SASSA Old Age Grant – How to Apply, Approve Grant?

If you are getting older and facing financial issues, no worries. SASSA launched a great scheme for old-aged South African citizens. This type of SASSA grant is a good financial support for the elderly persons. The elder person grant is paid to people who are 60 years or older. It helps them to fulfil their daily expenses with peace of mind. 

How Much Grant Will You Get from SASSA?

South African Social Security Agency SASSA has set a maximum amount for old-age African citizens. If you are 60 years or older, the maximum amount is R2310 per month. The amount will increase to R2330 if your age is older than 75. 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the SASSA Old Age Grant?

To get the SASSA old age grant, you must meet the following requirements to get the grant. 

• You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee 
• South African citizen
• Submission of  your identity document
• Must be aged 60 years or older 
• Not receiving any other social grant
• Not receiving any care from a government facility 
• If you are, signal not to earn more than R86 280 
• If you married the,n do not  earn more than R172 560
• Not owning any property or asset more than 1 227 600 if you are single
• If you are married, your assets must not exceed R2 455 200 
• Both the spouse and the applicant must pass the means test.

          (Only those who can earn less than a specific amount each month are eligible for the grant. The test to decide is called the mean test )

Application forms for the old age pension are not available online, visit the nearest SASSA office to get the form. 

How to Apply for the SASSA Old Age Grant?

If you want to apply for an SASSA old age pension, here is a simple guideline that will help you apply for the grant. 

Make sure to bring all the required documents with you to avoid any inconvenience.

• Visit the nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office 
• Submit the following documents 
• Your 13-digit barcode identity card ( ID)

If you don’t have an ID, then follow the following procedure. 

• Fill out the special SASSA affidavit form in front of a commissioner of oath (not be a SASSA worker)
• Bring a statement signed by someone trusted, like(a councillor, minister or school principal ) who confirms your name or age.    
• SASSA will take your fingerprints 
• They will send you to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for an ID. 
• Your grant may be stopped if you don’t get your ID in time.      
• Document of marital status, if necessary
• Proof your residence where you live 
• Proof of your income or money you received 
• Proof of your property or other assets, if any
• Proof of private pension, if any 
• Evidence of the last three months of bank statements
• Discharge certificate from your previous employer if you were employed 
• Unemployment insurance fund (UIF) document (blue book )if you’re unemployed )
• If your spouse passed away in the last 5 years, then bring a copy of the will

Note:  if you’re sick, too old or unable to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply and apply on your behalf. They bring a letter from you and your doctor’s note saying why you are unable to visit the office. 

• Complete all your application forms in the presence of a SASSA officer. But it is important to remember that only you, as an applicant or a SAASA official, can complete the application.
• After interviewing, the officer will tell you whether you are eligible for the grant or not. 

How long does the Application Process Take after Applying?

Once you submit your application, it typically takes 3 months to process. If your grant is approved, you will get the cash on the day you apply for the grant. 

What If your Application was Cancelled or Rejected?

After applying, SASSA Status check team will send you an official letter whether your application was approved or not, the letter will briefly explain the reason why your application was rejected. 

You can also appeal by writing a letter to the minister of social development at the National Department of Social Development if you don’t agree with the decision.  Explain the reasons why you should get the grant.

Are There Any Other Reasons Why grant Gets lapse or be stopped?

The grant will lapse if any of the following happens 

• You pass away 
• Take care by state institution 
• Don’t collect your grant for consecutive 3 months 
• Out of country for a long time 

If you are taking care of an institution that has a contract with the government, your grant will be reduced to 25% of the full amount. 

The amount will be deducted from the fourth month after you are admitted. The reduced amount will be a full grant start again, if you leave the institution. 

What are the Reasons Behind the Suspension of the Grant?

Your SASSA grant will be suspended due to the following reasons 

• If your lifestyle  changed as you  started earning more money  
• The outcome of the grant review 
• If you don’t cooperate when the grant is checked 
• Lie or give false application 
• If there was any mistake when your grant was approved 

What is the Service Fee or Any Cost Applicable?

This service is free; no hidden fees or service fee is required for application. Now apply for a SASSA old age pension grant for free. 

Does SASSA Conduct Any Review after the Grant Application?

SASSA can conduct a review at any time after the grant application.  Before your grant is going to be previewed, SASSA will send a letter there months before the review. Or before your life certificate is due. They will check your income status, as you mentioned when you first applied. 

How Would You Like to Receive the Payment for Your Grant?

The SASSA will pay the grant with the following method as mentioned :

• Get cash at a specific pay point on a specific day. 
• Electronics payment deposit in your bank account (bank may charge a fee for this service )
• Payment may be sent to institutions not funded by the government, such as special care facilities for individuals with disabilities. 

If you are too old or unable to travel to collect your grant money yourself, you can easily appoint a protector from the SASSA office or give your power of attorney to your close one to collect the grant on your behalf.

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