The SASSA older persons grant is one of the grants offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
SASSA provides an old age grant for South African citizens and permanent residents who are 60 years or older, and who meet certain income and asset requirements.
The grant is paid out monthly and the amount is determined by the government and can change over time. To qualify for the grant, individuals must also not be in receipt of a pension or any other social grant.
In addition to meeting the age and income/asset requirements, applicants for the SASSA old age grant must also reside in South Africa and must not be a recipient of any other social grant.
To apply for the grant, individuals must visit a SASSA office with their ID document and proof of residence, as well as any relevant supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or divorce papers (if applicable). If the applicant has a bank account, they will also need to provide their bank details.
The Old Age Grant is an important safety net for many older South Africans, providing them with a regular source of income to help them meet their basic needs. It can also play an important role in reducing poverty among older individuals.
It’s important to note that the rules and benefits of SASSA grants might change, and it’s advisable to check with SASSA for the most updated rules and amounts.
Currently, elderly people who are 75 and above receive a monthly payment of R2 010, while elderly people who are <75 receive R1 990 monthly.
Where to Apply for the SASSA Older Persons Grant?
To apply for the older persons, grant, individuals must visit a SASSA office nearest to them.
To find the nearest SASSA office, you can visit the SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za), which provides a list of offices along with their addresses and contact information. You can also call the SASSA toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) for assistance with finding the nearest office.
Alternatively, you can also visit your local Department of Social Development office which is responsible for the administration of the SASSA grants. They might be able to assist you with the application process or redirect you to the nearest SASSA office.
It is important to note that SASSA offices are open to the public only during specific times and you might have to schedule an appointment to avoid long queues, you can also check with SASSA offices if they have an online or telephonic application process.
It is important to take all required documentation, including your ID and proof of residence, with you when you go to the SASSA office.
How to Apply for an Older Persons Grant?
To apply for the SASSA old age grant, you will need to visit a SASSA office in person and bring the following documentation:
- A valid South African ID document or passport (if you are a permanent resident)
- Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
- Bank account details (if you have a bank account)
- Marriage certificate or divorce papers (if applicable)
- Any other relevant supporting documents, such as a death certificate (if you are the survivor of a deceased pensioner)
- You can also check with SASSA if they have an online or telephonic application process.
If you are too old or sick to travel to the nearest SASSA office to apply, a family member or friend may apply on your behalf.
When you arrive at the SASSA office, you will be required to complete an application form, which will ask for personal and financial information. A SASSA official will then process your application and verify the information you have provided.
It’s important to make sure that you understand the income and asset requirements for the old age grant, so that you can provide accurate information on the application form.
When your application is complete and submitted, you will be given a stamped receipt, bearing the name of the SASSA official who assisted you. Keep the receipt safe, it serves as proof of your application.
The process of application may take some time to process, you might want to check with SASSA offices on how long the process might take and also if there are any updates on your application status.
If your application is approved you will be alerted in writing, same as when your application is rejected. The letter will state the reasons for the outcome. You do have a right to request SASSA to reconsider their decision, it all depends on the reasons provided.
Approved applicants will receive payments from the date they applied.
Who Qualifies for The Older Persons Grant?
Applicants for the Older Persons grant will have to meet the following requirements:
- The candidate must be a citizen of South Africa, a refugee, or a permanent resident.
- Must be at least 60 years old.
- The applicant should not be receiving any other social grant for themselves.
- The means test must be met by both the applicant and spouse.
- The applicant must not be maintained or cared for in a State Institution.
- A 13-digit identifying document with bar codes must be submitted by the applicant.
Required documents for SASSA’s Old Age Grant Application
The following documents should accompany all applications for older persons grant:
- Certified copy of the applicants’ Identity document.
- Certified copy of the identity document of the applicant’s spouse (if married).
- Certified copy of proof of a spousal relationship/marital status (e.g., marriage certificate/ decree of divorce/ death certificate).
- If proof of spousal relationship is not obtainable an affidavit prescribed by SASSA may be accepted.
- Proof of income – if means is declared.
- If no income is declared, an affidavit prescribed by SASSA may be accepted.
- Confirmation of Banking Details (e.g., Certified copy of bank statement.
Methods of Payment
Beneficiaries may collect their money through one of the following methods of payment:
- Cash payment at the designated pay points.
- Bank, including Post Bank (at the Post Office).
- Institutions
If you are unable to collect the grant yourself, you may appoint someone that you trust to collect for you.
Suspension of the Old Age Grant
The following may result in your grant being suspended:
- Changes in your financial situation.
- Outcome of a review
- Failure to co-operate when your grant is reviewed.
- Furnishing of false information.
- If the grant was mistakenly approved.
- If you did not collect the grant for three consecutive months.
- If you are absent from the public for over 90 days.
You may apply for restoration of the grant within 90 days of the suspension.
When Will the Grant Lapse?
The old age grant will lapse:
- On the last day of the month in which you died.
- You are admitted in a state funded institution (prison, old age home, rehabilitation centre)
- If you are absent from the public for over 90 days.
- Six months after the date you are admitted in a psychiatric hospital and if you are still there.
Key Takeaways for Older Persons Grant Application
Applying for the SASSA Older Persons Grant can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to a successful application is to be well-prepared and to provide all the necessary documentation. Here are some tips to keep in mind when applying for the grant:
- Check your eligibility: Before applying, make sure that you meet the criteria for the grant. You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident over the age of 60.
- Gather the required documents: The SASSA website provides a list of the documents that you will need to provide with your application. These include your ID book or card, proof of residence, and bank account details.
- Complete the application form: The application form can be obtained from your nearest SASSA office. Make sure that you complete all the required fields and that the information you provide is accurate.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your application. You can do this by visiting your nearest SASSA office.
- Keep a copy of your application: It is important that you keep a copy of your application, as well as any supporting documents that you have submitted. This will make it easier for you to follow up on the status of your application.
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to a successful SASSA Older Persons Grant application. Remember to be patient and to keep in touch with SASSA if you have any questions or concerns.