War Veterans Grant

The War Veterans Grant is a monthly payment from SASSA for qualifying South African veterans of the Second World War or the Korean War. This page explains general eligibility, how to apply, and how payments work, drawing on official SASSA guidance. This is general information only — always confirm your personal eligibility with SASSA.

This guide covers who generally qualifies for the War Veterans Grant, what documents to prepare, how the application and means test generally work, and what to do if an application is declined. Because this grant applies only to veterans of specific historical conflicts, it now serves a very small and steadily shrinking number of applicants, so we also explain how it relates to the Grant-in-Aid and other SASSA support.

Quick Facts

Paid monthly by SASSA to qualifying South African war veterans
For citizens or permanent residents who fought in the Second World War or the Korean War
Requires the applicant to be 60 years or older, or living with a disability
Subject to a means test on the applicant and spouse’s income and assets
Current amount: R2,420 per month (verify on official SASSA sources, as amounts can change)

Who May Qualify

According to SASSA’s published requirements, applicants must be a South African citizen or permanent resident, resident in South Africa, and must have fought in the Second World War or the Korean War. The applicant must also be 60 years of age or older, or living with a disability, and must not already be receiving another social grant for themselves.

The applicant and their spouse must meet SASSA’s means test on income and assets, and the applicant must not be maintained or cared for in a state institution. Exact income and asset thresholds are set by SASSA and are not listed here to avoid outdated figures — confirm the current means-test amounts with SASSA before applying.

Because the Second World War ended in 1945 and the Korean War ended in 1953, a qualifying veteran would need to be well over 90 years old today. In practice, this makes the War Veterans Grant one of SASSA’s smallest and rarest grants, with very few new applications. If you are caring for a war veteran who cannot visit a SASSA office, a family member or friend can generally apply on their behalf with a supporting letter.

Documents You Will Generally Need

Before visiting a SASSA office, it helps to gather the following where they apply to your situation:

Your 13-digit barcoded South African ID document.
Proof of your war service history (such as service records or a discharge certificate), where available.
Proof of your marital status, if applicable.
Proof of any income, assets or private pension you receive.
Your bank statements covering the previous three months.
Medical evidence of a disability, if you are applying on that basis rather than age.

If you do not have your original service records, ask SASSA what alternative proof it can accept, since requirements can vary depending on how the applicant’s war service was documented.

How to Apply for the War Veterans Grant

Gather your ID document and any proof of your war service history. If original service records are not available, ask your local SASSA office what alternative evidence it can accept.
Gather your supporting documents, including proof of income, assets and bank statements. Having these ready before your visit is the biggest single factor in avoiding a return trip.
Apply in person at your local SASSA office with your documents. A family member or friend can generally apply on the veteran’s behalf if they are too old or unwell to travel, with a supporting letter.
Keep the receipt SASSA gives you as proof of the application date. If the grant is later approved, payment is generally backdated to this date.
Wait for SASSA to verify the service history, documents and means-test information. This step can take time, particularly where service records need to be confirmed.

Payment Information

Once approved, the War Veterans Grant is currently paid at R2,420 a month, following SASSA’s published monthly payment schedule — the same payment day used for the Older Persons Grant. SASSA can pay the grant into a bank or Postbank account, in cash at a designated pay point, or through an approved institution.

If a war veteran also needs full-time care from another person because of a physical or mental disability, the Grant-in-Aid may be paid in addition to the War Veterans Grant.

View Payment Dates

What Happens If Your Application Is Declined

If SASSA declines your application, you should be told in writing why it was unsuccessful. If you believe the decision was incorrect, you can generally lodge an appeal with the Minister of Social Development through the national Department of Social Development office, typically within 90 days of receiving the outcome. This route is separate from the online appeal process used for declined SRD R370 applications.

Reviews and When the Grant Lapses

SASSA can review the grant from time to time, generally based on declared income and assets, and will usually notify you in advance of a review or life-certificate appointment. If you receive the grant through a bank account, an institution or a procurator, you are generally required to complete a life certificate at a SASSA office periodically.

The grant can be suspended if circumstances change, if you do not cooperate with a review, or if SASSA finds an error in how it was approved. It lapses completely if the veteran passes away, is admitted to a state institution, does not claim it for three consecutive months, or is absent from the country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming that age alone qualifies a veteran, without confirming service in the Second World War or the Korean War.
Leaving out bank statements or proof of a private pension, which can slow down the means-test assessment.
Not asking in advance which alternative proof of service SASSA can accept if original records are missing.
Overlooking the Grant-in-Aid when a veteran also needs full-time care from another person.

Tips for a Smoother Application

Contact your nearest SASSA office before your visit to confirm exactly which service documents it can accept, since original World War II or Korean War-era records are often incomplete or unavailable. If the veteran cannot travel, arrange for a family member to bring a supporting letter and, where possible, a doctor’s note explaining the veteran’s circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get this grant along with a military pension?

Whether a military pension affects your eligibility depends on SASSA’s means test on income and assets, which are set by SASSA and can vary by individual circumstances. Confirm your situation with SASSA directly.

What happens if my application is declined?

SASSA must tell you in writing why the application was unsuccessful. You can generally appeal to the Minister of Social Development through the Department of Social Development within about 90 days of the decision.

Can a family member apply on behalf of a war veteran?

Generally yes, if the veteran is too old or unwell to visit a SASSA office themselves. A family member or friend can usually apply with a supporting letter from the veteran and, where possible, a doctor’s note.

Is the War Veterans Grant still commonly awarded?

No. Because it only covers veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War, this grant now applies to a very small and steadily shrinking number of people. Most SASSA applicants who are older South Africans qualify instead for the Older Persons Grant.

Disclaimer: SA Grant Dates is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with SASSA or the South African government. Eligibility rules, amounts and processes are determined by SASSA and may change. Always verify current details on the official SASSA website.

Official Sources & Review Date

Last reviewed: 16 August 2026. This page is based on the official SASSA website and South African Government social-benefits guidance. Rules, amounts and procedures can change, so confirm important decisions through an official SASSA channel.