseline monthly expenditure on older persons grants amounts to approximately R10.16 billion.
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How much SASSA spends on old-age grants per province
KwaZulu-Natal has the largest number of older persons grant beneficiaries, with 829 678 people receiving the grant.
This translates into estimated monthly expenditure of almost R2 billion in the province alone.
Gauteng follows with 811 681 beneficiaries, costing SASSA approximately R1.95 billion per month.
The Eastern Cape has 644 762 older persons grant beneficiaries, representing monthly expenditure of approximately R1.55 billion.
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Here is the provincial breakdown, ranked from highest to lowest:
Figures are estimates calculated using the standard R2 400 monthly grant. Actual expenditure will be slightly higher because beneficiaries aged 75 and older receive an additional R20 per month.
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng account for the biggest expenditure
The figures highlight the significant financial commitment required to support older South Africans across the country.
KwaZulu-Natal accounts for approximately 19.6% of all older persons grant beneficiaries, while Gauteng represents around 19.2%.
Together, the two provinces account for more than R3.93 billion in estimated monthly old-age grant payments.
The Northern Cape has the smallest number of beneficiaries, with 103 776 older persons receiving the grant. This represents estimated monthly expenditure of R249 million.
The Western Cape has 431 997 beneficiaries, costing approximately R1.04 billion per month.
How much does SASSA spend annually?
At the standard monthly grant rate of R2 400, the estimated national expenditure translates into approximately R121.96 billion annually.
This calculation assumes that the June 2026 beneficiary numbers remain unchanged for 12 months.
The Older Persons Grant provides financial support to qualifying South Africans aged 60 and older.
Recipients aged 60 to 74 receive R2 400 per month, while those aged 75 and older receive R2 420.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the South African Older Person’s Grant (Old Age Pension), you must meet these criteria:
Grant Payouts
Required Documents
Bring or upload certified copies of the following documents:
Note: If you are too old or sick to visit the office yourself, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a note from you.
How to Apply
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