SASSA Old Age Grant

SASSA Old Age Grant – Complete Application Guide

SASSA old age grant is designed to provide financial assistance to poor elderly people.  It is provided to those sixty years and over to look after them when they cannot work anymore. This grant is usually known as an old age pension. In this article, I am going to explain everything you need to know about application procedures, payment methods, processing time, and more

Are You Eligible for the Old Age Grant?

You qualify for this grant if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a citizen of South Africa, a refugee, or a permanent resident.
  • Further, You are 60 years old or older than 60.
  • You are living in South Africa.
  • Besides, you should not be a beneficiary of any other grant.
  • You are not residing in a government institute for example an old age home or any rehabilitation center.
  • If single, then the worth of your assets will not be greater than R1,227,600; Moreover, if married, the worth of your combined assets will be less than R2,455,200.
  • Single persons must have a monthly income of less than R86,280, while married couples must have a combined income of less than R172,560.

What is the Amount of Old Age Pension?

The amount of this grant varies from person to person as per their age. After the latest update, the monthly payment is R2190 for people between the ages of 60 to 74. People who are older than 74 will receive R2210 monthly.

Document Requirements for Old Age Grant

If you are applying for this elderly grant then you must have the following documents while going to the SASSA office.

  • You must have a certified copy of your 13-digit long ID card. If you do not have an ID card then:
  1. Bring an affidavit that you have completed in the presence of an Oaths commissioner who is not associated with SASSA
  2. You must have a sworn statement which is signed by a person with a good reputation, for example School principal, minister, officer, etc who will verify your name and your age.
  3. Further, Officials will take your fingerprints and then you will be directed to the “Department of Home Affairs” to apply for your ID card in the meantime SASSA will verify your application. Due to some reason if you fail to receive an ID card then the grant will be canceled.
  • Provide your marital certificate if applicable.
  • If you are applying for this grant as a couple then provide your spouse’s ID card.
  • Proof of your residence.
  • Bring proof of your dividends(if applicable) and income. It will also apply to your spouse if you are applying as a married couple.
  • Proof of your assets and their value
  • Bring the bank statement for the last three months.
  • If you are a former employee then bring the “Unemployment Insurance Fund” membership or the discharging certificate from the last workplace.
  • Proof of your pension if you are receiving any.
  • Lastly, If your life partner has died within five years then bring the death certificate and the proof of their will, and their First and last liquidation, and if applicable then their distribution account.

Application Procedure

Visit the nearest SASSA office and bring all the required documents with you which I explained above. Fill out the application form or a SASSA official can fill this form for you.

Secondly, The official will interview you and tell you whether you are eligible for this old pension grant or not. Then, they will give a receipt to you as proof that you applied.

If You Cannot Go to the SASSA Office

If you are too old to walk or sick to visit the SASSA office then no worries, You can send your friend and family to apply for a grant on your behalf.

Processing Time for SASSA Old Age Grant

It usually takes 3 months for processing but after your selection then you will receive payment from the date of your application submission. But it can vary depending on the number of applications submitted to SASSA during that time period.

What if Your Application is Rejected?

If your SASSA application is rejected, you’ll receive a letter detailing why you are ineligible for the grant. Further, if you do not agree with the decision then appeal to the minister of social development within 90 days for the reconsidering of your application.

Method of Payment

After your selection, you can receive your payment through different methods which are:

  • Banks and post bank
  • Pay stations associated with SASSA for example Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Spar, and boxer.
  • Government Institutions

When Your Grant Can be Suspended?

There could be several reasons for the suspension of the grant some of these are:

  • When your circumstances change
  • When you provide false information 
  • If you are not staying in the country for more than 90 days
  • If there was an error in the approval of the grant
  • When you did not cooperate during the review of your old age grant
  • It could be a result of the review.

If you think that there is an error in suspension of your grant then you can appeal for its restoration within 90 days to the minister of social development.

Reasons for the Grant Lapse

There could be many reasons for the lapse of this old age grant. Some of these reasons are:

  • If you die
  • You leave the country for more than 90 days.
  • You are now living in a government institute like Jail or Hospital.
  • If you fail to show proof that you are alive.

Responsibilities of Beneficiaries

If you are receiving this old age grant from SASSA then you are also responsible for something such as:

  • You have to update SASSA about changes in your monetary condition.
  • Be fair with SASSA. Avoid involving in any fraudulent activity.

Conclusion

SASSA provides grants to elderly people who cannot support themselves in old age to improve their lives. It is a big initiative by SASSA to eliminate poverty in South Africa.