SASSA War Veterans Grant 2026
A monthly payment of R2,420 for former soldiers who served in World War II or the Korean War and are unable to support themselves financially. Here is the complete 2026 eligibility, documents, and application guide.
War Veterans Grant — Quick Facts 2026
What Is the SASSA War Veterans Grant?
The SASSA War Veterans Grant is a monthly payment to former South African soldiers who served in recognised wars and are now unable to support themselves financially. The grant honours the service and sacrifice of veterans while ensuring they can meet their basic needs for food, housing, healthcare, and transport in their later years.
The current grant amount is R2,420 per month, confirmed until 31 March 2027. This is slightly higher than the Older Person’s Grant (R2,400) in recognition of the additional needs and sacrifices of war veterans. The grant is non-taxable and paid monthly.
If a War Veterans Grant recipient also needs full-time care at home, they can additionally apply for the Grant-in-Aid (R580 per month), bringing the combined total to R3,000 per month.
Which Wars Qualify for the Grant?
The War Veterans Grant is specifically for veterans who served in the following two recognised conflicts:
World War II
Former soldiers who served in the Second World War under the South African military or allied forces qualify for this grant, provided they meet the age and means test requirements.
Korean War
Former soldiers who served in the Korean War as part of the South African contingent qualify for this grant, provided they meet the age and means test requirements.
Who Qualifies for the War Veterans Grant?
You Must Meet ALL of These Requirements:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee residing in South Africa
- Have served in World War II (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953)
- Be 60 years of age or older — OR be medically certified as permanently disabled regardless of age
- Be unable to adequately support yourself financially
- Pass the means test — single income below R95,400 per year (R7,950 per month)
- If married — combined household income must not exceed R190,800 per year (R15,900 per month)
- Assets must not exceed R1,401,600 if single or R2,803,200 if married — your primary residence is excluded from asset calculations
- Not be permanently cared for in a state-funded institution
- Be able to provide proof of military service — discharge certificate, military records, or service letter
You Do NOT Qualify If:
- You served in wars other than World War II or the Korean War
- You are under 60 and not disabled
- Your income or assets exceed the means test thresholds
- You are permanently cared for in a state-funded institution
- You cannot provide any proof of qualifying military service
Means Test — Income and Asset Limits 2026
| Category | Annual Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single veteran — income | R95,400 per year | R7,950 per month |
| Married couple — combined income | R190,800 per year | R15,900 per month |
| Single veteran — assets | R1,401,600 | — |
| Married couple — combined assets | R2,803,200 | — |
Primary residence is excluded from asset calculations. All other assets including second properties, vehicles, and investments are included. Married applicants have half of the joint income and assets taken into consideration.
Documents Required to Apply
Bring all original documents to your SASSA appointment. The proof of military service is the most critical document — without it your application cannot be processed.
How to Apply for the War Veterans Grant — Step by Step
Applications must be made in person at a SASSA office. The application is completely free — never pay anyone to assist you.
- Gather proof of military service This is the most important document. Locate your discharge certificate, military service record, or any official documentation confirming you served in World War II or the Korean War. If you cannot find these documents, contact the SANDF or Department of Military Veterans to obtain replacement records before applying.
- Collect all required documents Gather your ID, proof of residence, bank statements, proof of income, proof of marital status, and your military service documentation. If applying on the basis of disability, include a medical report. All documents must be originals.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office Go to your nearest SASSA office Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 16:00. Ask for the War Veterans Grant application form. If you are unable to travel due to age or disability, call 0800 60 10 11 to request assistance or a home visit.
- Complete the application form with a SASSA officer The SASSA officer will help you complete the application form, verify your military service documentation, assess your means test information, and capture your fingerprints for biometric verification.
- Keep your stamped receipt You will receive a stamped receipt with a reference number and application date. Keep this safe — it is your proof of application and is needed for any follow-up queries.
- Consider applying for the Grant-in-Aid at the same time If you need full-time care at home, apply for the Grant-in-Aid (R580 per month) at the same time as your War Veterans Grant application. This saves you a second trip and means both are processed together.
- Await the outcome Processing takes up to 3 months. Once approved, payments are backdated to your application date. Check your status by calling 0800 60 10 11 or visiting your nearest SASSA office.
When Is the War Veterans Grant Paid?
The War Veterans Grant is paid together with the Older Person’s Grant on the first day of the three-day permanent grant payment cycle each month.
| Month | War Veterans Grant Payment Date |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | Monday 5 May 2026 |
| June 2026 | Monday 1 June 2026 |
| July 2026 | Wednesday 1 July 2026 |
| August 2026 | Monday 3 August 2026 |
| September 2026 | Tuesday 1 September 2026 |
| October 2026 | Thursday 1 October 2026 |
| November 2026 | Monday 2 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | Tuesday 1 December 2026 |
If a payment date falls on a public holiday, SASSA pays on the next available business day. Grant-in-Aid recipients receive the combined R3,000 payment on the same date.
Common Reasons for War Veterans Grant Rejection
| Rejection Reason | What It Means | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| No proof of qualifying service | SASSA could not verify service in World War II or the Korean War | Contact the SANDF or Department of Military Veterans to obtain replacement service records, then reapply |
| Income above threshold | Income or combined household income exceeds R95,400 per year (single) or R190,800 per year (married) | Provide 3 months bank statements. If income was temporary, submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances |
| Assets above threshold | Assets excluding primary residence exceed R1,401,600 (single) or R2,803,200 (married) | Provide full asset valuations. Confirm primary residence is excluded from calculations |
| Service in non-qualifying war | The veteran served in a conflict other than World War II or the Korean War | Apply for the Older Person’s Grant if aged 60 or older, or the Disability Grant if permanently disabled |
| Identity verification failure | Details do not match Home Affairs records | Correct details at the Department of Home Affairs, then reapply |
| In state-funded institution | Permanently cared for in a state-funded care facility | The grant cannot be paid while in full-time state institutional care |
🔴 How to Appeal a Declined War Veterans Grant
If your War Veterans Grant application was declined and you believe the decision was incorrect, you have the right to appeal for free within 90 days of the decision.
- Request written reasons for the decline — Ask SASSA to confirm the exact reason for rejection in writing. You are legally entitled to this information.
- Gather supporting evidence — Obtain additional military service records, income documentation, or asset valuations that address the reason for rejection.
- Submit your appeal within 90 days — Visit your nearest SASSA office or submit to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Appeals after 90 days will not be considered.
- Await the tribunal decision — If successful, the grant is backdated to your original application date.
For full appeal guidance read: How to Appeal a Declined SASSA Grant 2026 →
Frequently Asked Questions — War Veterans Grant 2026
How much is the SASSA War Veterans Grant in 2026?
The War Veterans Grant is R2,420 per month in 2026, confirmed until 31 March 2027. This is slightly higher than the Older Person’s Grant (R2,400) in recognition of veterans’ service. If you also qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, you can receive a combined total of R3,000 per month.
Which wars qualify for the War Veterans Grant?
Only veterans who served in World War II (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953) qualify for the War Veterans Grant. Veterans of the South African Border War, Angolan Bush War, or other conflicts do not qualify for this specific grant but may qualify for the Older Person’s Grant or Disability Grant depending on their circumstances.
What if I lost my military discharge papers?
If you have lost your military service documentation, contact the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on 012 355 6000 or visit www.mil.za to request replacement records. The Department of Military Veterans can also assist with obtaining proof of service. Do not attempt to apply without proof of service as your application will be declined.
Can I receive both the War Veterans Grant and the Older Person’s Grant?
No. You cannot receive both grants simultaneously. The War Veterans Grant pays R2,420 per month which is R20 more than the Older Person’s Grant, so it is beneficial to apply for the War Veterans Grant if you qualify. You can however receive the War Veterans Grant together with the Grant-in-Aid if you need full-time care.
Does my home count as an asset for the means test?
No. Your primary residence — the home where you and your spouse live — is excluded from the asset calculation for the means test. Only second properties, vehicles, investments, and other assets are counted. This means many veterans who own their home may still qualify if their other assets are below the threshold.
Can a veteran’s family member apply on their behalf?
Yes. If a veteran is too frail or ill to visit a SASSA office, a family member or trusted person can apply on their behalf with a signed letter of authorisation from the veteran. The representative must bring the veteran’s original documents along with their own ID. SASSA may also arrange a home visit — call 0800 60 10 11 to request this.
What happens to the grant when the veteran passes away?
The War Veterans Grant stops automatically upon the death of the beneficiary. The grant is not transferable to a spouse or family member. However, the surviving spouse may qualify for the Older Person’s Grant in their own right if they are 60 or older and meet the means test requirements.
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