Old-age grant recipients know more than any other vulnerable citizen just how tricky it can be to make ends meet at the end of ‘Janu-worry’. So, here’s all the necessary information for those who are currently old-age grant recipients. Or those who become eligible during the course of February 2024 and want to apply.
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The South African Social Security Agency is responsible for administering grants to vulnerable South Africans like old-age grant recipients. The Older Person’s Grant, as it’s known, makes up the largest government grant payout besides the Social Relief of Distress (SRD).
OLD-AGE GRANT RECIPIENTS IN FEBRUARY 2024
According to the SA Government website, an application for a SASSA Older Person’s Grant cannot be affected online. You or a loved one with signed permission must report to a SASSA branch in-person. Follow the link HERE to find a branch nearest you in South Africa.
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The next payment for old-age grant recipients is in fact tomorrow (Friday 2 February 2024). For more information on all SASSA payment dates for 2024 click HERE. How much old-age grant recipients will receive from SASSA after the last grant increase can be found HERE.
WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY
Be sure to bring along the following if you are a new applicant for an old-age pension in February 2024:
- 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID).
- Proof of your marital status.
- A proof of residence (utility bill with your name on it).
- Papers confirming your proof of income and/or dividend.
- Information regarding all your assets, including the value of the property you own.
- Declaration of a private pension you may have (if applicable).
- Three months’ statements certified by your bank.
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership ‘blue book’ or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
- Copy of the will and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if you were married but your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
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OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE
The good news is if you are too old or sick to travel, a loved one can apply on your behalf. All that person needs is a letter from you and/or a doctor explaining why you cannot visit the office. All of the above documentation must be certified by a commissioner of oaths. Then, all application forms must be completed with a SASSA officer.
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INCOME DECLARATION
Old-age grant recipients must ensure they remain eligible for the monthly stipend. Therefore, if you’re single you must not earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year). If you’re married, your total income cannot exceed R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year).
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The agency says income includes the following:
- If you receive money from a private pension.
- Money from any business or work.
- Financial help from friends or relatives (as reflected in bank statements).
- Earnings through renting out a portion of your house or a property you own.
- Maintenance payments for child.
- A salary from a regular job.
- Compensation from other government sources, like UIF, RAF or COIDA.
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ASSET THRESHOLD
Similarly, the asset declaration limitation is the following:
- Single person, no more than R1 372 800.
- Married person, no more than R2 745 600.
These include:
- Money in your or your spouse’s bank account.
- The value of property and/or land in your and/or your spouse’s possession.
- The value of all investments owned by you and/or your spouse.
- Outstanding debt in the form of bonds and loans.
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We encourage old-age grant recipients to contact us if they need assistance. Be sure to share your thoughts 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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