New reports from Gauteng reveal that many South Africans receiving the SASSA Older Persons Grant of R2,400 per month are renting out rooms in their homes and continuing to work well past retirement age — simply to cover basic living costs.
A story published by The South African on 10 July 2026 highlighted one pensioner’s account: renting a room to a tenant to supplement the monthly grant. The article drew a flood of responses from readers across South Africa sharing similar coping strategies.
Key Facts
- Older Persons Grant (ages 60–74): R2,400 per month from April 2026
- Older Persons Grant (age 75+): R2,420 per month
- Average monthly food basket for one adult (2026): approximately R1,800–R2,200
- Electricity, water, transport and medication costs are additional
- Grant amount has increased by R80 since April 2026
What Does R2,400 Actually Cover?
The Older Persons Grant increased by R80 in April 2026 — the first increase in two years. But for millions of South African pensioners, R2,400 does not go far.
A rough breakdown of a pensioner’s monthly costs in 2026:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Food (basic basket) | R1,800 – R2,200 |
| Electricity (prepaid) | R300 – R500 |
| Water | R100 – R200 |
| Transport (clinic, shops) | R150 – R300 |
| Medication (co-payments) | R100 – R300 |
| Total estimated | R2,450 – R3,500 |
Even at the lowest estimate, costs routinely exceed the R2,400 grant. Pensioners without family support face a monthly shortfall.
How Pensioners Are Coping
Reports from Gauteng and other provinces show several common strategies:
Renting out a room — Pensioners who own their homes are taking in tenants, typically charging R1,000–R2,500 per month for a room. This effectively doubles their monthly income.
Continuing to work — Many pensioners in the 60–70 age bracket remain in informal employment, domestic work, gardening, or selling goods at markets. As one reader commented: “Work until I fall over and die.”
Sharing households — Multiple family members, including unemployed adult children, pool resources. The pensioner’s R2,400 becomes one of several income sources in a shared household.
Community stokvels — Rotating savings clubs (stokvels) provide lump-sum cash injections several times a year, smoothing out the monthly shortfall.
Who Qualifies for the Older Persons Grant?
The Older Persons Grant is means-tested. To qualify in 2026:
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Age 60 or older
- Monthly income below R9,600 (single person) or R19,200 (married couple)
- Assets below R1,549,200 (single) or R3,098,400 (married)
- Not living in a state-funded institution
→ Full Older Persons Grant eligibility guide
When Is the Older Persons Grant Paid in August 2026?
The August 2026 payment dates are:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday 4 August 2026
- Disability Grant: Wednesday 5 August 2026
- Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 August 2026
→ Full August 2026 payment dates
Will the Grant Increase Again?
The next scheduled grant review is at the October 2026 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). The proposed Livelihoods Support Grant — intended to replace the SRD R370 from April 2027 — may affect the broader social grant landscape, but no changes to the Older Persons Grant amount have been announced for the current financial year.
→ Livelihoods Support Grant explained
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SASSA Older Persons Grant in 2026?
R2,400 per month for those aged 60–74, and R2,420 per month for those aged 75 and older, effective from April 2026.
Can a pensioner receiving SASSA still work or earn rental income?
Yes. Pensioners may earn income from work or rental — but total income must stay below the means test threshold of R9,600 per month (single person). Rental income counts toward this threshold. If your income exceeds the limit, SASSA may reduce or cancel your grant.
What happens if a pensioner’s income increases above the means test?
SASSA conducts periodic reviews. If your income or assets now exceed the means test, you should report this to SASSA. Failure to report changes and continuing to receive a grant you no longer qualify for is considered fraud.
When does SASSA pay the Older Persons Grant each month?
SASSA pays the Older Persons Grant on the first payment day of each month — typically the first working day. In August 2026, that is Tuesday 4 August. In September 2026, the date will be confirmed by SASSA in August.
Sources
The South African — “SASSA pensioners renting out rooms just to survive” — 10 July 2026
The South African — “‘Work until I fall over and die’: SASSA pensioners speak out” — 10 July 2026
SASSA — sassa.gov.za — Older Persons Grant eligibility and amounts
