Sassa Old Age Grant

The SASSA Older Person Grant is a financial assistance program designed to support senior citizens(>60 years) in South Africa. If you’re applying for this grant and want to monitor the progress of your application, you can easily do so on our status check page. This grant aims to provide older individuals with the resources they need to live a dignified life in their later years, ensuring that they can cover essential expenses such as food, housing, and healthcare.

Who Qualifies For Sassa Old Age Grant

To qualify for the SASSA Older Person Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• Residency: The applicant must reside in South Africa.
• Age Requirement: The applicant must be at least 60 years old.
• No Other Social Grant: The applicant must not be receiving another social grant for themselves.
• Means Test: The applicant and their spouse must comply with the means test, which assesses their financial situation to determine eligibility.
• State Care: The applicant must not be maintained or cared for in a State Institution.
• Identification: The applicant must submit a 13-digit bar-coded identity document.
• Income Per Year: Citizen should not earn more than R86 280 if you are single or R172 560 if married per year.
• State Institution: You not be cared for in a state institution.
• Assets: You should not have assets worth more than R 1 227 600 if you are single or R2 455 200 if you are married.

Documents Required

Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don’t have an ID:

• Complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official.
• Bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (e.g., councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal) who can verify your name and age.
• The SASSA official will take your fingerprints and refer you to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for an ID while your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.
• Proof of your marital status (if applicable).
• Proof of residence.
• Proof of your income and/or dividends (if any).
• Proof of your assets, including the value of the property you own.Proof of your private pension (if any).
• Bank statements from the previous three months.
• If you were employed, proof of your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership (‘blue book’) or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
• If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts where applicable.

How To Apply For Grant

• Visit the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live.
• Complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer.
• The officer will interview you and inform you if you qualify for the grant.
• You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.

Note: 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 should bring a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot visit the office.

Note that only you, as the applicant, or a SASSA official may complete the application form.

Old Age Grant Status Check

How Much Is The Grant Amount?

The amount awarded to recipients of the Older Person Grant has been adjusted to provide greater support. As of October 1, 2023, the grant amounts are as follows:

• Recipients Aged Less than 75: R 2 180 per month.
• Recipients Aged Above 75 Years: R2 200 per month.

These adjustments reflect the government’s commitment to increasing support for older individuals in response to the growing number of grant recipients in South Africa.

How To Check Grant Balance

• Dial the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your cellphone.
• Check at any ATM (normal bank charges may apply).
• Use the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553.
• Visit the SASSA official website.
• Call the SASSA call center toll-free number 0800 601 011.

How to Receive Old Age Grant Payments

SASSA will pay your grant using one of these methods:

• Cash at a designated pay point on a specific day
• Direct deposit into your bank or Postbank account (your bank may charge a fee)
• Payment to an institution like an old age home

Note: If you’re unable to collect the money yourself, you can arrange for someone at the SASSA office or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.

Date of Grant Application

The date of application is when all required documents are submitted and fully meet SASSA requirements.

Date of Award of Grants

• If your grant is approved, payment begins from the date of submitting a complete application.
• Foster child grants are paid from the date of the court order.

What If Your Application for a Grant Is Declined

• You will be informed in writing of the reasons for the refusal.
• You have the right to appeal the decision if you disagree with the outcome.

Suspension of Grants

A grant may be suspended due to:

• Changes in circumstances (financial or medical).
• Outcome of a review.
• Failure to cooperate during a review.
• Committing fraudulent activity or misrepresentation.
• Grant approval in error.
• Failure to submit required documents.

Restoration of Suspended Grants

• If a grant is suspended due to failure to collect for more than three consecutive months or failure to review, an application must be made for restoration within 30 days of suspension.

Main Reasons for Lapsing of Grants

• Death of the beneficiary or primary caregiver.
• Admission to a State institution.
• Lapse of the period of temporary disability.
• Absence from the Republic for longer than 90 days.
• Cessation of refugee status.
• In case of child grant, the child for whom the grant is received turns 18.
• Failure to collect the grant for three consecutive months.

FAQs