Old Age Grant, also known as Old Age Pension, is a South African social welfare program that provides financial aid to elderly South Africans who have reached 60 and are without income.
SASSA administers this grant, specifically for South Africans, refugees, and permanent residents. Eligibility for a pension for old age is determined through a means test, which examines the applicant’s income and assets. After the grant has been approved, recipients will receive monthly payments.
How to apply for the SASSA Old Age Grant?
Fill out the SASSA Old Age Grant application at your closest SASSA branch or, if you prefer to apply online via the SASSA Services website, follow the instructions. If you’re too old, you can ask a trusted family member or friend to apply for you. They should have a note from your doctor explaining why you won’t be able to attend the SASSA offices.
If you are eligible for the grant, you will receive an email from SASSA after the interview. You will receive a dated stamped receipt after completing your application. This receipt includes the application number.
Required documents to apply for Elderly Grant
When applying for the Older Persons Grant, you must bring the following (originals or certified copies) to the SASSA Office:
- The original barcode 13-digit ID document (identity card). If you do not have an ID,
- SASSA officials will give you the SASSA form or you can Download the SASSA Affidavit here.
- A sworn declaration signed by someone with an excellent reputation is required. This person can be a social worker, counselor, leader of a traditional group, religious minister, or school principal.
- SASSA takes your fingerprints to process your request. SASSA sends you to the Department of Home Affairs for ID when processing your application. SASSA suspends your application if the ID is not provided.
- Please provide proof of your marriage status (if applicable).
- Marriage certificate: If you’re married
- Divorce Order: If the marriage is dissolved
- Your current address as proof
- Prove your stock and dividends. (If you’re married, this will apply to both of you)
- Prove your assets and the value of any property that you own.
- Your pension proof
- Statement of your bank account for the past 3 months.
- If you have previously worked, please provide proof of membership to Unemployment Insurance (UIF), also known as “Blue Book”, or a certificate of discharge issued by your previous employer.
- If your spouse died within the last 5 years, please provide the death certificate of your spouse, their final will, and the liquidation accounts.
Process Time to Apply for SASSA Grants for Older People
It takes approximately 3 months for applications to be processed. Payments will begin after your application has been approved. After your grant application has been approved and the application processing completed, all payments will start from the day you submitted. If your application is rejected, SASSA sends a rejection letter explaining why your grant application was not approved.
Factors that affect the SASSA old age grant eligibility criteria:
You must meet these criteria before you can apply for the grant.
- To be eligible, you must be a South African national or permanent resident.
- South Africans should live in South Africa.
- No other social grants are allowed.
- The minimum age to be eligible for this program is 60.
- It is not possible to live in a state station.
- Both you and your spouse must comply with the test of means.
- If you are single, your annual income must not be more than R96840 (8 070 R per month). Married individuals must limit their combined earnings to R193680 (R16140 monthly).
- Your assets combined should not surpass R2 745600 if married.
SASSA Aged Grant Balance Check
Once your application for old-age pension is approved and you begin receiving grants, regularly checking your account balance may be necessary.
- Dial the USSD codes *120*3210# and *120*69277# from your mobile
- Use any ATM to withdraw cash (normal charges will apply)
- via SASSA WhatsApp number 022 046 855
- SASSA Official Website
- Calling the SASSA toll-free call center 0800 651 011
Review of the SASSA Old Age Grant
SASSA has the right to review the old age grant you received based on your income declared when you applied. These reviews will ensure you meet the grant criteria and that your situation has not changed. To make this review easier, keep up-to-date with your application whenever you change your circumstances.
SASSA sends you a notice in writing before three months or until your certificate of life (proof you’re still alive) is due. In the written statement, SASSA also explains the time and place for the review. You will receive a receipt for compliance once the SASSA review has been completed.
Once the refugee status of applicants has expired, a review will be carried out.
