Get to know how War Veterans Grant works in South Africa and find out if you qualify for the social benefit!

War Veterans Grant is a vital social assistance program designed to provide financial support to former soldiers. In South Africa, this grant is part of a broader social security system aimed at ensuring that veterans who have contributed to the country’s history are not left without adequate support in their later years.

So, if have served in wars that have had a significant impact on global and national history, find out whether or not you qualify to get this grant. Also, if you want to check out more financial tips on our website, you can click on this link!

What Is a War Veterans Grant?

It is a social grant administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It is specifically targeted at individuals who served during the Second World War (1939-1945) or the Korean War (1950-1953). The grant is aimed at providing these individuals with financial aid, recognizing their service and sacrifice, and helping them have a stable income during retirement.

How Does War Veterans Grant Work in South Africa?

Veterans who meet the criteria are entitled to receive this grant, which helps them cover essential living expenses. The application process involves verifying the eligibility of the applicant, including their service record and current financial status.

Once approved, beneficiaries receive the grant on a monthly basis. Payments are typically made through direct bank transfers, electronic vouchers, at SASSA pay points, or at an institution acting as administrator of the grant. If you are unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office, or give someone power of attorney to collect the it on your behalf. The flexibility in payment options allows that the social benefit reaches even those in rural or remote areas where banking infrastructure might be limited.

How Much Do You Get From It?

The value of the War Veterans Grant is periodically adjusted to account for economic changes and inflation, so it remains a viable form of financial support. It provides a monthly payment of R2,200. However, on October 2024, the grant will increase by R10, meaning the new amount will be R2,210 per month.

Who Qualifies for War Veterans Grant In South Africa?

The eligibility is based on a combination of age, income, and residency status. The following criteria must be met:

1. The applicant must be 60 years or older, or disabled to qualify;
2. The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, living in South Africa;
3. The grant is means-tested, meaning that the applicant’s income and assets must fall below certain thresholds. For instance, a single applicant must not earn more than R86,280 per year, and their assets should not exceed R1,227,600. For married applicants, the combined income should not exceed R172,560 per year, and their combined assets should be below R2,455,200. These thresholds are also periodically reviewed and updated;
4. The applicant must have fought in the Second World War or the Korean War;
5. The applicant cannot receive any other social grant or be cared for in a state institution, in order to apply.

How to Apply

First, the applicant needs to visit their nearest SASSA office. Applicants will fill out an application form and submit the necessary documents to SASSA staff. You’ll need to take the following required documents with you:

• Your 13 digit-bar-coded identity document (ID);
• Proof of your war service (e.g. certificate of service);
• If you are under 60, a medical assessment or report stating that you cannot work;
• Proof of your marital status. Or if:
  • you are single, an affidavit stating that you are single;
  • you are married, your marriage certificate and your spouse’s identity document;
  • you are divorced, your divorce order;
  • your spouse is dead, your spouse’s death certificate;
  • If you or your spouse is employed, your pay slips;
  • If you are unemployed, your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) blue book or discharge certificate from your previous employer;
  • If you have a bank account, your bank statements for the last three months;
  • If you have investments, information on the interest and dividends you earn.

Keep in mind that, if you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person will need to take a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note saying why you cannot visit the office.

FIND THE NEAREST SASSA OFFICE

If you don’t have an ID, you must complete an affidavit in a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official. For it, you’ll need a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age. You’ll also need proof that you have applied. Then, if applicable, a temporary ID is issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

After you complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA official, you will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied. It may take up to three months to process your application. If your grant is approved, you will be paid from the date on which you applied.

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