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.

Who Qualifies For SASSA Old Age Grant

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

  • Hold South African citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status
  • Reside within the borders of South Africa.
  • Attain the age of 60 or older.
  • Not currently residing in a state institution.
  • Not receiving payments from another social grant.
  • Ensure your spouse complies with the means test.
  • Your income should not exceed R86,280 for individuals or R172,560 for married couples. Additionally, your assets should not surpass R1,227,600 if you’re single or R2,455,200 if you’re married

Document Required for Older Persons Grant

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

  • Your identity document and that of your spouse. If you don’t have an ID, here’s what you need to do
  • Complete an affidavit using the standard SASSA form with a Commissioner of Oaths present, but not a SASSA representative. They will give you the form without any difficulty.
  • Obtain a sworn statement from a reliable source (such as a counselor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) to confirm your name and age.
  • Let the SASSA official take your fingerprints. While they are processing your application, you will go to the Department of Home Affairs to resolve the issue with your missing ID. Be aware that if there are any problems with getting the ID, your grant will be temporarily put on hold. Top of Form

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

sassa old age grant
  • Proof of spousal relationship status, which can be demonstrated through
  • A sworn statement or affidavit
  • Divorce Order
  • Marriage certificate
  • Spouse’s death certificate
  • A sworn statement or affidavit detailing the income and assets of both you and your spouse.
  • Evidence of your individual retirement fund (if applicable).
  • Bank transactions for the past three months.
  • Any additional supporting documents necessary to substantiate your income and assets. For spousal relationships, include documents confirming your spouse’s income and assets.
  • Documented proof of the income of dependent children.

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.

Procedure to Apply For the SASSA Old Age Grant

submit an Application

You may submit an application for the senior citizen subsidy at the closest SASSA branch by completing the necessary paperwork.

Visit the office

If you are incapable of visiting the office due to age or illness to request a grant, a friend or relative has the ability to do so on your behalf.

Sassa Representative

During the process of filling out your grant application form, a representative from SASSA will be present.

SASSA Officer

If you’re incapable of filling out the application form by yourself, a SASSA officer is obligated to assist you.

Verified Receipt

Upon completion of your application, a receipt stamped with the date and the name of the SASSA officer who aided you will be provided to you. This receipt is important, as it serves as your sole evidence of application

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.

What to do if SASSA Old Age Grant Application is not Approved?

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.

Time required for the Submission of SASSA old persons Grant Application

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.

Understanding SASSA Old Age Grant Payment Method

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.

get sassa old age grant through bank

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

sassa old age grant through boxer


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.

get Sassa old age grant through pick and pay

SASSA Old Age Grant Balance Check

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:

USSD Code

Dial 1203210# or 12069277# from your cellphone to access your grant balance swiftly.

ATM

You can also check your balance through ATM. Note that standard bank charges may apply.

WhatsApp

Utilize the SASSA WhatsApp number at 082 046 8553 for a convenient way to check your balance.

Official Website

You can visit the SASSA official website to access your grant balance information online.

Call Center

Dial the SASSA call center toll-free number at 0800 601 011 to inquire about your balance over the phone.

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

SASSA Grant Review

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.

SASSA Old Age Grant Suspension

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

  • Changes in your financial situation
  • Outcomes of a routine review
  • Non-cooperation during a review
  • Providing false information (fraud or misrepresentation)
  • Approval of the grant in error
  • Non-collection of the grant for three consecutive months
  • Absence from the Republic for more than 90 days
  • Being aware of these factors helps ensure the continued support of your grant.

Restoration of SASSA Grant

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

  • The last day of the month when the grant recipient dies
  • Entry into a publicly funded institution (such as a prison, state-supported old age home, or recovery center)
  • Being out of the Republic for more than 90 days.
  • Six months following admission to a mental hospital, with ongoing residency

Duties of Grant Recipients

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. 

Restoration of the Grant

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.

Primary Reasons for Grant Lapse

Your old age grant faces lapsing under several circumstances:

Decease

If you pass away, the grant will naturally conclude

Failure to Confirm Vitality

Inability to provide proof of being alive during the annual review may result in grant termination.

Non-Collection of Payments

If your grant payments go uncollected for three consecutive months, you can reapply; however, if it extends beyond 90 days, a new application is necessary

Admission to a State Institution

Admission to a fully government-funded institution, such as a hospital or jail, leads to grant cessation.

Extended Overseas Stay

Being out of the country for more than 90 days without notice can result in grant discontinuation.

 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.

Fraud Prevention: SASSA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent activities, ensuring the integrity of the grant system.

Responsibility of Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries play a crucial role in keeping SASSA informed about changes in personal and financial circumstances, as well as any alterations to physical or postal addresses.

What is Means Test

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.

Conclusion

SASSA Old Age Grant is an essential source of support for elderly citizens of South Africa, offering monetary aid to individuals who comply with certain eligibility criteria. Everything from the detailed application procedure to payment options, beneficiaries need to be well-informed and proactive. The means test, a fundamental aspect of the program, assures that the grant assists those who are truly in need. However, the duty also falls on beneficiaries to notify any changes if needed, and cooperate with evaluation procedures. Acknowledging reasons for potential grant suspension and available remedies highlights the need for teamwork to uphold this vital social safety network.