SASSA Older Persons Grant: How to Apply?

An Older Persons Grant is a payment from the South African government for people over the age of 60, who reside in South Africa.

In today’s society, it is crucial to ensure the well-being and financial stability of older persons. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recognizes the importance of providing support to senior citizens, and one of the key initiatives in this regard is the SASSA Older Persons Grant. This grant aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by older individuals, enabling them to lead dignified and comfortable lives during their golden years. In this article, we will explore the details of the SASSA Older Persons Grant, its eligibility criteria, its application process, and the impact it has on the lives of senior citizens.

The value of the Older Persons Grant depends on the recipient’s age. People between the ages of 60 and 74 will receive an old age pension of R2 080 per month, while people over 75 will receive R2 100 per month. For people between 60 and 74 years of age, the grant will increase to R2 090 from 1 October 2023 (an increase of R10). An R10 increase will be made to the grant for people over 75 years old on 1 October 2023.

Overview of the SASSA Older Persons Grant

The SASSA Older Persons Grant is a financial assistance program provided by the South African government. It is designed to support elderly individuals who are 60 years old or older and who meet certain criteria. The grant is an essential part of the social security system, ensuring that older persons can meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living.

Also, check SASSA Care Dependency Grant

Eligibility Criteria for the Grant

To be eligible for the SASSA Older Persons Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 60 years old or older.
• South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens or permanent residents are eligible for the grant.
• Means Test: Applicants must undergo a means test to determine their financial needs.

Documentation Required

Old persons grant applicants must bring the following documents (original or certified copies) when applying through SASSA:

• The SASSA affidavit must be filled out in the presence of an independent Commissioner of Oaths who is not an official of SASSA if the ID document is not available
• Permit for refugee status and 13-digit refugee identification number: if applicable
• A marriage certificate is required as proof of marital status:
  • If you are married, you will need a marriage certificate
  • Order of divorce: if divorced
  • When your spouse died within the last five years, please provide a copy of their death certificate, their will, and their first and final liquidation accounts.
• Residence proof
• If applicable, provide proof of income and dividends (yours and your spouse’s)
• The municipal value of your property, if applicable, should be included in your proof of assets
• If applicable, proof of private pension
• Bank statements for the past three months
• A discharge certificate from your previous employer or a UIF (‘blue book’) certificate, if you were employed.

Sassa Older Persons Grant Requirements

The SASSA Older Persons Grant criteria must be met in order to be eligible (please note that these criteria may change). Here are the criteria:

• Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
• Over 60 years of age is required
• In order to qualify, you must reside in South Africa
• In order to qualify for the means test (for income and assets), you must meet the following requirements.
• The care you receive must not be from a public institution (such as a state-run old age home, rehabilitation center, or prison).
• Other social grants for yourself must not be received. 

Application Process

Applying for the SASSA Older Persons Grant is a straightforward process. Interested individuals can follow these steps:

1. Visit the nearest SASSA office or designated service point.
2. Obtain an application form from the office or download it from the SASSA website.
3. Fill out the application form with accurate and up-to-date information.
4. Submit the completed form along with the required documents.

How to Apply for Older Persons Grant?

SASSA offices or the SASSA services website provide instructions on how to apply online for the Old Age Grant.

You can have a family member or friend apply for you if you are too sick, old or disabled to visit the SASSA office yourself. You will have a procurator who can apply or receive social grants on your behalf legally.

SASSA officers must be present when completing the application form at the SASSA office. You or your appointed person may need assistance from a SASSA officer in completing the application form if you are unable to do so yourself.

The SASSA official who assisted with the application will be listed on the dated stamped receipt. The receipt you receive will serve as proof of your application.

It is completely free to apply.

Also, check SASSA War Veterans Grant

Sassa Older Persons Grant Means Test

A means test is used by SASSA to award social grants. To determine if an applicant qualifies for a grant, a means test evaluates their income and assets.

Income threshold: Applicants must have assets worth no more than R1 372 800 for singles, and R2 745 600 for married applicants.
Asset threshold: Applicants must earn less than R96 840 per year as a single, and no more than R193 680 as a married couple.
In April 2023, these thresholds will be in effect. When an applicant is married, half of their joint income and assets will be taken into account.

There are different types of grants with different means tests.

Do you qualify for a SASSA old age grant?

SASSA Older Person’s Grant – also known as a state pension – is available for people over 60 years of age who have stopped working and are struggling financially. Financial hardship must be proven through a means test. Grants are not available to those who receive a regular income over a certain amount, through investments, rentals, or private pensions. A state pension will not be available to you if you own assets over a certain amount.

How much is the SASSA Old Age Grant?

The grant is currently R1980 per month (as of 1 April 2022). Each over 75 receives an additional R20, totaling R2000. There is an annual increase in the grant, but it is minimal. October 2022 will see another R10 increase announced by the government.

Tafta requires a state pension as a minimum requirement for accommodation.

Also, check Sassa Old Age Pension Apply Online

Do I qualify for this program?

A state pension is available if:
1. Currently living in South Africa as a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
2. Having reached the age of 60.
3. There is no other social grant that you receive for yourself.
4. There are no state institutions where you live (for example, a nursing home or rehabilitation center). Tafta Homes are owned and managed by our organization, so this rule does not apply to you.
5. As far as the means test is concerned, you qualify.
It’s pretty straightforward to meet the first four criteria. The means test determines if you qualify, but how do you know?

Minimum income

SASSA determines your eligibility for social grants based on your income and assets because social grants are meant for people who can’t support themselves.

The total monthly income of a single person cannot exceed R7 190. The combined monthly income of married couples must be less than R14 380. Having no income of your own is not sufficient to qualify for the old age grant, but having a spouse earning greater than R14 380 may qualify.

Depending on your income level, dependent children must also report their income (e.g. part-time work). You are also assessed based on your assets. The old age grant is not available to singles with assets worth more than R1 227 600. There is a limit of R2 455 200 on the combined assets of married couples.

Can I apply for a SASSA Grant if I am still working?

The answer is yes, provided you make less than R7 190 per month and have fewer than R1.227 600 in assets.

How long does it take before I start receiving my payments?

Application processing may take up to three months, but if you are successful, you will be paid from that date forward. Payment can be collected at the post office, bank or other pay points (e.g., supermarkets and some old age homes) using your SASSA card. A bank or Postbank account can be used to deposit the funds.

SASSA cards can be used at the till to make purchases in selected stores (e.g. Checkers) or to withdraw cash from post offices or ATMs without incurring fees.

A letter explaining why your application was rejected will be sent to you if it is refused. After being notified of the decision, you have 90 days to appeal it if you feel there has been a mistake. 

Also, check SASSA Disability Grant

Older Persons Grant Outcome

Within three months, your application will be evaluated, and you will be notified in writing whether it was approved or rejected. You will be informed of the reason for your rejection by SASSA if you are rejected.

In the event your application is rejected, you can request SASSA to reevaluate it. You can appeal to the Minister of Social Development if your application is still rejected after reconsideration.

The first payment will be made within three months after an applicant has been approved. Backdated payments will be made based on your application date. 

Older Persons Grant Payments

The date of payment for your grant will be the date on which it was approved. SASSA’s next payment date (usually around the second or third day of the month) can be found here.

There are three ways to receive your Old Age Pension Grant (depending on your preference):

• Deposited directly into your bank account
• Cash collected at approved pay points
• From specific institutions

Providing your bank account information will be required if you wish for your grant to be paid into your account. The following documents must be submitted: proof of identity (ID, birth certificate, drivers license), proof of a bank account in your name (received from the bank) or a three-month bank statement containing your name and bank account number.

Your new payment method will be effective the following month if you change your payment method at the Welfare office.

It is possible to nominate someone to collect your grant on your behalf if you are unable to collect it yourself.

Also, check How to Cancel SASSA Relief Grant or Reinstate it? 

Grant Reviews

All income you receive must be documented in your application.

To continue receiving the grant, applications are reviewed to determine whether the recipient still meets the grant criteria. If your circumstances have changed since you submitted your application, your application will be reviewed.

Three months before applications are to be reviewed, SASSA will notify applicants in writing. Upon receiving the notification, you will find out when the review will take place and what will happen next. A home visit will be conducted for bedridden applicants. A receipt of compliance will be issued after the review has been completed.

Applicants whose refugee status expires will have their applications reviewed. 

Grant Suspension

The following reasons may cause your grant to be suspended:

• Changes in your circumstances
• In your application, you provided false or incorrect information
• When the grant was being reviewed, you failed to cooperate
• Review outcome
• A grant was approved when it shouldn’t have been

Grant Restoration

Within 90 days of receiving the suspension, you can apply to have your grant reinstated if it was suspended due to any of the reasons above.

Also, check How can I get a SASSA food parcel?

Older Persons Grant Lapse

Grant lapse for older people to the following reasons:

• The grant holder has passed away
• A state-funded institution admitted the grant holder
• There has been no claim for the grant for three consecutive months
• South Africa is no longer home to the grant holder
• As a result of an improvement in assets or income, the grant holder no longer meets the means test

Grant Notes

You have the following responsibilities as a grant holder:

• If your financial or personal circumstances change, keep SASSA informed
• If your physical address or contact information changes, notify SASSA immediately

Any changes to the above must be notified to SASSA immediately, since official notices are mailed to your most recent address. Grants may be suspended if you don’t respond to the notices.

There will be no tolerance for fraudulent activity at SASSA.

Benefits of the SASSA Older Persons Grant

The SASSA Older Persons Grant offers various benefits to eligible recipients. Some of the key advantages include:

• Financial Stability: The grant provides a regular source of income, helping senior citizens meet their daily needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
• Healthcare Support: The grant contributes to improved access to healthcare services, including medication and medical treatments.
• Social Inclusion: By receiving the grant, older individuals can actively participate in society, engage with their communities, and enjoy a sense of belonging.

Impact on Senior Citizens’ Lives

The SASSA Older Persons Grant has a profound impact on the lives of senior citizens across South Africa. It ensures that older individuals can age gracefully and with dignity, without the constant worry of financial instability. The grant enables them to afford essential items, support their families, and enjoy a better quality of life during their retirement years.

Challenges and Solutions

While the SASSA Older Persons Grant has been successful in assisting many senior citizens, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed. Some common challenges include:

• Long Waiting Periods: The application process may take longer than desired, leading to delays in receiving the grant.
• Limited Awareness: Some eligible individuals may not be aware of the grant or the application process, resulting in missed opportunities.

To overcome these challenges, SASSA can implement measures such as:

• Streamlining the Application Process: By simplifying and optimizing the application process, SASSA can reduce waiting periods and enhance efficiency.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: SASSA should conduct targeted campaigns to raise awareness about the grant, ensuring that eligible individuals can access the support they need.

Also, check Sassa Opens WhatsApp Line For R350 Grant Applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The SASSA Older Persons Grant plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and support to senior citizens in South Africa. By ensuring that older individuals have access to a reliable income source, the grant enables them to lead fulfilling lives and maintain their dignity during their twilight years. It is imperative for eligible individuals to explore the application process, meet the requirements, and take advantage of this beneficial initiative.

You may enjoy reading Old Age Homes for SASSA Pensioners