SASSA Old Age Grant New Amount & Changes in 2024

SASSA Old Age grant is designed to help people aged 60 and above who are facing financial difficulties due to their age and lack of a stable income. It’s a way to give them the support they need.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the one running this show. And get this: It’s not just for South African citizens. Permanent residents and refugees living in South Africa can also apply for this grant.

To qualify for this grant, you’ll go through a means test. This test takes a close look at your financial situation, including your income and assets. It’s all about making sure that the people who need this support the most are the ones who get it.

Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Old Age Grant & Means Test

To be eligible for the SASSA Old Age Grant, you must meet specific criteria tailored to ensure that the support reaches those who truly need it. 

Firstly, you should be either a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a recognized refugee residing within South Africa. This ensures that the grant is accessible to individuals who have a stable connection to the country.

Secondly, there’s an age requirement: you must be 60 years or older to qualify for the Old Age Grant. This criterion acknowledges the financial challenges that often accompany aging and aims to provide support during this stage of life.

Another important criterion is exclusivity regarding social grants. If you’re already receiving any other type of social grant, you won’t be eligible for the Old Age Grant. This ensures that the limited resources are allocated to those who do not have alternative sources of financial support.

Furthermore, residency is a crucial factor. You must not be living in any state institution to qualify for the Old Age Grant. This criterion is in place to prioritize individuals who are living independently and may face additional financial challenges associated with maintaining their own households.

There’s a means test to check if you qualify financially. 

For single applicants, your annual income should not be more than R96,840, which is around R8,070 per month. 

For married couples, the combined income limit is R193,680 per year, or R16,140 per month. When it comes to assets, single applicants should not own assets worth more than R1,372,800, and for married couples, the limit is R2,745,600.

Document Requirement for SASSA Old Age Grant

To apply for the SASSA Old Age Grant, you’ll need specific documents to support your application. Let’s go through each one to make sure you’re well-prepared.

1. Your original 13-digit bar-coded ID is essential for your application.
2. If you don’t have an ID, you can complete a standard affidavit form available at SASSA offices or online. This must be done in front of an Oaths Commissioner.
3. If you can’t provide an ID or affidavit, a sworn statement from a respected community member confirming your identity can suffice.
4. Bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree if applicable.
5. Utility bills, rental agreements, or official documents with your address are necessary.
6. Provide proof of stocks, dividends, and asset documentation such as property valuation. Recent bank statements from the past three months are required.
7. If previously employed, provide evidence of UIF membership or a discharge certificate from your former employer.
8. If your spouse passed away within the last five years, bring their death certificate. Also, include their will and any relevant documents regarding their estate, if available.

Applying Procedure for SASSA Old Age Grant

When applying for the SASSA old age grant, you have two main options: visit a nearby SASSA office or apply online through their website. If visiting in person is challenging due to age or health reasons, you can nominate a trusted individual to apply on your behalf. They’ll need a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining your inability to visit the office.

At the SASSA office, you’ll find application forms available. If you’re unsure about filling them out, don’t worry. SASSA officers are there to help. 

They can assist you in completing the form accurately and answer any questions you may have. During the process, you’ll have an interview with a SASSA officer to determine your eligibility.

Once the application is complete, you’ll receive a dated stamp receipt from the SASSA officer who assisted you. 

This receipt is crucial as it contains your application ID. Keep it safe, even if you’re not eligible for the grant. It serves as proof of your application and may be needed for future reference.

SASSA Old Age Grant Amount & Cost

Now, let’s look ahead to some good news. Starting April 1, 2024, the grant is expected to increase by R10 per person each month. This increase is important because it shows a commitment to keeping up with the rising cost of living, making sure the grant stays helpful for you.

Looking ahead to October 1, 2024, there’s even more good news. The monthly payments for the old age grant will go up by another R10 per person. So, if you’re between 60 and 74, you’ll get R2,190 each month. And if you’re 75 or older, you’ll receive R2,210 monthly.

One thing that might give you peace of mind is how easy it is to get this grant. You won’t have to pay anything to apply for it. There are no secret fees or charges waiting for you. It’s all about making things as simple and straightforward as possible for you.

SASSA Old Person Grant Processing Time

Once you’ve submitted your application for the Older Persons Grant, you can expect a waiting period of around three months. During this time, SASSA carefully reviews and processes each application to ensure accuracy and fairness.

If your application is approved, SASSA doesn’t start your payments from the approval date. They actually backdate your payments to the date you initially submitted your application. However, it’s essential to note that not all applications are approved. If yours isn’t, SASSA will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the decision.

Keeping track of your application status is crucial, and SASSA offers several ways to do this:

• SASSA Official Website: Visit their website for the latest updates on your application.
• Moya App: Download the Moya App for easy access to your application status and updates.
• SMS Updates: Send a text message to 082-046-8553 for quick updates on your application.
• WhatsApp Messaging (082-046-8553): Message the same number for convenient updates via WhatsApp.
• SASSA’s Toll-Free Number (0800-601011): Call this number to speak directly with a representative for detailed information about your application.

SASSA Old Age Grant Payment Process & Balance Checking

Once your application is approved, SASSA will pay you from the date you applied. This means you’ll get the money you’re owed, even for the time it took to process your application.

There are a few ways to get your money:

• Direct Deposit: SASSA can put the money right into your bank account.
• Cash Withdrawal: You can go to certain stores, like Pick n Pay or Shoprite, to get your money in cash.
• Payments to Institutions: If you live in a place like an old age home, SASSA can pay them directly.
• Changing How You Get Paid: If you want to change how you get paid, just go to your local welfare office and fill out a form.

Checking How Much Money You Have:

You can easily check how much money you have in your SASSA account. Here’s how:

• USSD and ATM (*120*3210# or *120*69277# ): Use your phone or go to an ATM. Just remember, some banks might charge you for this.
• WhatsApp and Online (082 046 8553): Check your balance on WhatsApp or the SASSA website.
• Call Center (0800 601 011): If you prefer to talk to someone, you can call the SASSA toll-free number.

Reasons for SASSA Old Age Grant Suspension & Lapsing

SASSA regularly reviews your eligibility for the grant to make sure you still qualify. This is important to keep the program fair for everyone.

If anything changes in your life that might affect your grant, like your money situation or where you live, you should tell SASSA. They need to know so they can make sure you’re still eligible.

SASSA will send you a letter about the review three months before it happens. This letter will tell you when and where the review will take place. It’s important to gather all the papers you need for the review.

Every year, you’ll also need to send SASSA a life certificate. This shows that you’re still alive and eligible for the grant. If you can’t go to the review because you’re sick or can’t move around easily, SASSA can come to your home to do the review.

Why Your Grant Might Stop:

• Changes in Your Life: If something big changes in your life, like you start making more money or move to a new place.
• Giving False Information: If you lie to SASSA, they can stop your grant.
• Not Going to Reviews: You need to go to the reviews when SASSA asks you to.
• Mistakes: Sometimes, SASSA might make a mistake and give you the grant when you’re not supposed to have it.

If you think SASSA made a mistake by stopping your grant, you can ask them to look at your case again. You have 90 days to do this, and you can talk to the Ministry of Social Development about it.

Understanding the Circumstances Leading to Grant Lapse:

One significant condition that leads to the discontinuation of the grant is the passing of the grant recipient. Naturally, if the person receiving the grant passes away, the grant will cease. 

Additionally, it’s essential to participate in the annual life verification reviews conducted by SASSA. Missing these reviews can result in the grant lapsing, as it’s crucial for SASSA to ensure that recipients are still alive and eligible to receive the grant.

Another circumstance that may lead to the grant lapsing is the failure to collect payments for an extended period. If a recipient fails to collect their grant for three consecutive months, it may stop coming. 

Additionally, if a grant recipient moves into a place fully funded by the government, such as a government institution, the grant may end. This condition applies to individuals who are admitted to state-funded institutions for care or support.

Furthermore, extended absence from the country without proper notification to SASSA can also result in the grant lapsing. If a grant recipient leaves South Africa for more than 90 days without informing SASSA, their grant could be stopped. 

It’s important to keep SASSA informed about any changes in circumstances to ensure the continuous receipt of the grant and avoid any interruptions in support.

Conclusion

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the SASSA Old Age Grant, offering valuable insights and detailed information for those seeking financial support in their later years. 

By outlining the eligibility criteria, application process, payment methods, and potential reasons for grant suspension or lapsing, this article serves as a practical resource for individuals aged 60 and above facing financial challenges. 

Understanding the nuances of the grant, including the means test, required documentation, and application procedures, can significantly benefit those seeking assistance. Additionally, the article highlights the upcoming increases in grant amounts, demonstrating a commitment to supporting recipients in line with the rising cost of living. 

Frequently Asked Questions