SASSA Old Age Grant: From Eligibility to Payment Dates 2024

We know that when a person’s age increases, their dependency on others also increases. This becomes a big challenge when they have to rely on basic needs too. But in South Africa, the aged people do not need to worry. There is a South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA). That agency provides essential support to older through their SASSA old age grant payment.

SASSA’s old age grant helps people, who are aged 60 or above. The main aim of this grant is to responsibly meet senior people’s essential needs. Through this grant, representatives get a chance to fulfill their commitment. They support their country’s aged population. They respect elders in their golden years.

If you are reaching that age and eligible too for this grant. You should get complete information about it. For this purpose, read this guide. Because in it we have discussed everything about the SASSA older person’s grant for 2024–2025.

SASSA Old Age Grant Money Dates 2024-2025

The beneficiaries of the SASSA old age grant should get proper information about their grant payment schedule. Through this, they can timely access their funds. SASSA distributes funds in each grant in the early days of each month. But still, you need to check your grant payment dates because these could be delayed for some time.

For your convenience, we have crafted all data on SASSA’s old age pension from trusted sources. You can get information about the August 2024 to March 2025 dates below table:

Month	Payment Date	Day
August 2024	2024/08/02	Friday
September 2024	2024/09/03	Tuesday
October 2024	2024/10/02	Wednesday
November 2024	2024/11/05	Tuesday
December 2024	2024/12/03	Tuesday
January 2025	2025/01/03	Friday
February 2025	2025/02/04	Tuesday
March 2025	2025/03/04	Tuesday

SASSA Old Age Pension Payout 2024-2025

Month	Amount for 60 -74 years Persons	Amount for 75 years or above Persons
August 2024	R2, 180	R2, 200
September 2024	R2, 180	R2, 200
October 2024	R2, 180	R2, 210
November 2024	R2, 190	R2, 210
December 2024	R2, 190	R2, 210
January 2025	R2, 190	R2, 210
February 2025	R2, 190	R2, 210
March 2025	R2, 190	R2, 210

Significance of Older Age Grant for South Africans

The South African Social Security Agency grant is important for older adults. These grants are especially for those facing socio-economic challenges.

A report shows that a 4 million older population increased in 2022. This means a 7.7% increase in elder people in Africa.
And until 2022, this elderly population has increased up to 9.2%.

This rise brings several challenges for the African government. SASSA comes to play its role. Its grant for elders addresses many challenges. These challenges may include basic income support, lifting poverty, healthcare management, and social security.

Requirements For SASSA Old Age Grant Approval

When you find this grant valuable for yourself. Then, before applying, you must understand some requirements. These are set by SASSA so that only eligible applicants can get that pension. Besides this, these will help you in approving your application easily. Let’s discuss those important points:

Eligibility standards for older age grant
Mean test Criteria for SASSA old age grant
Necessary documents to apply for old age funds

Eligibility Standards for Older Age Grant

To answer your question, who qualifies for the SASSA old age grant? SASSA has set some parameters.

Standard Age and Citizenship

The age of the applicant should be 60 years or above. They should have South African citizenship or permanent residency.

Not Accessible to Other Grants

At the time of application, the applicant must not be getting any other social grant. In this case, would not be eligible for the SASSA grant.

Assets Disclosure

For a married person, the total worth of their assets should equal or less than R2,745,600. For a single person, that must be lower than R1372800.

Updated Review

Check the latest eligibility criteria for the SASSA old age grant, before applying. SASSA changes the conditions for elders grants occasionally, so keep updated.

Bank Account

Before applying, open your bank account. It would help you to get your SASSA grant old age pension.

Submission

Double-check your application to make sure the form is completed. Only apply when you fulfill all desired terms, like documentation, age, etc.

Mean Test

You and your companion should meet the requirements of this test, to efficiently qualify for the SASSA old age payment. Further discussion about this test:

Mean Test Criteria for SASSA Old Age Grant

In South Africa, all the social grants have set their means tests. No one can get those funds, without fulfilling the social grant mean test criteria. A means test is an evaluation, which decides whether you can get financial help or not. This test completely based on your income and assets. When someone applies for any grant payment, this test is held to compare all applicants’ financial status.

Here is complete guidance about the SASSA old-age grant means test:

Threshold of Income

The main purpose of the means test is to check the income status of applicants. Therefore, SASSA has set a limit called a threshold for the SASSA old age grant. This threshold consists of the money that comes from any pension or other sources. If an applicant falls below that limit, then will qualify for SASSA funds. What limit it is? Let’s discuss

For a Single Individual

The annual income of one person must be less than R101,640. It means monthly income would be equal to or less than R8,470. Hence, who has an earning below this limit can qualify.

For Married Persons

If the applicant is married, the total income of both spouses must be less than or equal to R203,280 annually. If we cut down into monthly, this could be R16,740. Thus, you have to evaluate your income level for applying SASSA old age grant payment,

Necessary Documents to Apply for Old Age Funds

You found that you are eligible; now gather your complete documents for the SASSA grant of elders. Here is a list of documents; keep them with you while applying:

Identity Document

A 13-digit barcode identity document is necessary. If you do not have you can consider these options:

In front of a non-SASSA commissioner of oaths, you need to sign an affidavit. By using the download button, you can get the necessary affidavit.
Provide a sworn statement on which your age and name is written. Then attest this statement from a counselor, a traditional leader, a social worker, or a minister of religion.
In the end, scan your fingerprint to start your SASSA old age grant application process.
There is possibility, they can directly send you to the Department of Home Affairs. Where you have to apply for an ID.

Proof of House

Your recent utility bills and lease agreements were also required. In another case, you can also submit your affirmation letter about your residential address.

Marital Status

Your marriage certificate copy is also required. This is attached with your application for old age grant of SASSA.
For the divorce decree, a copy of the divorce certificate is needed to attach with form.
If your partner has died, his/her death certificate copy required to attach with application form.

Income Documents

If you or your partner is getting any income, submit that income slip. For self-employment, you can submit your bank statement. This will indicate your income deposits.

Assets Proof

If you own any properties, you have to submit their documentation. Beside this,your spouse’s property document’s copy will be needed too.

Statement of Bank

Recent bank statement will be needed too. Submit your last 3 months’ bank statements. Additionally, you have to submit a statement of each bank whether belong to you or your companion.

Unemployment Proof

If you do not have any job or business, then submit your unemployment proof. And if you have left your job, you can submit your discharge or ex-employer certificate.

Spouse Will

If your partner has died within the last 5 years. Submit his or her will with your old age grant application form.

Child’s Income

If you have any dependent child who has any source of income. You have to submit proof of their income too.

Application Procedure for SASSA Old Age Grant

The old-age SASSA grant is equally beneficial for senior citizens, refugees, and residents. If you are sure that all essential conditions are applicable, now apply for this grant. Here are some easy and approachable methods, you can use:

Apply Online

Visit the official website of SASSA in the search bar.
Register yourself on that website. This is possible with your mobile number or email. After this log in to your account.
Click the button of grant and choose the SASSA old age grant option to apply.
You will get a form, fill it by entering the required information. They may ask name, mobile number, email, ID number, address, etc.
Attach all your scanned copies of the required documents.
Touch the apply button to submit your application.

Apply in Person Way

For in person application find any SASSA office near to your home. But visit in the early morning, so you can avoid croud of waiting lines.
If you are too old and cannot go there. A friend or family member can go to apply on your behalf. That person should have an authorized letter from your side.
In-person applications is accepted in the presence of SASSA official. The official helps you fill out the application form.
The official also takes an interview to check your eligibility. If your application is accepted for old age grant funds, you will be informed immediately.
The official will give you a recipient, whether eligible or not. This slip will carry your official name and a slip number. You have to save that slip for further processing.

Processing Time For SASSA Old Age Application

After applying for the SASSA old age pension grant, wait for at least 3 months. When the review time of your application is completed, you will recieve a notification. Whether your appeal is approved or rejected, this notification will come. SASSA will send an official letter to your residential address too.

If you get approval latter, your payment will come into your account on the scheduled dates. If you do not get any notification, you can contact the SASSA team through the website or the SASSA office.

Reconsideration of Appeal

If you are eligible, but still your application for the SASSA old age grant is denied. Don’t panic, you can submit an appeal of reconsideration. If you are sure that your application meets all requirements, you can go for repeal. You can submit this repeal application within 90 days after notification.

The Ministry of Social Development will view your documentation again. They will verify your given proofs like income, address, citizenship, etc. But for review, SASSA will notify you before three months. This time is given to you, so you can adjust necessary changes like income declaration etc.

Check Your SASSA Old Age Funds Status with different way

When your application is accepted, go for a status check. Here are some methods to check payment status:

Check Via SASSA Website:

Visit the official website of SASSA. Log in by entering your ID and mobile number or any other relevant information. Then click the “Check Status” option. If you are already an online applicant you can select the option ”track application”.

Via Helpline Contact:

If you can’t check online, you can contact SASSA’s officials directly. Contact the call center to ask for your SASSA old grant pension date. You can ask any other question too. SASSA’s call center: 0800 60 10 11

Via SMS Service:

SASSA offers an SMS service to its beneficiaries too. To get benefits from this service, type a message in which add your name, ID, reference number, and query. Send it to their official number. When message reached, you will get a quick reply with an answer. In your message, you can ask for payment dates, pension status, etc.

Via office:

You can visit your nearest SASSA office. There, you can ask in person about your grant status.

Understanding Different SASSA Old Age Status

If you want to get SASSA’s old-age money, you have to understand old-age grant statuses. Here are those:

Application Completed

This status means your application or reapplication process is completed. SASSA will verify your information. Then they will show you, the eligible or not eligible status. Keep in mind, that this status does not guarantee that you can get payment. But you are near to it.

Status Declined

If your SASSA status is declined, it means you are not eligible for the SASSA old age grant. SASSA will express the reason for rejection on your portal.

Pending Status

This status means that SASSA is reviewing your application. They required more time for verification. When their internal process is completed your status will be update and you will get a notification.

Identity Verification Failed

If you got this type of status it means, there is an issue in your identity. SASSA is unable to match your identity information with Department of Home Affairs records.

Reapplication Pending

This means you need to submit a reapplication to SASSA. For this, just apply on an official website or office.

Period: This status show that you will get payment for a specific month.

Period Pending

This status means that your verification is pending for the mentioned month. You can regularly check your status to get payment dates.

Period Approved

For example, you got a status that “period December approved”. This means now go to the “payday” field, and check the payment date. If this field is still empty, it means your payment needs time to process.

Period Declined

If you find this status, do not worry. This means your application is approved. But your payment is declined for that specific month. SASSA will give you a reason as well. If you find that the given reason is invalid, you can reapply for the same grant.

Canceled

Your grant is canceled. To get it reinstated, visit the local SASSA office.

How to Get SASSA Retirement Age Funds?

SASSA facilitates recipients in getting their distributed money from different sources. If you are too old, anyone can get payment on your behalf. SASSA offers three main methods to receive your SASSA old age grant funds. Here are these ways:

Get Cash: Visit the nearest allocated pay point or retail on payday and get your SASSA grant payment in cash.
Through Government Institutes: Go to the government-registered old age homes and receive your payment .
In Bank Account: you can get your money in your account as well.

To get your pension in your bank account, you have to submit a consent form. Fill out this form and attach required documents, including:

ID card proof, birth certificate, driving license (if you have one)
Add your bank account number (just in your possession)
Last 3 months’ bank statement (with your name & number)

How SASSA Grant Payment is Distributed According to ID?

SASSA distributes old-age grants on the scheduled days of the month. The grant distribution occurs typically in the first week of each month. Beneficiaries should have knowledge about their payment days. Let’s differentiate on base of ID number:

The recipients whose ID numbers are ending in 0 or 1, could receive their payment within 1 to 5 days of the month.
Beneficiaries whose ID numbers ending at 2 or 3, can get their grant payment between 6 and 10 dates of the month.
Those with ID numbers 4 or 5 can get their funds on the 11th to 5th dates of each month.
Individuals whose ID number ends in 6 or 7 can receive their amount from 16 to 20 days of each month.
At 21 to the 25th of the month, payment is issued to those whose ID number ends at 8 or 9.
If there is any additional payment for the SASSA old age grant, SASSA distributes it after 26 months.

When Will My Grant Lapse or Be Suspended?

You thought SASSA just reviewed your information before setting your status as eligible. No, SASSA continuously checks your claims, like residency or income proof. Ultimately, they suspend your grant if they find suspicious situations. Thus, lapses and cessations occur due to several reasons. Let’s explain them:

Reasons for the Suspension of Grant

Income Change

When SASSA continuously reviews your income proof, they find any instant change. If that does not meet the mean test criteria, ultimately SASSA suspends your grant. Hence, whenever your income changes due to any reason. Inform SASSA through application or certificate copy submission to avoid this issue.

Failure in Cooperation

Sometimes recipients do not cooperate with SASSA during the review. At that time, SASSA found it suspicious. In this case, they may suspend your grant because they have rights.

Evidence of Fraud

During SASSA’s continuous reviews, if they find any fraud, they can suspend your SASSA old age grant. Suspicion of fraud may include false data or misuse of grants.

Not Accepting Payment

If you are not taking your money in the last 90 days, the grant will be suspended. Whether you are out of the country or not taking it for any other reason. SASSA thought that you didn’t need it anymore.

Reasons for Lapsing in Grant

Death of Recipient

If the beneficiary dies within the grant duration, the grant will automatically lapse.

Absent from the Country

When you are out of the country for the last 90 days, your grant will lapse. But you can save your funds by officially informing SASSA.

Admitted to State Institutions

If a beneficiary is admitted to state institutes, like prison or state old home. The old age grant is reduced to 25%. This happens because their dues handle the Government. This payment is given from the fourth month of their admission. When the recipient leaves that institute, the grant’s full funds are returned.

Restoration of SASSA Elder Grant

If you are sure that you are eligible for the SASSA old age grant and you are suspended wrongly. You can follow these solutions:
If your grant is suspended mistakenly, then you can appeal to restore your grant. You have to submit your appeal to the Minister of Social Department against the Department of Social Development.
If you couldn’t collect your grant for 90 days. You should file your application within 30 days. Don’t miss this chance; otherwise, you have to start the application process from the start.
Quickly provide the documentation to correct any errors in your SASSA old age grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

An older African citizen can apply for this grant. But your age must be above 60. Rather than age, there are several factors you need to fulfill to qualify for that grant. Therefore, you should visit SASSA’s official website. Check the eligibility criteria for an old-age SASSA grant.

Apply for a SASSA grant at the nearest office branch. SASSA officials will be there to guide you properly. If you are too old, you can send your friend or siblings on your behalf with your affidavit statement. You can apply online as well; you just need to visit the SASSA official website.

SASSA’s older age grant payment, which was allocated for 2024, was R2,180. SASSA’s old age pension grant increased in October and now it has become R2,190.

Yes, you can apply for this grant online. Just visit the SASSA website and register yourself with your contact number. Log in to your account. Add the necessary information, and then attach scanned copies of the required documents. Click the button “Apply” and submit your application.

The new amount for the SASSA old age pension is R2,180 per month for individuals aged 60 to 74, and R2,200 per month for those aged 75 and older, effective from April 1, 2024.

You can check your SASSA balance by visiting the official SASSA website and using their online balance check service. Alternatively, you can call the SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to inquire about your balance.

To check the status of your SASSA older persons grant, visit the SASSA website and navigate to the grants section. Use their online status check service by entering your ID number and other required details. You can also call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.

You can verify a SASSA application by ensuring all required documents are submitted accurately and completely. Check the SASSA website or contact their helpline for any updates or requests for additional information regarding your application status.

Conclusion

SASSA’s old age grant is important for elder persons of South Africans. These provide essential assistance to those persons. They become able to meet basic needs. But before applying, you must understand the eligibility standards and application process.

Furthermore, when you application approved, regularly check your grant’s payment dates to plan your future expense. If you have any questions related to this grant, you can contact SASSA. Their representatives are available at official platforms. You can call them or send query through sms.

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