‘Need money to survive’: Jobseekers in their fifties plead for SASSA support

Unemployed South Africans in their mid-to-late fifties say they are trapped in a gap the grant system does not cover: too old to find work, but too young for the Old Age Grant.

The issue surfaced on The South African’s Facebook page during a discussion about the SASSA Older Persons Grant.

‘Can’t get jobs or part time’

Paulas David Greyvenstein asked the question many in his age group quietly wonder about.

“Good day I would like to ask why old person pension only starts at 60 years there’s so many that are 55 to 58 can’t get jobs or part time and need money to survive,” he wrote.

His concern reflects a harsh reality in South Africa’s job market. Older jobseekers who lose work in their fifties often struggle to re-enter employment, as employers favour younger candidates and retrenched workers find their skills overlooked. Many have no retirement savings to fall back on.

‘It’s not a retirement plan’

Umzinyathi Foundation offered a different view on what the grant is meant to do.

“It’s not a retirement plan but an old age grant…” the organisation wrote.

The point highlights an important distinction. The Older Persons Grant is a means-tested safety net for those aged 60 and older, not a pension that people pay into during their working lives. South Africa does not currently offer a state-funded early-retirement option.

The qualifying age has, however, changed before. Men previously had to wait until 65, while women qualified at 60. Government phased in equalisation between 2008 and 2010, bringing men’s qualifying age down to 60.

What options exist before 60?

People aged 18 to 59 who are unemployed and have little or no income may apply for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which pays R370 a month. Applicants must pass an income test, and SASSA reviews eligibility monthly.

Those with a medically confirmed disability that prevents them from working may qualify for the Disability Grant, which pays R2 400 a month, the same as the Old Age Grant.

Once applicants turn 60, they may apply for the Older Persons Grant at a SASSA office. They must be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees, and pass the means test.

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