SASSA Old Age Grant
Introduction
The SASSA Old Age Grant, also known as the old age pension, ensures the well-being of the senior citizens of South Africa. The government issues grants to people aged 60 and older for financial support. The grant mainly focuses on providing financial assistance to older people who can’t work.
The good news is that the grant payment is increasing starting April 1, 2024, for grant holders and new applicants. In the past, the payment was 2080 for over 60 years and 2100 for 75 years of age. Well, the old age grant holders will get R100 extra from 1st April 2024. Let’s discuss the eligibility criteria and other important information.
Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Old Age Grant
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Age | 60 years and above |
| Qualification | Must qualify for the mean test. |
| Minimum Earnings for Single | R 86280 |
| Minimum Earnings for Married | R 172560 |
| Other financial Grants | The Applicant must not receive any other grant or live in a government-supported institute. |
Required Documents for the SASSA Old Age Grant
The applicant must have the following documents before applying for the old age grant:
- Your official ID card.
- In the event of the unavailability of an ID,
- You have to provide an affidavit from the competent authority. The prescribed form is available on the SASSA official site.
- You should submit a dually signed, sworn statement by someone who can verify your credentials.
- The SASSA official will fill out the form and take your fingerprints to request that the concerned department issue your ID.
- Proof of your income, pension, or any other
- Your marital status
- Your property’s worth and details
- The previous three months’ bank statement
Note: If you are too old or sick and unable to fill out your form, you can nominate a representative who may proceed with the process. You must provide a medical certificate stating you cannot visit the SASSA office.
Time Required for Processing the Application
Usually, it takes three months to process your new application. You will receive a confirmation letter for acceptance or rejection of the grant. If your grant gets approval, the payment starts from the date you applied. If SASSA refuses to accept your application, you can appeal with valid reasons within 90 days.
How can you apply for the grant?
You can apply for the grant by visiting any SASSA office.
You can fill out the application form available on the official website.
You can nominate a representative if you are too old or sick for the application process.
All the forms are available on the SASSA website.
The sassa official will interview you and your representative and guide you in completing the application process.
After completing the application, you will receive a receipt with a reference ID as proof.
The payment process for the grant
The SASSA offers different options to the grant holders for drawing the payments. You can receive your payment in a bank account or by post bank. You can withdraw the amount from the specific outlet or institute approved by the sassa. You can also nominate a representative who can collect grant payments if you are too old or sick. You can also change your bank account and contact number.
Bank charges may apply as per the bank policy.
The mean test
The mean test is a limit of earrings to qualify for the grant. If you fall within the prescribed income and asset threshold, you will pass the mean test and fulfill the required criteria. The mean test ensures that the grant reaches those who genuinely deserve it.
How to check old age grant status
You can check your grant status in different ways. The complete guide is available on the homepage. You can check your SASSA Old Age grant status by visiting the official SASSA site, via the Moya App, by sending a WhatsApp message, by sending an SMS, by calling SASSA’s toll-free number, and by email.
Reasons for suspension of Grant
The SASSA may suspend your grant at any time. The following are the reasons for the suspension of the grant.
- The result of the review.
- Any change in financial position.
- You provided the wrong data or committed fraud.
- You didn’t cooperate with the SASSA officials at the time of the review.
- The grant payment wasn’t collected for three consecutive months.
- You get admission to any state-funded institute (old home, hospital, or jail).
- The death of the grant holder.
Responsibilities of the grantee
The responsibility of the grant holder is that he or she must inform the SASSA authorities of any change in address, net worth, or other relevant data. SASSA never compromises on fraudulent activities.
Contact for further queries
For further queries related to the Sassa Old Age Grant, you can contact sassa on the following.
Emailing the query to the Sassa head office
Calling the sassa head office
012 400 2322
By visiting sassa regional offices
Dialing the sassa toll-free helpline
0800 60 10 11
Conclusion
The SASSA old age grant, also known as the old age pension, focuses on senior citizens. SASSA authorities own the elderly over 60 years old and strive for their well-being and healthy lives. With the recent increase in payments from April 1, 2024, the government ensures financial support and security for the old people of South Africa.
