Hopeful pensioner caught between joblessness and SASSA rejection

A Western Cape woman says she is still trying to understand why SASSA turned down her application as she works through the process of applying for the Older Person’s Grant.

The woman is unemployed and looking for work. She rents privately and supports one to two people at home.

She told The South African that she regularly struggles to make ends meet. Unemployment is now her biggest financial worry.

Her comment to The South African summed up where she stands:

“I don’t have a SASSA grant now.”

The question SASSA has not answered for this applicant

Asked about her biggest challenge with SASSA, she pointed to one issue: understanding why her application was rejected.

Even so, she rates SASSA’s communication with recipients as very good. She has not qualified for any other form of government support. If she could change one thing about SASSA, she would increase the grant amount.

The Older Person’s Grant pays R2 400 a month from April 2026. To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees living in South Africa, be aged 60 or older, and pass SASSA’s income and assets means test.

What rejected applicants can do

A declined application does not have to be the end of the road. SASSA must notify applicants in writing and explain the reasons for a refusal. Applicants who disagree can ask the agency to reconsider its decision or lodge an appeal with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals, generally within 90 days of receiving the decision.

Applicants should keep their rejection letter and gather supporting documents, such as bank statements, before visiting their nearest office.

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