Following the announcement in February that the National Treasury will increase April 2024 SASSA older person grants, the South African Social Security Agency has seen a marked increase in applications.
Therefore, we wanted to alert April 2024 SASSA older person beneficiaries of changes to the application and collection process. Firstly, as The South African covered earlier, there is NO need to reapply for an April 2024 SASSA older person grant. The agency has the right to reevaluate your financial situation periodically to ensure you still qualify. However, it will alert you three months beforehand.
APRIL 2024 SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANT
There are 4 million beneficiaries on the books for April 2024 SASSA older person grants. In the households which receive government grants, this disbursement makes up 60% of the total income, according to the Social Policy Initiative.
Moreover, academics from the University of Cape Town have released data that says most SASSA older person beneficiaries support upwards of five people or more in their homes. This dictates that they often go without chronic medication and other essentials just to be able to put food the table for their family.
CANNOT MAKE ENDS MEET
It’s an exceedingly sad state of affairs but, while April 2024 SASSA older person grants will be increased to their highest-ever amount, it appears the country’s aged are still struggling to make ends meet. We are regularly contacted by the affected, sharing sad stories of lacklustre accommodation/living conditions and how without the assistance of friends and family they are unable to live comfortably month to month.
COMPETITIVE IN AFRICA
Nevertheless, after comparing April 2024 SASSA older person grants to those in the rest of Africa, we do see that the country’s social welfare scheme is one of the best on the continent, beaten only by Zambia. So, if you’re over the age of 60 and need assistance, we’ll list all the necessary requirements to qualify for April 2024 SASSA older person benefits.
South Africa’s Gov.za website confirms that April 2024 SASSA older person grant applications cannot be executed online, instead, you must visit your nearest SASSA office in person. SASSA staff are trained to assist you personally with your application.
DOCUMENTS TO BRING
- 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID).
- Proof of your marital status.
- Proof of residence.
- 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-month bank statements.
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book/discharge certificate (if previously employed).
- If your spouse has died in the last five years, a copy of his/her will and final liquidation and distribution accounts.
CAN SOMEONE APPLY FOR YOU?
Of course, if you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person must take a letter from you and/or you doctor noting why you cannot visit the office.
MEANS AND ASSET TEST
What is the means and asset test and what documents do you need to produce to prove you qualify for an April 2024 SASSA older person grant? Firstly, applications can take up to three months to be approved. However, if successful, your older person benefits will be paid and back-dated from the time of your application. So, you’ll received up to three months’ worth of disbursements.
A single person may not have an income of more than R86 280 per year or R7 190 per month, otherwise you won’t qualify for April 2024 SASSA older person grant. 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.
WHAT DOES THE AGENCY COUNT AS INCOME AND ASSETS?
SASSA counts the following as income:
- Private pension.
- Money from work you do or a business you run.
- Financial help reflected in bank statements from you friends or relatives.
- Earnings through rental of house/property you own.
- Maintenance payments you may receive for child.
- Compensation from government sources like UIF, RAF or COIDA.
SASSA counts the following as assets:
- Money in your bank account.
- The value of property/land in your name.
- Properties/land in your name with an outstanding bond.
- The value of all investments/shares in your name.
*Note that a retirement fund annuity is not considered an asset.
SASSA INCREASES AND PAYMENT DATES IN 2024
| Grant | April 2024 | October 2024 | Total increase in 2024 |
| Old Age (60 years) | R2 180 | R2 190 | R100 (4.8%) |
| Old Age (75 years) | R2 200 | R2 210 | R100 (4.7%) |
- Wednesday 3 April 2024.
- Friday 3 May 2024.
- Tuesday 4 June 2024.
- Tuesday 2 July 2024.
- Friday 2 August 2024.
- Tuesday 3 September 2024.
- Wednesday 2 October 2024.
- Tuesday 5 November 2024.
- Tuesday 3 December 2024.
NEXT READ: Outlook good for SASSA grant increases in April 2024
Are you hoping to secure yourself or a loved one an April 2024 SASSA older person grant? Be sure to share your thoughts and experiences over the procees with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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