HOW to make a flawless SASSA Old-Age Grant application

A SASSA Old-Age Grant application is easier when you arrive with the right documents, understand the means/asset test and provide accurate financial information throughout. Missing paperwork or incomplete declarations can delay approval by months and cause a lot of consternation travelling back and forth to SASSA offices.

Furthermore, with the agency tightening reviews and life-certification checks to protect public funds, getting your application right first time is more important than ever. Even the Auditor-General has highlighted weaknesses in the grant payment system, including payments still going to deceased beneficiaries.

SASSA OLD-AGE GRANT APPLICATION

As regular readers of The South African know, the agency verifies beneficiary information monthly with other government departments and financial institutions. Therefore, anyone misrepresenting themselves in their SASSA Old-Age Grant application are unlikely to get away with it like they once might have done.

As such, first-time applicants must be at least 60 years of age, live in South Africa and be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees. They must also meet the means test, not be receiving another social grant for themselves and not be cared for in a state institution. The eligibility limits are:

• Single applicants: Less than R9 350 per month, or R112 200 annually.
• Married applicants: Combined income below R18 700 per month, or R224 400 annually.
• Assets: No more than R1 584 000 for a single applicant or R3 168 000 for a married applicant.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST YOU TAKE?

Visit your nearest SASSA office with your original documents and copies of the following:

• Your South African ID booklet or Smart ID card.
• Three months of bank statements (up to date).
• Proof of marital status, including a marriage or divorce certificate, where applicable.
• A recent proof of residence.
• Documents showing income, dividends and other financial interests.
• Details and valuations of property and other assets.
• Proof of any private pension.
• Your UIF membership book or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
• If your spouse died within the past five years, their death certificate, will and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts, where applicable.
• The application is FREE. Complete it with a SASSA official and keep the dated receipt as proof of submission.

HOW LONG DOES SASSA OLD-AGE GRANT APPLICATION APPROVAL TAKE?

Allow up to three months for processing. If approved, payments are backdated to the date you applied, meaning you should receive a first tranche of up-to three months’ worth.

The easiest way to avoid delays is to ensure every document is current, legible and consistent with the information on your application.

Existing beneficiaries selected for review may also be required to complete eLife certification and biometric verification through the SASSA Services Portal HERE. This online process can save a trip to an office, although technical problems have previously disrupted access.

If you are too old or ill to attend an office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. Take a letter authorising them and a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot travel.

For further assistance contact SASSA:

• Call: 0800 601 011
• Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za

And always respond promptly to any SASSA review notification.

But what do you think? Have you had a smooth experience with your SASSA Old-Age Grant application? If so, or if not, please share your thoughts in the comments section below …