Here’s how you can qualify for a SASSA Older Persons grant

The SASSA Older Persons grant, formerly known as the old age pension, is available to qualifying people aged 60 and older who need financial assistance during retirement.

But reaching the age requirement does not automatically mean an applicant will receive the grant.

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Who qualifies for the Older Persons Grant?

Applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee
• Live in South Africa
• Be 60 years or older
• Not receive another social grant for themselves
• Not be cared for in a state institution
• Pass the SASSA means test, which assesses income and assets

According to the SASSA criteria, applicants must not earn more than R86 280 a year if single (R7 190 a month) or R172 560 a year if married.

Their assets must also not exceed R1 227 600 if single or R2 455 200 if married.

How much is the Older Persons Grant?

The maximum Older Persons Grant is R2 400 per month.

People aged 75 and older receive a slightly higher amount of R2 420 per month.

How will SASSA pay the grant?

Beneficiaries can receive their money through:

• Cash at a designated pay point on a specified day
• Electronic payment into a bank or Postbank account
• An institution, such as an old-age home

If a beneficiary cannot collect the money personally, they can appoint a procurator through SASSA or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on their behalf.

Can SASSA review or suspend the grant?

Yes.

SASSA can review a beneficiary’s grant based on the income and circumstances declared when the application was made.

Beneficiaries should receive notification ahead of a review or when a life certificate is required.

A grant can be suspended if a beneficiary’s circumstances change, they fail to cooperate with a review, commit fraud or misrepresent information, or if the grant was approved in error.

The grant can lapse if the beneficiary dies, is admitted to a state institution, does not claim the grant for three consecutive months or leaves South Africa.

If a beneficiary is admitted to an institution that has a contract with the state to care for them, the grant can be reduced to 25% of the maximum amount from the fourth month following admission. The full grant is reinstated when the beneficiary is discharged.

How to apply for the Older Persons Grant

Applicants should visit their nearest SASSA office and complete the application in the presence of a SASSA official.

Applicants should take supporting documents, including:

• Their 13-digit bar-coded identity document
• Proof of marital status, where applicable
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income and dividends, if applicable
• Proof of assets, including the value of property owned
• Proof of any private pension
• Bank statements for the previous three months
• Proof of UIF membership or a discharge certificate from a previous employer, if applicable
• If a spouse died within the previous five years, relevant documents including the will and liquidation and distribution accounts, where applicable

People who are too old or sick to travel to a SASSA office can have a family member or friend apply on their behalf.

A letter from the applicant or a doctor’s note explaining why they cannot visit the office should be provided.

The SASSA official will conduct an interview and inform the applicant whether they qualify.

Applicants should keep the receipt issued by SASSA as proof that they submitted an application.

What if your application is rejected?

If SASSA does not approve an application, the applicant must be informed in writing of the reasons.

Anyone who disagrees with the decision can appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

The appeal must be lodged within 90 days of being notified that the application was unsuccessful.

How long does the application take?

SASSA says an application can take up to three months to process.

If the application is approved, payments are made from the date on which the application was submitted.

There is no charge to apply for the Older Persons Grant.

Applicants should use official SASSA channels for assistance and should be wary of anyone asking for money to process an application.