SASSA [Old Age Grant] 2024 – Updated Information

In South Africa, the Old Age Grant (Old Age Pension) is a social welfare program that provides financial assistance to older people who have no source of income and can no longer work.

The grant provides R2,090 per month to individuals aged 60 to 74, while R2,110 per month is offered to adults aged 75 and over. In doing so, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the well-being of those who have given so much to us.

SASSA Old Age Grant

SASSA Old Age Grant: Eligibility Criteria

There are several eligibility criteria that must be met before you can apply for an older person grant:

  • Applicant must be living in South Africa. 
  • Applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognized refugee.
  • If an applicant receives any other type of social grant, it should be stopped.
  • State stations are not allowed to live.
  • A minimum age of 60 is required.
  • The means test must be met by you and your spouse.
  • Applicants who are single must ensure that their annual earnings do not exceed R96 840 (R8 070 per month). It is not allowed for married couples to earn more than R193 680 annually (R16 140 monthly).
  • If you are single, you may not have assets worth more than R1 372 800. The combined assets of a married couple should not exceed R2 745 600.

Documents Requirement to Apply For Old Grant

When applying for an Older Persons Grant at SASSA, please bring these documents originals or certified copies with you:

  • The 13-digit barcode of your original ID. In the absence of an ID:
  • Please provide proof of your marital status (if applicable):
  • You must provide proof of your current address.
  • Provide evidence of your stocks and dividends (if you are married, this applies to your spouse as well). 
  • The value of the property you own as proof of your assets. 
  • If you have a pension, please provide proof of it.
  • A copy of the last three months’ bank statement.
  • Evidence of your UIF membership (also known as the “Blue Book” or a discharge certificate issued by your former employer) is required in case you have been employed previously.
  • In case of a spouse’s death within the past five years, you should provide a copy of their death certificate and initial and final distribution accounts (if applicable) along with their will.

How to Apply for the SASSA Old Age Grant?

In your nearest SASSA branch, fill out the application form, or apply online through the SASSA services website in accordance with the instructions.

  • SASSA Office: Visit your local SASSA office.
  • Go to the SASSA office: Contact a Grant Representative at the counter.
  • Application form: Request Older Persons Grant application form. Ensure that the application form is filled out accurately and completely.
  • Documents: Submit the required documents as mentioned above.
  • Interview: SASSA officials may interview you to verify your eligibility.
  • Verification: Your application will be reviewed by SASSA after you wait for it to process.
  • Approval: Your grant application will be notified of the decision and your status is now updated.

What is the Processing Time for the SASSA Older Persons Grant Application?

Grant applications for older persons take about 3 months to process. Upon approval, you will begin receiving payments. As soon as your grant application is processed and approved, all payments will be made to you from the date your application was submitted. You’ll receive a letter explaining why you weren’t approved for the grant if your application is rejected by SASSA.

SASSA Old Age Grant Payment Process

If your old-age grant application is approved, you will begin receiving payments from the date you applied. As SASSA does not have any fixed dates, they release the payment schedule every month. So, check out the latest SASSA Payment dates. 

Payments will be made to you by SASSA in one of three ways (you must choose one):

  • Your bank account or Postbank account will be credited directly. You may be charged a service fee by the banks.
  • There are SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar where you can withdraw your grant payment in cash.
  • A specific institution (e.g. an old-age home, a disability center, or a non-profit organization).

Grant payments through a bank account

The following documents must be submitted if you wish to receive your grant payments through a bank account: SASSA Grant Consent Form.

  • ID cards, driving licenses, or birth certificates can serve as proof of identity.
  • Your bank account number should be in your name.
  • Bank statement showing your name and account number for three months.

At any time, you can update your bank account details or payment method by filling out a form at the welfare office. Once the verification is complete, the payments will be received through the new payment method from the following month. You can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf if you are too old to collect grants yourself.

Means Test For The SASSA Old Age Grant

To qualify for the Older Persons grant, one must pass the SASSA Means test, which evaluates assets and income monthly. Here are the requirements for this test.

Income Limits:

For singles, the qualified income limit is R97 320 per year. In contrast, if you’re married, you’re limited to R97320.

Assets Limits:

There should be no assets in the name of a married applicant above R2 758 800. In addition, the limit for the value of assets for single applicants is R1 379 400.

SASSA Contact

In case of additional questions, please feel free to contact SASSA

  • Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at: 0800 60 10 11
  • For more information, please contact SASSA’s Head Office: 012 400 2322
  • Please send your queries to SASSA Head Office: [email protected]