The SASSA War Veterans Grant is for a former soldier who fought in the Second World War or the Korean War and now needs income support. This page explains who qualifies, how the means test works, what documents matter most, how the application works, what the current grant amount is, and what can cause the grant to be reviewed, reduced, suspended, or stopped.
Because this is a specialised grant, the historical service requirement matters just as much as the means test. In addition, the age-or-disability rule still applies.
This page is an independent informational utility. It is not affiliated with SASSA, GPAA, the Department of Military Veterans, or the South African government. Always confirm final requirements and submit official actions on verified portals.
What the War Veterans Grant Is
The War Veterans Grant is a SASSA social grant for a former soldier who fought in the Second World War (1939–1945) or the Korean War (1950–1953) and is unable to support themselves.
For 2026, the grant amount is R2,420 per month. However, the grant is still means tested, so income and assets matter even where a person has qualifying war service.
Key point:
This is not a general military-service benefit for every former service member. Instead, it is a specific SASSA social grant with a narrow historical qualifying route.
Who Qualifies for the War Veterans Grant
The official rules combine identity, residence, age or disability, war-service history, and the means test.
- You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- You must live in South Africa.
- You must be 60 years or older or be disabled.
- You must have fought in the Second World War or the Korean War.
- You must not receive any other social grant for yourself.
- You must not be cared for in a state institution.
- You must meet the official income and asset limits.
War Veterans Grant Means Test Checker
The current official means test says annual income must not be more than R86,280 if single or R172,560 if married. Asset value must not be more than R1,227,600 if single or R2,455,200 if married.
Enter your annual income and your total assets. Do not count the home you or your spouse live in.
War Veterans Grant vs Military Veterans Pension
Many readers mix these up, but they are not the same thing.
| Benefit | Main route | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| War Veterans Grant | SASSA social grant | A means-tested social grant for a former soldier who fought in the Second World War or Korean War and meets the official rules. |
| Military Veterans Pension | GPAA / Department of Military Veterans route | A separate military veterans pension benefit administered by GPAA under the Military Veterans Act framework. |
Therefore, if your issue is about GPAA pension forms or DMV military veterans benefits, you are dealing with a different route from this SASSA grant page.
Required Documents
This grant depends heavily on proof of war service and proof for the means test. If either side is incomplete, the case can slow down quickly.
Identity and relationship documents
- Your 13-digit bar-coded ID or accepted identity document
- Proof of marital status
- Your spouse’s identity document where applicable
War-service and medical documents
- Proof of your war service, such as a certificate of service
- If you are under 60, a medical assessment or report stating that you cannot work
- Any extra supporting documents requested for assessment
Means-test documents
- Pay slips if you or your spouse is employed
- UIF blue book or discharge certificate if unemployed
- Bank statements for the last three months
- Investment information showing interest or dividends
No ID yet?
The official service page also allows an affidavit-based path with supporting statements and proof that you have applied for an ID through Home Affairs.
How to Apply
Application forms are not available online. Instead, you get them from your nearest SASSA office, and the application is completed in the presence of a SASSA official.
- Go to the SASSA office nearest to where you live.
- Take your ID, war-service proof, means-test documents, and any medical documents that apply.
- Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA official.
- Keep the receipt as proof that you applied.
- If you want cash payments, follow the officer’s instructions about the return date and supporting requirements.
If you are too old or too sick to travel, the official page says a family member or friend can apply on your behalf with a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the office.
Payments and Reviews
The War Veterans Grant pays R2,420 per month. The official payment options are cash at a pay point, electronic deposit into a bank or Postbank account, or payment through an institution acting as administrator in the right case.
Review rule:
SASSA can review the grant based on the income you declared when applying. You should be notified three months in advance, and a life certificate may be required every year if payment comes through the bank, an institution, or a procurator.
What Usually Blocks Approval
These are the most common reasons a War Veterans Grant case is delayed, refused, or sent back for more evidence.
- not being able to prove qualifying war service
- already receiving another social grant for yourself
- being above the income or asset limits
- not having medical proof if applying under 60 on disability grounds
- living in a state institution or care arrangement that blocks the grant
Suspension, Reduction, and Lapse
Suspension risks
- your circumstances change
- the outcome of a review
- failure to co-operate during review
- fraud or misrepresentation
- a mistake in the original approval
Lapse risks
- death
- admission to a state institution
- the grant is not claimed for three consecutive months
- absence from the country
Reduction rule:
If you are admitted to an institution that has a contract with the state to care for you, the social grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount from the fourth month of admission. The full amount is restored from the date you are discharged.
If the Application Is Unsuccessful
If the application is not approved, SASSA must inform you in writing why it was unsuccessful. If you disagree with the decision, the official route allows an appeal within 90 days of being notified.
It may take up to three months to process the application, and if approved, payment runs from the day on which you applied.
Next step: Use the SASSA appeals guide if you need the appeal process explained clearly.
Official References
FAQs
Who can qualify for the War Veterans Grant?
A South African citizen or permanent resident who lives in South Africa, fought in the Second World War or Korean War, is 60 or older or disabled, is not receiving another social grant for themselves, and meets the means test can qualify.
How much is the War Veterans Grant in 2026?
The grant is R2,420 per month.
What are the official means test limits?
Annual income must not exceed R86,280 if single or R172,560 if married. Assets must not exceed R1,227,600 if single or R2,455,200 if married.
Does the home I live in count as an asset?
No. The official service page says the house you or your spouse live in is not counted for this means test.
Can I qualify if I already receive another social grant for myself?
No. The official rule says you must not receive any other social grant for yourself.
Is the application form available online?
No. The application form is not available online and must be obtained from a SASSA office.
What happens if I am admitted to a state-contracted institution?
The grant can be reduced to 25% of the maximum amount from the fourth month of admission and restored from the date of discharge.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. The service is free.