Why now's the best time for SASSA old age grants in South Africa - SAPeople

We list the reasons why now is a great time to secure your SASSA old age grants in South Africa if you’re over 60. Image: File/Fotor

The cost of living in Mzansi is climbing and if you’re over 60, you are eligible for SASSA old age grants in South Africa.

Of course, there are other qualifying criteria, which we will explain below.

However, the South African Social Security Agency in charge of disbursing state pensions is paying out more from this month onwards.

Here’s more …

SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Thankfully, SASSA old-age grants in South Africa enjoy an increase this month (April 2024).

Due for payment tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 April) the state pension will be increased to R2 180 (over 60) and R2 200 (over 75) this week.

That is a R90 increase for South Africa’s old age citizens.

And this will be followed by another R10 increase in October 2024.

Bringing the monthly stipends to R2 190 (over 60) and R2 210 (over 75).

SASSA reminds beneficiaries that old-age pension grants may take anywhere between 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.

Also note, the application can take up to three months to be processed.

But if and when your application is approved, your benefits will be back-paid to you from the time of your application.

Part of the qualifying criteria involves passing a means and asset test.

This is so only the truly worthy receive SASSA old-age grants in South Africa.

It is understood that more than 4 million old-age pensioners are currently receiving the government grant.

And this number is only going to increase as the South African population continues to age and the cost of living rises.

You’ll be happy to know you can nominate a loved one to visit a SASSA branch/office on your behalf if you’re too old or sick to travel.

This can be done via a letter from you/your doctor.

Unfortunately, the application form itself is not available online and can only be completed in person with a SASSA official.

Proof of residence in South Africa.
Valid bar-coded identity document (ID).
Proof of your marital status (if applicable).
Documents proving your income and/or dividends.
Information regarding your assets, including the value of any property you own.
Proof of a private pension (if any).
Three months’ bank statements.
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book/discharge certificate (if applicable).
Copy of your spouse’s last will and final liquidation (if dead in the last five years).

Many old age pensioners worry they will not be eligible for SASSA old-age grants in South Africa based on the means and asset test.

Never fear, because this is the criteria you need to meet to qualify.

The agency wants to see that a single person does not have an income of more than R86 280 per year or R7 190 per month.

Moreover, if you’re married, your combined household income may not exceed R164 880 per year or R13 740 per month.

Similarly, the value of all your assets must not be more than R1 227 600 if single and R2 349 600 if married.

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