SASSA Older Persons Grant Application and Requirements Get the details about SASSA Older Persons Grant Application and Requirements.
What is SASSA Older Persons Grant
An older person’s grant is paid to people who are 60 years or older. This grant used to be called the old age pension. How do you know if you qualify? You must: be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
Who Qualifies for the SASSA Older Persons Grant?
To qualify for the SASSA Older Persons grant, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 60 years or older.
- Not receiving any other pension or social grant.
- Not have an income or combined income with their spouse that exceeds the grant threshold.
- Not cared for in a state institution.
Required Documents for SASSA Older Persons grant application
The applicant will be required to submit the following documents when applying:
- Certified copy of applicants’ identity document.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s spouse identity document (if married).
- Certified copy of spousal connection or marital status documentation, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate.
- If it is impossible to obtain evidence of the spouse relationship, SASSA may accept an affidavit in its place.
- Income documentation if means are declared.
- An affidavit required by SASSA may be accepted if no income is stated.
- Verified banking details.
The grant amount is currently R2 010 per month for the elderly who are 75 years and above and R1 990 monthly for the elderly who are between 60 and 75. The grant amount may be adjusted annually based on inflation.
The grant is paid directly into the beneficiary’s bank account or onto a SASSA-approved payment card.
How to Apply for the SASSA Older Persons Grant?
- Visit the SASSA Office: Go to your nearest SASSA office.
- Ask for a Grant Representative: Request to speak with a grant representative or official.
- Request Application Form: Ask for the Older Persons Grant application form.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide all necessary documents, including your ID or Smart ID Card, proof of marital status (if applicable), and proof of income/assets (if any).
- Interview: You may be interviewed by a SASSA official to verify your eligibility.
- Wait for Processing: Wait for SASSA to process your application. This may take some time.
- Notification: You will receive a notification regarding the status of your application.
- Collect Grant: If approved, follow the instructions to collect your Older Persons Grant.
- Renewal: Be aware of the grant renewal process, as grants may need to be renewed periodically.
When Does the Elderly Grant Lapse?
The elderly grant expires:
- On the final day of the month you passed away.
- If you are away from the republic for more than 90 days.
- If you are admitted into a state-funded institution (jail, nursing home, or rehabilitation facility).
- If you are still being treated in a mental hospital six months after the date of your admission.
Methods of Payment
Beneficiaries may obtain their funds using one of the following payment methods:
- At the appropriate pay stations that issue cash payments such as retailers (Boxer, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, etc.)
- Banks, including Post Bank (at the Post Office).
- Institutions
Beneficiaries are allowed to choose someone they trust to collect the grant on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves.
What is the Means Test for an Older Persons Grant?
For the eligibility of the Older Persons grant, one should pass the Sassa Means test which is a test for the evaluation of assets and monthly income. So here are the details of this test requirement.
- Income Limits: If you are single then your qualified income limit is R97 320 per year. However, if you are married then your limit is R97 320 per year.
- Assets Limits: Married applicants should not have assets more than the value of R2 758 800. And for single applicants, the limit for the value of the assets is R1 379 400.
Suspension of the Old Age Grant
The following reasons could lead to the suspension of your grant:
- Alterations to your financial circumstances.
- Results of a review.
- Refusing to cooperate when your grant is being evaluated.
- Supplying incorrect information
- if there was an error in the grant’s approval.
- If you missed three consecutive months of receiving the money.
- if you have been out of the country for more than 90 days.
Within 90 days of the grant’s suspension, you can submit an application for its restoration.
