War Veterans Grant: Honoring Those Who Served

Supporting South Africa's Military Veterans

The War Veterans Grant is a special social grant that recognizes and supports persons who served in military forces or associated military organizations. This guide provides comprehensive information about eligibility, application procedures, and the benefits available to South Africa's veterans.

Current Grant Amount

As of April 2026, the War Veterans Grant pays R2,200 per month, the same amount as the Older Persons Grant for those aged 75 and above.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the War Veterans Grant, you must meet specific criteria related to military service:

Service Requirements

You must have served in one of the following:

• Any military force
• Military related operations
• Associated military activities

Eligible conflicts and operations include:

• World War I (1914-1918)
• World War II (1939-1945)
• Korean War
• Border War/Bush War
• Liberation struggle operations
• Other recognized military conflicts

Age or Disability Requirements

You must meet ONE of these criteria:

• Be 60 years or older, OR
• Be disabled due to military service or operations (any age)

Citizenship and Residency

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Must reside in South Africa

Financial Requirements (Means Test)

For single persons:

• Annual income must not exceed R95,400
• Assets must not exceed R1,372,800

For married persons:

• Combined annual income must not exceed R190,800
• Combined assets must not exceed R2,745,600

Other Requirements

• Must not be cared for in a state institution
• Must not be receiving any other social grant for yourself

Required Documentation

When applying for the War Veterans Grant, you'll need to provide:

Personal Documents:

• Your South African ID or passport
• Proof of marital status (if applicable)
• Proof of residence (utility bill or affidavit)
• Bank account details

Military Service Documents:

• Discharge certificate from the military
• Service records showing dates and nature of service
• Military identification or veteran ID card
• Medals or commendations (if available)
• Letters from commanding officers (if available)
• Any official documentation proving military service

If Applying Due to Disability:

• Medical reports linking disability to military service
• Hospital or clinic records
• Disability assessment documentation

Financial Documents:

• Proof of income (pension slips, bank statements)
• Proof of assets (property documents, investment statements)

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required documents listed above. If you don't have official military records, SASSA may accept:

• Affidavits from fellow veterans who served with you
• Letters from veteran associations
• Any other credible evidence of service

Step 2: Visit a SASSA Office

You must apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. Call 0800 60 10 11 to find the office in your area.

Step 3: Complete the Application

A SASSA official will help you complete the War Veterans Grant application form. Be prepared to provide detailed information about:

• Your military service (dates, units, operations)
• The nature of your service
• Any disabilities resulting from service

Step 4: Verification Process

SASSA will verify your military service through:

• Department of Defence records
• Department of Military Veterans
• Veterans associations
• Other official sources

Step 5: Wait for Decision

SASSA must make a decision within 3 months of your application. You'll receive written notification of the outcome.

Relationship with Other Grants

Can You Receive Multiple Grants?

Generally, you cannot receive more than one social grant for yourself. However:

• If you qualify for both War Veterans Grant and Older Persons Grant, you'll receive the War Veterans Grant (same amount)
• If disabled and under 60, you may choose between Disability Grant (R2,090) or wait until 60 for War Veterans Grant (R2,110)
• You CAN receive the War Veterans Grant AND a Grant-in-Aid if you require full-time care
• Your spouse can receive their own grant
• You can receive grants on behalf of children in your care

Grant-in-Aid for Veterans

If you receive the War Veterans Grant and require full-time care due to disability or frailty, you may qualify for an additional Grant-in-Aid of R530 per month.

To qualify for Grant-in-Aid:

• You must already be receiving the War Veterans Grant
• You require full-time attendance by another person
• You are not cared for in a state-funded institution

Support Beyond the Grant

War veterans in South Africa have access to additional support services:

Department of Military Veterans (DMV)

The DMV provides various services to veterans:

• Healthcare services and access to military hospitals
• Housing assistance programs
• Education and skills development opportunities
• Business and employment support
• Psychosocial support services
• Assistance with accessing benefits

Contact DMV:

• Phone: 012 355 6215/6217
• Website: www.dmv.gov.za

Veterans Associations

Several veteran organizations provide support and advocacy:

• South African Legion
• Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH)
• South African National Defence Force Veterans Association
• Liberation struggle veteran organizations

These associations offer:

• Comradeship and social support
• Assistance navigating bureaucracy
• Commemorative events and gatherings
• Advocacy for veterans' rights

Healthcare Services

Veterans have access to:

• Free healthcare at public clinics and hospitals (if over 60)
• Specialized military healthcare facilities
• Mental health services for PTSD and trauma
• Substance abuse treatment programs

If You Don't Have Military Records

Many veterans, especially those who served in irregular forces or liberation movements, may not have official discharge papers. If this applies to you:

Alternative Documentation:

• Obtain affidavits from fellow combatants who served with you
• Get letters from veteran associations or liberation movement structures
• Provide any photographs, news clippings, or other evidence of service
• Contact the Department of Military Veterans for assistance with verification

Registration Process:

If you haven't already, register with the Department of Military Veterans:

• Visit a DMV office with whatever proof you have
• Complete the veteran registration process
• Receive veteran identification
• Use this documentation for your SASSA application

Payment and Banking

Once approved, you can choose how to receive your War Veterans Grant:

Recommended: Bank Account

• Safest and most convenient option
• Money deposited directly on payment date
• No need to travel or queue
• Easy to track and manage

SASSA Card

• Secure card with PIN protection
• Withdraw at ATMs or retailers
• Good option if you don't have a bank account

Payment Dates

War Veterans Grant is typically paid on the first working day of each month, along with the Older Persons Grant.

Your Responsibilities as a Beneficiary

Once receiving the War Veterans Grant, you must:

• Report changes in income or assets immediately
• Inform SASSA if you move or change contact details
• Report if you start receiving other income or benefits
• Notify SASSA if you're admitted to a state institution
• Report if you leave South Africa for more than 3 months

Failure to report changes can result in overpayment, which must be repaid, and possible fraud charges.

If Your Application is Rejected

If your War Veterans Grant application is rejected, you have the right to appeal:

Appeal Process:

1. Request an appeal form within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice
2. Complete the form stating why you disagree with the decision
3. Gather additional evidence of military service if possible
4. Submit the appeal to SASSA
5. If unsuccessful, escalate to the Minister's Appeals Tribunal

Get Help: Contact the Department of Military Veterans or a veterans association for assistance with appeals.