SASSA Old Age Grant 2024 | Eligibility, Benefits & Application
Reviewed by Thabo Mashaba
Fact Check by Pumi Dlamini
Old age is that phase of life when a person’s faculties become feeble, and they need care, attention, and rest. And if any neediness, poverty, or illness befalls them in this critical age, their life becomes very difficult. Keeping this in mind, Sassa has allocated a special grant for its esteemed senior citizens to fulfill their basic needs.
However, SASSA Old Age Grant does not mean anyone can apply for it. There are specific eligibility criteria that no one can meet for this grant.
If you want to know everything about the SASSA old age grant, like how to apply for it, how to check the application status, and any other information necessary for the old age grant, then read this article till the end without wasting time and gain knowledge on how to obtain this beneficiary grant authentically. Let’s look at the details.
Who Qualifies For Sassa Old Age Grant | Eligibility Criteria
The government provides monthly funds for some older people in South Africa. These funds are for buying food and taking care of other needs. Who is allowed to apply and receive this aid?
There are also limits on earnings and personal assets:
Single Person Rules
Married Person Rules:
Check available start dates on the state welfare website. These are rules to get monthly grants from the government in old age.
What Means Test For The SASSA Old Age Grant?
When you apply for monthly money from SASSA when you are old, they look at your finances. This is to be sure only people who need the money get it. They check two things:
1. Your Savings and Stuff You Own
2. Your Earnings
SASSA has a different money and assets check for each grant type. This is what the SASSA means: test checks for the old age grant – your earnings and worth of total belongings. It ensures the money goes to people who truly need assistance.
Required Documents to Apply for Elderly Grant
When you go to SASSA to ask for the monthly money they give to seniors, you must bring originals or copies of certain papers that show your identity, financial situation, marital status, and address. Here is everything you need:
1. ID Book
You must have your green barcoded South African ID book with 13 numbers. If you don’t have this:
SASSA will take your fingerprints and help you apply for your ID book. You need to get this ID, or SASSA will stop paying your grant.
2. Marital Status Documents
If you are or were married, also bring:
3. Where You Live
Bring anything showing where you currently live – it can be account letters to your home address showing your name, a bank statement, etc.
4. Money You Have
Bring papers showing:
5. Past Job Papers
If you worked before, bring your UIF certificate or a letter from that workplace saying when you left.
6. Spouse Death Documents (If Applicable)
If your husband/wife died in the past five years, provide their death certificate, will, and financial statements showing inheritance/assets received after they passed away.
Have a look at: SASSA Funeral Policy
This is everything seniors need to successfully apply for the grant for older persons from SASSA.
Sassa old age grant online application
You can request the senior grant money SASSA provides through their website without visiting an office. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Make an Account
Go to the SASSA site and click “Register” to create a login account with your ID number and personal details. Choose a username and password.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application
Use your new login to access the application form. Complete all required boxes with your identifying and contact information.
Step 3: Upload Proof Documents
Attach scanned or photographed copies of all your needed proofs. This includes your ID, spouse ID, marriage/divorce papers, current address evidence, income statements, property values, pension slips, and any other financial documents.
Step 4: Enter Your Bank Details
Provide account details for where you want your grant money to be sent every month.
Step 5: Double Check Details
Carefully review everything you entered to check for mistakes before submitting.
Step 6: Accept Terms
Read and agree to SASSA’s legal terms to finalize the submission.
If you are struggling with the technology, ask a SASSA officer for help when you visit to supply your fingerprints and signature. Whether approved or not, keep the dated receipt from your visit as application proof.
Processing Time for the Application of SASSA Older Persons Grant
When you ask SASSA for monthly support money because you are elderly, plan for about three months until they make a decision. If approved, your money starts coming after this wait. You will get back payments from the date you first asked. If SASSA says no, they will mail you a letter explaining why you cannot get this grant help. Contact SASSA if you have any other questions while waiting to hear back!
How much is the SASSA Grant for Older Persons?
When you become 60 years or older in South Africa, you can apply to get regular money from the government. This is called the older person grant. If you qualify based on your finances and background, how much can you receive? The old age grant amount is between R1900 to R2200 per month. It recently increased from previous years.
Current Monthly Money From Government For Seniors
The amount of regular financial help from SASSA depends on your age if you are 60+ in South Africa. As of October 2023: Ages 60-74 get R2,090 per month. Ages 75+ receive R2,110 per month.
In April 2024, both groups can expect an R10 increase.
Sassa Pension 370 Grant payment date
SASSA recently announced a change to the schedule for when monthly financial help is sent to seniors. This update happened on October 19th.
The exact dates when the money for old people arrives may move around slightly from year to year. SASSA has not yet released the official calendar for 2024. Usually, they share the details for the next year closer to that time.
Have A look At : Social grant dates
For now, those getting regular grant money from SASSA can expect it around:
| Grant Month [2024-2025] | Older Person Grant | Disability Grant | Children’s Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| April – 2024 | April 03, 2024 | April 04, 2024 | April 05, 2024 |
| May – 2024 | May 03, 2024 | May 06, 2024 | May 07, 2024 |
| June – 2024 | June 04, 2024 | June 05, 2024 | June 06, 2024 |
| July – 2024 | July 02, 2024 | July 03, 2024 | July 04, 2024 |
| August – 2024 | August 02, 2024 | August 05, 2024 | August 06, 2024 |
| September – 2024 | September 03, 2024 | September 04, 2024 | September 05, 2024 |
| October | October 02, 2024 | October 03, 2024 | October 04, 2024 |
| November – 2024 | November 05, 2024 | November 06, 2024 | November 07, 2024 |
| December | December 03, 2024 | December 04, 2024 | December 05, 2024 |
| January – 2025 | January 03, 2025 | January 06, 2025 | January 07, 2025 |
| February – 2025 | February 04, 2025 | February 05, 2025 | February 06, 2025 |
| March – 2025 | March 04, 2025 | March 05, 2025 | March 06, 2025 |
Seniors should check the SASSA website or visit local offices regularly. This will have the most up-to-date dates for when checks for older persons will arrive each month of 2024. The schedule may change.
Sassa old age grant status check
Once you ask SASSA for regular monthly funds because you are a senior, you will want to check if you were approved. How can you look up the status while you wait?
Use Our Quick Tool For Old Age Grant Status Check
Quickly check on your old age grant status by having your ID and reference number prepared, then clicking the link https://onlinesassastatuscheck.co.za/ to access the online tool. As you click on the submit button you will instantly see your grant status.
On the SASSA Website
Use the online portal to log in and view updates on your application. It will say if it is still being reviewed, approved, or denied.
Through the Moya Phone App
Download the free Moya app to connect your SASSA account. This lets you see your status even without internet data.
Via SMS
Text the number 082-046-8553. Include your ID number and grant type. SASSA texts back your current status.
Through WhatsApp
Message SASSA at 082-046-8553 on WhatsApp. Give your ID and grant details. An agent will let you know your status.
Call SASSA
Phone SASSA at 0800-601-011. Follow the prompts to check on an existing application using your ID number.
Keep monitoring frequently after applying in case any questions come up. Once approved, keep verifying your status to see upcoming money payments.
You May Also read : SASSA Contact Details for r370 grant
What should you do if your SASSA Old Age Grant Application is not approved?
What if you ask SASSA for regular monthly funds because you are elderly, but they say you are not approved? Here is what you can do if this happens:
Ask SASSA to Check Again
Tell SASSA you think there was a mistake with why you were denied. Politely request they look at your application again in case something was missed.
File an Appeal
If SASSA says no again, you have 90 days to send an appeal letter. This asks the government’s Ministry of Social Development to review and overturn SASSA’s choice.
Read more details about SASSA Appeal: How to Appeal SASSA SRD Grant?
Get a Written Response
The Minister’s office will study your appeal and decide if SASSA should have approved you. If they agree with you, SASSA must provide your grant going forward. If they still say you don’t qualify, the Minister’s office will mail you an explanation of why.
You can question being denied if you believe you meet requirements. Following up shows you deserve financial help for older persons.
What are the payment methods for SASSA old age grants?
Once SASSA approves you to receive regular funds because you are elderly, how will you get this monthly pension? There are three main options:
Bank Account Direct Deposit
SASSA can send the money right into your bank account every month. This way is easy, but banks sometimes charge fees.
Cash Withdrawals
You can take out the cash from Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, or other shops working with SASSA. Go to one near you.
Through an Organization
If you live in an old age home or nonprofit disability center, SASSA can pay the grant directly to them for your care.
To set up direct bank deposits, you need to give SASSA:
You can update the payment method anytime by visiting SASSA offices, but changes take one month.
If you cannot physically collect payments, nominate a trusted person to assist you.
Sassa Pension Balance Check
Once SASSA approves you for regular financial help because you are elderly, you can check how much remains each month. Here are a few easy ways:
Dial a USSD Code
Use your phone to dial either 1203210# or 12069277#. This pulls up your current balance.
Use Any ATM
Insert your SASSA card at ATMs to view your available funds. Fees may apply.
WhatsApp SASSA
Message 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp, and an agent can tell you your latest balance if you give your ID details.
Check Online
Log into the SASSA website using your account and check your balance there.
Call SASSA
Phone 0800 601 011 to speak with SASSA call center employees who can assist with balance checks.
Checking how much grant money you have left regularly helps manage what is available to budget until the next payment.
When will the SASSA older person grant be reviewed and suspended?
When approved for regular funds from SASSA because you are elderly, they will double check every few years that you still should get this help. Here is how reviews and grant suspensions work:
How SASSA Reviews
SASSA wants to confirm that your situation and income did not change to ensure you still qualify. They also check you are still living. You get a letter three months before stating when and where your review will happen.
If money goes into your bank or caretaker’s account, submit a life certificate from SASSA’s office once a year, proving you are alive. If you cannot travel, SASSA staff will visit your home to review. After the check, you get a paper saying you can keep receiving the amount.
Grounds for Grant suspension
SASSA stops your grants when you move away from South Africa, provide wrong information, use funds improperly, and more.
Grant Suspension Reasons
Here are reasons SASSA may suspend your monthly grant income:
Keeping your details current will help avoid suspension at review times.
Restoration of the Grant
What if your regular grant funds from the government are suddenly stopped, but you disagree? You can take action to fix this. Within 90 days after it stops, send a letter to the Social Development Department disagreeing with SASSA. Explain why you think you still deserve the financial help for seniors. The national office will review your letter and decide whether to overturn the suspension. This way, eligible elders can get their needed monthly income back again.
Reasons for Lapsing of the Old Age Grant
There are situations where SASSA will halt your regular senior funds without choice. This is called lapsing. Here is when it happens:
If you have been in a state facility for over four months, your funds lower to 25% instead of lapsing. Once discharged, the full amount restarts.
Staying compliant with reviews and communicating changes Lets you avoid surprise grant interruptions.
Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries
If the government gives you an old age grant because you are a senior, you also have duties to avoid payment problems:
SASSA contacts you using your registered details about reviews and payments. You may miss key notices if your address and phone number are wrong because you did not report moving. Missed government requests can mean suspension of your needed monthly stipend.
Staying truthful and communicating changes prevents hiccups, so seniors who rely on assistance continue receiving it without interruptions.
Final Verdict
The South African old age grant provides great financial assistance to eligible citizens aged 60 and over. This monthly income supplement supports vulnerable seniors, helping cover basic living costs to maintain health and well-being.
Through thorough application vetting, periodic reviews, and assigned beneficiary duties, SASSA ensures funds get to those requiring extra income in their later years. Staying informed equips seniors to pass means tests, avoid surprise grant suspensions, and access reviews to keep payments flowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jabulani Zondo, with more than 7 years of research and writing experience, serves as the Head of Research. He joined our team in 2017 and has since led a team of 12 researchers and writers dedicated to offering precise and comprehensive insights into SASSA grants. Jabulani’s meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to aiding others in understanding the grant process have proven indispensable. He meticulously reviews all content to guarantee that readers access the latest and most valuable information. Under his guidance, our research team maintains its reputation as a leader in SASSA grant analysis and reporting.