‘I appealed but no feedback’: 70-year-old pensioner left waiting on SASSA

Herman Nell, a 70-year-old older persons grant recipient, says SASSA pays him a fraction of the full monthly amount, and his appeal has gone unanswered.

Nell shared his experience in the comments section of The South African’s Facebook page, where grant recipients reacted to a post about older persons grant amounts.

“I am 70 years old, and my old-age pension is only R508 per month. I appealed, but no feedback,” Nell wrote.

R508 against a R2 400 maximum

SASSA currently pays a maximum of R2 400 per month to older persons aged 60 older, following the April 2026 increase. Nell’s payment amounts to roughly a fifth of the maximum for his age group.

Older persons grants are means-tested. SASSA assesses an applicant’s income and assets, including a spouse’s where applicable, and may approve a reduced grant rather than the full amount.

Nell’s post drew mixed reactions. Joan Vandermerwe replied: “I think it has to do with your age.”

Appeals can stall without follow-up

Nell’s experience echoes that of other grant recipients who say they lodged complaints or appeals and never heard back.

Applicants who disagree with a SASSA decision may first ask SASSA to reconsider. If they remain unhappy, they may lodge an appeal with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals through the Department of Social Development, generally within 90 days of being notified of the decision.

Grant recipients who receive no response can follow up through the SASSA toll-free call centre on 0800 60 10 11 or visit their nearest SASSA office with their appeal reference number.

What pensioners can do now

Recipients who suspect an incorrect amount should request written reasons for the reduction in the grant. That document shows which income or assets SASSA counted.

They should also keep copies of every form submitted, note the date and the name of the official who assisted them, and always ask for a reference number.

Where personal circumstances change, such as a drop in income or the loss of a spouse’s earnings, recipients can ask SASSA to review the grant amount.

For pensioners like Nell, the wait carries a real cost. Each month without an answer means another month living on R508.

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