South African government support for old-age pensioners is distributed by the South African Social Security Agency. And if you are eligible, you are entitled to South African government support in the form of a monthly pension derived from taxpayer money, distributed by SASSA.
In fact, the government has set aside billions of Rands to assist the aged with social benefits. South African government support is an acknowledgment of the service the elderly have provided to the wellbeing of the country. That is why SASSA endeavours to support the aged in their vulnerable later years. Without sufficient South African government support through chronic medication and care, university studies have shown that the cognitive capacity of over 60s is halved.
SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
SASSA Older Person grants in South Africa cater for 60-year-old citizens, permanent residents and refuges. Anyone who resides permanently in South Africa can qualify. It is aimed at those who have no major source of financial income. But there is a means-tested element to the government grant which you should be aware of.
Below is the list requirements for SASSA old-age benefits. If you meet the criteria, you may contact SASSA and move forward with your application:
- You must possess a verifiable identification document (ID).
- Not receive any other social grant from the government.
- You must be 60-years of age or older.
- Reside permanently in South Africa.
- Not be cared for in any state institution.
ELIGIBILITY TESTS
Therefore, to ensure no one who has sufficient money to support themselves takes advantage of SASSA Older Persons grants in South Africa, there is an all-important means and asset test. This is the threshold within which you qualify for SASSA government support:
- Annually you cannot earn more than R86 280 if you’re single.
- You cannot earn more than R172 560 annually in your household if you’re married.
- You cannot possess more than R1 227 600-worth of assets against your name.
- If married, you cannot have more than R2 455 200-worth of assets against your name.
South African government support for old-age pensioners went up on 1 April 2024. And is set to increase again on 1 October 2024. Currently, the stipend sits at R2 180 per person (60 years old). And it is R2 200 per month for anyone 75-years of age or older. The next increase will see them increase to R2 190 and R2 210 respectively, before the end of the year.
HOW DO YOU APPLY?
You must apply at a SASSA office. Click HERE to find the most convenient venue near you. You are unable to complete the applications forms beforehand online. However, if you are too old or sick, you can nominate a friend/family member to make the application on your behalf. But they will need a note from you/your doctor explaining why you are unable to apply for government support yourself.
Ensure you have the following documents ready for your SASSA application:
- Verifiable/legal identification document.
- Proof of your marital status, if applicable.
- A discharge certificate from your last employer or Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) if you were employed.
- Proof of dividends or income.
- Proof of address.
- Three-months bank statement.
- Proof of the assets/properties in your name.
NEXT PAYMENT DATES
The agency has just appointed a new minister, so applications may take a little longer than usual. SASSA warns that applications can take up to three months to be processed. However, if your bid for South African government support is successful, you will receive payments backdated to the date of your application.
Here are the next payment dates to take note of:
- Friday 2 August 2024.
- Tuesday 3 September 2024.
- Wednesday 2 October 2024.
- Tuesday 5 November 2024.
- Tuesday 3 December 2024.
- Friday 3 January 2025.
- Tuesday 4 February 2025.
- Tuesday 4 March 2025.
*The agency reminds beneficiaries that payments may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.
To get in touch with the agency or for any payment queries, you can contact SASSA like so:
- SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Or email: president@presidency.gov.za
DO YOU REQUIRE ANY HELP WITH A SASSA GRANT?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.
