Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
theme image

Old Age Pension allowance

Overview

Old age pension is for Botswana citizens only who are 65 years old and above. Eligible pensioners are required to register either with the Pension Officers at the District Commissioners Office, Service Provider or Headquarters (Social Protection Department).Currently, the pension allowance is BWP830.00 per month. Pensioners have a choice to access their allowance as cash from Service Providers in all pay points or monthly bank transfer to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Who is eligible?

Old age pension is for Botswana citizens only who are 65 years old and above.

Eligible pensioners are required to register either with the Pension Officers at the District Commissioners Office, Service Provider or Headquarters (Social Protection Department)

Currently, the pension allowance is BWP830.00 per month.

Pensioners have a choice to access their allowance as cash from Service Providers in all pay points or monthly bank transfer to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

How do I get this service?

Applicants are required to register with the department of Social Development at headquarters, district offices and Service Providers.

 Who can appoint a proxy?

  • A beneficiary who is unable to collect their old age pension due to ill health, Old Age  or Physical disability may appoint any person of his/her choice, preferably a relative to receive the allowance on their behalf.
  • A beneficiary may revoke a proxy or appoint another if still necessary.
  • Proxy must produce his/her Omang during payments.

Life Declaration 

A beneficiary who receives the allowance through bank credit or through proxy is required to make a life declaration once in every six months, failing which the payment is automatically suspended until he/she declares, in which case he/she would be entitled to arrears.

How do i access missed payments (arrears)?

A beneficiary who is unable to collect his/her allowance during payments will be paid arrears cumulatively for a period of six months which he/she has to apply for through the department or service provider.

Conditions applied

  • An old Age Pensioner who is serving a prison term or is on extra-mural sentence, payments are stopped up to the month he/she is released from prison or complete his/her sentence and he/she is not entitled to arrears for that period.
  • Arrears can only be claimed within a continuous period of twenty three months from date of application. Arrears beyond twenty three months is forfeited.
Synonyms

Old Age Pension allowance, Pension allowance, Old age

Ministry submitting this Service
Where can I get more information on this Service

More information can be obtained from all Local Authorities 

Or the Department of Social Development Pensions Office @ 3971916.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

Private Bag 006

Gaborone, Botswana TEL: 0800 600 718

Tel: (267) 365 8400

Fax: (267) 397 2382

Toll Free: 0800 600 718

E-mail: bathopelepr-1 [at] gov.bw (bathopele-pr1[at]gov[dot]bw) 

 

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays​

 

World War II (WW II) Veterans Allowance

Overview

The ex-service men and spouse(s) of a deceased veteran who were involved in World Wars I and II are entitled to an allowance in recognition of their contributions. The applicant must complete and submit a life declaration form every 6 months.

The allowance is BWP850.00

Please note that this form must be written and signed in the presence of the District Commissioner.

Who is eligible?
  • Botswana citizens with a valid national identification card (Omang) who participated in World War I or World War II.
  • Spouse(s) of a deceased veteran who participated in the wars and has not married another man who ever participated in the World Wars following the death of the veteran husband or wife.
  • A deceased veteran's child under 21 years of age whose mother is also deceased. 
How do I get this service?
  • Visit the local tribal administration office to request a declaration letter confirming the veteran's participation in the war. 
  • Take the declaration letter and supporting documents to the District Commissioner's office, requesting enrolment into the veterans pension programme. 
  • Download and complete the Registration of Beneficiary Form or visit the Department of Social Services to complete the form and submit with relevant supporting documents.
  • Indicate preference of payment either through the 12 month voucher book at the post office / Tribal administration office in his or her area or monthly bank transfer.
What supporting documents are required?
  • National Identification Card (Omang).
  • Declaration Letter from Tribal Authority.
  • Passport (Non-citizen).
  • Residence Permit (Non-citizen).
  • Marriage Certificate (Spouse).
  • Birth Certificate (Children).
  • Veteran's Death Certificate (Spouse & Children).
  • Spouse's Death Certificate (Children).
How long will this service take?

One (1) month.

Where can I obtain this service?

Local Authorities Offices.

How much does it cost?

No cost.

Synonyms

War veterans, veterans, world war II, veteran allowance

Ministry submitting this Service
Where can I get more information on this Service

Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development 
Department of Social Protection
Plot 54357,Varsha,CBD
Private Bag 0097
Gaborone
TEL: 397 1916
Fax. (+267) 397-1866

Opening hours are from 7:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.​​
 

Destitute Allowance

Overview

The government is committed to assuring the well-being of all Batswana, including the less privileged. It is intended for citizens who cannot support themselves financially, once they are assessed as temporarily or permanently destitute.

Destitute persons are those whose monthly income does not exceed BWP120.00 (without dependants) or BWP150.00 (with dependants).

Who is eligible?

Destitute Citizens.

How do I get this service?
  • Download and complete the Registration of Beneficiary Form​, and submit to the Social and Community Development Officer at the Department of Social Developmemt or Botswana Post Office closest to you.
  • This may be done in person by the actual person to be considered as destitute, on or behalf of that person by anyone familiar with the person's situation.
  • The Social and Community Development Officer would capture any additional necessary information at the time of the meeting, and subsequently conduct the necessary research and investigations into the financial situation of the person in question. 
  • Once this is completed and a decision is made, the person in question would be contacted and advised of the outcome.
What supporting documents are required?

Applicants must submit proof of Botswana nationality at the time of application by way of:

  • A certified copy of valid National Identification Card (Omang).
  • Passport.
  • Birth certificate (Dependants)
How long will this service take?

One (1) month.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Synonyms

Destitute allowance, allowance, destitute

Ministry submitting this Service
Where can I get more information on this Service
  • Contact any of the Botswana Post offices or the Department of Social Development office.
  • Opening hour: - 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
     

Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development 

Department of Social Protection
Plot 54357,Varsha,CBD
Private Bag 0097
Gaborone


Tel. (+267) 397-1916
Fax. (+267) 397-1866

Pula Card

Overview

The automated prepaid card ‘Pula Card’ is meant to cater for the unbanked Batswana especially beneficiaries of ISPAAD, LIMID, student allowances, travel allowances. This is targeting rural areas beneficiaries who do not have access to the traditional banking facilities.

The service has been outsourced from banking institutions. The Pula cards can be issued instantly, while other category of cards such as personalised embossed are ordered.

Why Pula card?

  • It is a new payment solution that aims to achieve financial inclusion.The goal is for the Government to grow the private sector.
  • Improve service delivery to the unbanked.
  • Providing the fastest growing payment solution for organisations worldwide.
  • A type of bank card that is pre-loaded with specific funds.
Who is eligible?

Unbanked Batswana beneficiaries of various Gorvenment programs 

How do I get this service?

Download and complete the Pula Card Application Form and submit.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Certified copy of valid  National Identity Card (Omang)
  • Proof of residence (Affidavit, confirmation letter from employer or any bill registered by the applicant’s name)
How long will this service take?

Five (5) working days

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Pula Card, unbanked, financial inclusion

Synonyms

Pula Card, unbanked, financial inclusion

Ministry submitting this Service
Where can I get more information on this Service

Office of the Accountant General  

Office 30, Ground floor Banking Hall

Gaborone

Telephone numbers: 3644176 / 3644151

Opening Hours: 7.30 to 12.45 and 13.45  to 16.30 Monday to Friday, except Public holidays

Subscribe to Allowances

News & Updates

Botswana has reaffirmed its strong commitment to democratic governance and global cooperation during the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Annual Regional Planning Conference dinner
Mar 10, 2026
Govt reaffirms commitment to democracy and global cooperation
The Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe
Mar 06, 2026
Vice President pledges support to Dichaba group operations
President Duma Boko and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia
Feb 25, 2026
BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA TAKE THE LEAD IN AFRICA’S INTEGRATION
Botswana, Zambia establish the Kazungula Bridge Authority
Feb 23, 2026
BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA SIGN LANDMARK DEAL TO FORMALISE KAZUNGULA BRIDGE AUTHORITY
VP Tours BVI as FMD threat looms
Feb 18, 2026
VP Tours BVI as FMD threat looms
Minister Mohwasa
Feb 12, 2026
Minister Mohwasa Vows Fiscal Discipline and Private-Sector Driven Growth
Mothusa Tautona, Rre Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe
Feb 07, 2026
TSIBOSO KA TLHAGOGO YA MALWETSI A LERUO E KA THUSA GO BABALELA ITSHOLELO
Botswana Strengthens Diplomatic ties, with Serbia, the UAE, Antigua and Barbuda
Feb 03, 2026
Botswana Strengthens Diplomatic ties, with Serbia, UAE, Antigua & Barbuda
Trade Unions as Strategic Partners in Constitutional Court Consultations
Jan 29, 2026
Trade Unions as Strategic Partners in Constitutional Court Consultations
Faith leaders hailed as key partners in building Constitutional court
Jan 29, 2026
Faith leaders hailed as key partners in building Constitutional court
President Boko engages Dikgosi on Health reforms
Jan 29, 2026
President Boko engages Dikgosi on Health reforms
VP calls for Economic Diversification
Jan 25, 2026
VP calls for Economic Diversification
VP Officially launches city Tourism Initiative
Jan 24, 2026
VP Officially launches city Tourism Initiative
Tourism should enjoy our country - Minister Mmolotsi
Jan 24, 2026
Tourism should enjoy our country - Minister Mmolotsi
Ensuring public accountability and discipline in the civil service
Jan 24, 2026
Ensuring public accountability and discipline in the civil service