SASSA Older Persons Grant Application Process

Applying for the SASSA Old Age Grant in South Africa (2024)

This guide provides all the information you need about applying for the South African Social Security Agency‘s (SASSA) Old Age Grant (also known as Old Age Pension) in 2024.

Who Can Apply for SASSA Older Persons Grant?

The Old Age Grant is a social welfare program designed to assist South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees aged 60 and over who meet the following criteria:

  • Age: You must be 60 years old or older.
  • Income: Your annual income must not exceed R96,840 (singles) or R193,680 (combined income for married couples).
  • Assets: The total value of your assets must not be more than R1,372,800 (singles) or R2,745,600 (married couples).
  • Residency: You must be residing in South Africa.
  • Citizenship/Status: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee.
  • State Institutions: You cannot be living in a state-funded institution.
  • Other Grants: You cannot receive any other social grant.

SASSA Means Test

SASSA uses a means test to assess your financial situation and ensure the grant goes to those who need it most. The means test considers your income, assets, and other economic factors. The abovementioned thresholds are the current limits as of April 1, 2023, and are subject to change.

SASSA Older Persons Grant Amount

The Old Age Grant amount varies depending on your age. As of April 1, 2024:

  • Individuals aged 60-74 receive R2,180 per month.
  • Individuals aged 75 or older receive R2,200 per month.
  • These amounts are set to increase by R10 per person per month starting October 1, 2024.

How to Apply for SASSA Older Persons Grant

You can apply for the Old Age Grant at your nearest SASSA office. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Visit Your Local SASSA Office: Locate your nearest office and visit them during working hours.
  2. Complete the Application Form: You can obtain the application form at the SASSA office and fill it out with the assistance of an SASSA officer if needed.
  3. Submit Required Documents: Bring along the following documents (originals or certified copies):
    • Valid ID (Bar-coded ID with 13 digits)
    • Proof of marital status (marriage certificate/divorce decree if applicable)
    • Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement)
    • Income and asset proofs (payslips, bank statements, property ownership documents)
    • Personal pension details (if applicable)
    • Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership proof (if previously employed)
    • Spouse’s death certificate (if applicable, within the last five years)
  4. Attend Interview: A SASSA officer will interview you to discuss your application.
  5. Receive Application Receipt: Upon completion, you will receive a receipt with the date and the name of the SASSA officer who assisted you. Keep this receipt for reference.

SASSA Older Persons Grant Online Application

While there’s no online application option, you can check the SASSA website for future updates.

Someone Else is Applying on Your Behalf

Suppose you cannot visit the SASSA office due to age or health reasons. In that case, a trusted friend or family member can apply on your behalf. They will need a letter explaining your situation and a doctor’s note as proof.

SASSA Older Persons Grant Processing Time

It typically takes around three months to process Old Age Grant applications. If approved, grant payments begin from the application date. You will receive a notification explaining the decision if your application is rejected.

Checking Your SASSA Older Persons Grant Application Status

Once you submit your application, you can check its status through various methods:

What to Do if Your SASSA Older Persons Grant Application is Rejected

If your application is rejected but you believe it’s an error, you can request a reconsideration from SASSA. If the reconsideration is denied, you can appeal the decision to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days of the application submission. The Ministry will review your appeal and make a final decision.

Receiving Your SASSA Older Persons Grant Payment

Once your grant is approved, you will receive the monthly payments starting from the date you applied. SASSA offers three payment methods:

  1. Direct Deposit: You can receive the grant directly deposited into your bank account or Postbank account. Be aware that banks may charge service fees.
  2. Cash at Retail Outlets: You can withdraw your grant in cash at partnered retail stores like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar.
  3. Specific Institutions: In some cases, institutions like nursing homes or disability centers may receive the grant on your behalf.

To receive the grant via bank deposit, you must submit a “Consent Form for Bank Payment of SASSA Grant” along with your ID proof, bank account details (with your name on the account), and a recent bank statement showing your name and account number.

You can update your bank account or preferred payment method anytime by informing the SASSA office and completing a form. However, the new payment method will only be reflected after verification, usually the following month.

If you cannot collect your grant yourself due to age or health reasons, you can appoint someone to do so.

Checking Your SASSA Older Persons Grant Balance

SASSA offers several ways to check your remaining grant balance:

  • Dial 1203210# or 12069277# using your cellphone (standard network charges may apply)
  • Visit any ATM (potential bank charges)
  • Send a message via SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553
  • Access the SASSA website (https://www.sassa.gov.za/SitePages/HomePage.aspx)
  • Call the SASSA toll-free number: 0800 601 011

SASSA Older Persons Grant Reviews

SASSA has the right to review your grant periodically to ensure you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. They will inform you about the review date, time, and location. Your cooperation is crucial during these reviews.

Here’s how reviews are conducted:

  • General Reviews: You will receive a written notice to submit a life certificate (proof you are alive) every three months. You can submit it at a SASSA office, or for bedridden individuals; an SASSA official may visit your home.
  • Refugee Reviews: If you are a refugee receiving the grant, your case will be reviewed upon your refugee status expiry.

Reasons for SASSA Older Persons Grant Suspension

Several factors can lead to the suspension of your Old Age Grant:

  • Change in Circumstances: If your income or assets increase significantly, exceeding the means test limits.
  • False Information: Providing false information during the application process.
  • Fraud: Engaging in any fraudulent activity related to the grant.
  • Review Failure: Not cooperating with the grant review process.
  • Grant Awarded by Mistake: If SASSA discovers an error when awarding the grant,

Restoring a Suspended SASSA Older Persons Grant

Suppose you believe your grant was suspended incorrectly. In that case, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within 90 days of the suspension.

Reasons for SASSA Older Persons Grant Lapsing

Your Old Age Grant can lapse due to several reasons:

  • Death: Sadly, upon the beneficiary’s passing.
  • Missing Life Certificate: If you fail to provide proof of life during a review.
  • Unclaimed Grants: If you don’t collect your grant payments for three consecutive months (you can re-apply to restart payments, but after 90 days, a new application is required).
  • State Institutions: If you are admitted to a fully funded state institution (hospital, jail) for more than four months (your grant will resume upon discharge).
  • Leaving the Country: If you have been out of South Africa for over 90 days without informing SASSA,
  • Exceeding Means Test Limits: If your income or assets significantly improve, you will be disqualified from the grant based on the means test.

SASSA Older Persons Grant Reduction in State Institutions

If you are admitted to a state-funded institution for more than four months, your grant amount will be reduced to 25%. This reduction is temporary; the total grant amount will resume upon discharge.

Responsibilities of SASSA Older Persons Grant Beneficiaries

As a SASSA Old Age Grant beneficiary, you have specific responsibilities:

  • Keep SASSA Updated: Inform SASSA about changes in your circumstances (address, contact, information, income, assets) to ensure uninterrupted grant payments.
  • Report Accurately: Provide accurate information to SASSA. Fraudulent activity will not be tolerated.
  • Respond to Notices: SASSA sends updates and notices to the address you provided during the application. Keep your contact information current to ensure you Freceive all critical communications.

How to Contact SASSA

If you have any further questions regarding the Old Age Grant, you can contact SASSA through the following methods: