SASSA Old Age Grant-Application Eligibility & Key Considerations

The Old Age Grant, otherwise known as Old Age Pension, is a socio-economic scheme set up to provide monetary help to people aged 60 and above in South Africa. The objective of this program is to aid individuals who lack a steady income stream and are incapable of working.

To qualify for the Old Age Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

When applying for an older person’s grant, make sure to include the following original documents or certified copies:

If these are unavailable, SASSA will provide an affidavit for completion.

If you had a job, bring along the ‘blue book’ or a discharge certificate from your previous employer to show the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) details. If your partner passed away within the past five years, you’re required to provide a duplicate of their death certificate, their last will, and the initial and final settlement and distribution documents, if relevant.

When affidavits are required, SASSA will provide the necessary forms for completion.

Related Topics

Applying for this grant does not require any monetary payment on your part.
If your application is successful, you will be notified in a written form.

If SASSA decline your application, they will notify you by mail. The notification letter will contain the reasons of declination.
If you are dissatisfied with this decision, you can ask SASSA to review their decision. This reconsideration request should be based on your application’s result. If the reviewed decision is not in your favor, you still have the right to challenge this decision by writing to the Minister of Social Development.

It may take up to three months for your application to be thoroughly processed. Rest assured that, once approved, the funds will begin flowing from the date of your application. If SASSA decides to deny your application, they’ll kindly provide you with a detailed letter explaining the reasons for this decision and guide you on how to appeal within a 90-day period. Stay alert and prepared for changes though, SASSA reserves the right to halt your grant if you pass away, are admitted to a state institution, or your finances improve significantly. Always make sure to update them about any shifts in your situation.

When it comes to receiving your SASSA R350 grant, there are a number of options available. Here are some of the alternatives you have for collecting your SRD grant.

Bank Account

SASSA highly recommends beneficiaries to choose their own bank accounts as it is the most convenient method. After applying and choosing this method, provide your banking details during the application. This makes the payment process simpler, letting you withdraw your R350 instantly after the payment at any ATM. Make sure to provide your personal bank account details for a smooth transaction.
You can also Change Banking Details facility to specify your bank account for your own convenience. You can manage your funds through various banks, including PostBank, Capitec Bank, Investec Bank, and Standard Bank of South Africa.

CashSend Services

If you do not have a bank account, CashSend services provide a great alternative. You can access their grant money with your ID number and phone number. Your cell phone number, which must be registered and associated with your name, will be used by SASSA to verify the correct beneficiary.

Postal Service Offices (SAPO/Post Bank)

You can pick-up your grant payment in cash at any Postal Service Office. Please bring your ID and Application ID to expedite the process. This method may be favorable to those who prefer to handle physical cash and can conveniently access a Postal Service branch.

Mobile Banking Money Transfer

Funds can be electronically transferred and directly deposited into your mobile banking applications, like the Moya App. This is a safe and hassle-free option for those who prefer managing finances digitally, as it negates the need for physical cash transactions.

Boxer Retail Stores

Contact your nearby Boxer Retail Store for information regarding their SASSA payment services and retrieval procedures. This offers a practical alternative for beneficiaries, particularly those close to these stores.

Pick-N-Pay

Explore if your nearby Pick-N-Pay store offers SASSA payment services for grant collections. With Pick-N-Pay’s widespread presence, accessing this service becomes easy, streamlining the overall collection process.

Stay in the loop with your grant finances using the SASSA balance check service. Once your old age pension application gets the green light, and you’re on the receiving end of grant payments, it’s crucial to keep tabs on your balance. Here’s how you can conveniently check your remaining balance:

Regularly checking your grant balance empowers you to manage your finances effectively and make well-informed decisions regarding your grant money.

When you apply for a grant, it is essential to fully disclose all income and assets since this data is used to set the frequency of future reviews. If you do not supply the required documents during the review stage, your grant may be suspended.

Reviews are carried out to ensure ongoing adherence to the grant’s conditions and verify your continued eligibility. The procedure verifies that your situation has remained the same since your first application or the previous review, and in some cases, a Life Certificate is utilized to confirm your ongoing existence.
SASSA is bound to inform you in writing at least three months prior to the review, specifying the location, schedule, and potential consequences of the review. Home visits are arranged for beneficiaries who are bedridden, and once the process concludes, you should be given a compliance receipt.

It’s crucial to note that keeping SASSA informed of any change of address is your responsibility. Official correspondence from SASSA is sent to the last known address on file, emphasising the importance of maintaining updated contact information.

For those receiving grant payments through a bank, procurator, or institution, an annual submission of a life certificate to the SASSA office is required. In cases where bedridden individuals are unable to visit the office, SASSA officials conduct a review at the beneficiary’s home. Upon completion, a compliance receipt is issued.

Refugee applicants undergo a review process once their refugee status has expired, ensuring the continuity of their grant. This systematic approach guarantees the verification of eligibility for ongoing support.

Your grant may be put on hold due to various reasons:

An application must be filed within 90 days of the discontinuation in order to reinstate a grant.
Key Causes for Grant Discontinuation:

Recipients have a significant responsibility in keeping SASSA up-to-date about modifications in personal and financial situations, as well as changes in physical or mailing addresses.
Avoidance of Fraud,
SASSA adopts a strict non-acceptance policy towards deceitful actions, safeguarding the honesty of the grant system. 

If you believe there’s been an error regarding your grant suspension or if you don’t agree with the decision made by SASSA, you have the right to make an appeal to the Ministry of Social Development within the National Department of Social Development. Remember to file your appeal within 90 days following the grant suspension.

Your old age grant faces lapsing under several circumstances:

 If you are admitted to a state institution for over four months, your grant amount reduces to 25%, with a return to the maximum upon discharge.

In South Africa, the distribution of social aid relies on a process known as means testing, carried out by SASSA, in which the applicant’s financial status and properties are evaluated. This assessment determines if the person’s financial capacity falls under a preset limit, thus determining their qualification for a social fund.

The means test plays a significant role in ensuring that social help is targeted towards those who lack enough resources for their maintenance. For applicants tied in matrimony, the means test factors in half of total annual earnings of the couple. Although house ownership details are documented, living in a property you own doesn’t affect the means test.