Are you looking for financial assistance for elderly citizens? If so, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has a dedicated program known as the Old Age Grant, specifically designed to provide financial support to eligible individuals who have reached a certain age. You can apply for the SASSA old age grant to get the support you deserve.
This guide will explore in-depth what the SASSA Old Age Grant is, its eligibility requirements, and application procedure, and also discuss how you can check the SASSA Old Age Grant balance. Therefore, continue reading to comprehensively understand SASSA’s old age grants and other requirements.
SASSA Old Age Grant
What is the SASSA Old Age grant? SASSA is a South African government agency responsible for offering financial support to citizens in the form of social grants. SASSA’s Old Age grant is also a part of its social assistance program.
Securing financial stability can be quite challenging, especially for South African elderly citizens aged 60 and above, who often encounter barriers to employment due to health concerns and related issues. The SASSA Old Age grant program serves as a lifeline for elderly citizens who cannot participate in the workforce. At present, more than 3.5 million elderly individuals benefit from the Older Person’s Grant, which makes it one of the most expansive social grant programs in South Africa.
Furthermore, the grant serves as a modest yet essential source of income, offering support for fundamental needs like food, clothing, transportation, and medical care. The following are the important information and instructions you need to know about the SASSA Old Age grant:
How Can You Qualify For The SASSA Old Age Grant?
To successfully apply for the SASSA Old Age grant, you must first meet their basic eligibility criteria. It is necessary to fulfill all the requirements; otherwise, your application will not considered. Therefore, read the following criteria set by SASSA to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria:
- The applicant must either be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee.
- You must reside in South Africa.
- The applicant must be aged 60 or older.
- You must NOT be receiving any other social grant for yourself.
- The applicant must NOT be residing or receiving care in a state-funded institution, including a prison, rehabilitation center, or state old age home.
- You and your spouse must satisfy the criteria of the mean test.
- Single applicants should have an annual income not exceeding R86,280.
- Meanwhile, married applicants should have a combined annual income equal to R172,560.
- Single applicants must have assets below the value of R1,227,600.
- If married, your income must not exceed R2,455,200. This calculation does not include important assets like the main home and one vehicle.
What Documents Are Needed for the SASSA Old Age Grant?
When applying for the SASSA Old Age grant, you must submit certain documents along with your application. These relevant documents are mentioned below:
- The applicant must submit their ID documents and that of their spouse. However, if these documents are unavailable for some reason, SASSA will provide an affidavit for completion.
- Evidence of marital relationship. The following documents will be accepted:
- An affidavit or sworn statement
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce order
- Spouse’s death certificate
- A sworn statement or affidavit detailing the income and assets of both yourself and your spouse.
- Applicant’s bank statement from the last three months. These statements should reflect the current financial status and stability of the applicant.
- Proof of residence.
Application Procedure For SASSA Old Age Grant
Now that the application preparation is complete let me tell you how you can apply for the SASSA Old Age grant. Unfortunately, the application forms for the SASSA Old Age grant are not available online, but you can obtain them at your nearest SASSA office. Follow the provided instructions mentioned below;
Step 1: Go to the Nearest SASSA Office
The first step is to find an SASSA office near your home. You must submit your application in person by personally visiting the SASSA office. In addition, you can locate the SASSA office near you through their official website or call the SASSA helpline for assistance.
However, if you are unable to travel to the office due to age or illness to apply for a grant, a family member or friend can submit the application on your behalf. Moreover, when you visit the SASSA office, you must bring along the documents mentioned above.
Step 2: Request For an Application Form
Next, ask for an application form for the Older Person’s Grant. Fill out the form and ensure that all sections are answered clearly and accurately.
An officer from SASSA will assist you in completing your application form. If you face any problem while completing the application form, you can ask for guidance from the SASSA officer.
Step 3: Submit Application
Once you submit your application, SASSA staff will give you a receipt stamped with the date and name of the officer who guided you. The applicant must keep the receipt as it is your sole proof of application.
Step 4: Wait for the SASSA Decision
After successfully applying for the Old Age grant, you must now wait for the SASSA decision. SASSA will notify you of the approval or denial of your application, depending on whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Additional information may be requested if necessary.
Furthermore, if your application is rejected and you are unsatisfied with the reason, you can ask SASSA for reconsideration. The appeal to SASSA for reconsideration must be based on the outcome of your application.
How Are The Payment Processed?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disburses grants using different methods. The methods are as follows:
- Cash at a designated paypoint on a specified day.
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (please note that bank may charge for this service).
- Payment to institutions (old age homes, etc.).
In addition, if you can’t collect the money personally, you can designate a procurator at the SASSA office or authorize someone with power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf. You can choose whichever method appeals to you.
When Could Your Grant Face Suspension?
Grant suspension can occur under various circumstances, and it is necessary to be aware of the conditions that may lead to such actions by SASSA. The suspension of your grant may occur due to the following reasons:
- When the applicant’s circumstances change.
- If you do not cooperate during the review of your grant.
- Committing fraud or misrepresentation.
- If an error occurred during the approval of your grant.
- The result of a review.
Moreover, keep in mind that the SASSA Old Age grants will also expire. The grant will expire when you:
- Deceased
- Are admitted to a state institution
- Do not make a claim for three consecutive months
- Stay absent from the country
Old Age Pension Date
As per the minister’s announcement, the overall amount allocated to beneficiaries will surpass the budgetary allocation for this fiscal year. In 2023-2024, SASSA’s Old Age Pension payout is split into two segments based on the recipient’s age.
Starting from October 1, 2023, the Old Age Grant will provide R2,090 to recipients aged 60 to 74, marking an increase from the previous amount of R2,080. Simultaneously, the SASSA Older Person Grant, previously set at R2,100, will now disburse R2,110 to seniors aged 75 and above as of the same date.
Typically, grants are distributed on any date within the initial five days of a month. If uncertain about the specific days, consider making transactions after the fifth day. Moreover, the disbursement for September is set for 5 September 2023.
SASSA Old Age Grant Balance Check
The SASSA balance-check service enables you to verify the remaining balance of your grant. Utilize this server to monitor the remaining balance of your grant, ensuring constant awareness of your funds. Regularly checking your balance empowers you to manage your finances effectively and make informed choices about your grant funds.
Once your application is approved and you begin receiving grant payments, you need to check your balance regularly. You can check the SASSA Old Age grant balance by following the provided instructions:
- The first method you can use to check the SASSA Old Age grant balance is through the USSD code. Dial the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your mobile phone.
- Use WhatsApp to check your SASSA balance. Turn on your mobile phone and click the WhatsApp icon. Just send a message to 082 046 8553, and you will receive an SMS displaying your current balance.
- Visit the SASSA official website. On the website, you can find the option to check your balance by logging into your account.
- Checking your balance is also possible at any ATM. Additionally, keep in mind that regular bank charges may apply.
Alternatively, you can contact the SASSA call center toll-free at 0800 601 011. Inform the customer service representative that you wish to check your balance and provide any required details. They will guide you throughout the process.
FAQs
How do I check my SASSA Old Age grant balance?
You can check your SASSA balance using different methods. Dial USSD codes either 1203210# or 12069277# on your mobile phone, or you can also send a message to 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp to check the balance.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, SASSA offers different social assistance programs, and the Old Age grant is one of them. SASSA Old Age grant provides financial assistance to the elderly citizens of South Africa. Thoroughly read the instructions mentioned in this guide to apply for the SASSA Old Age grant successfully.
