SASSA Older Persons Grant [Guide to Follow]

Having no means of income at 60 can be frustrating, and you want to spend your remaining days in peace. The government is taking care of this issue by providing an old age grant.

The SASSA Older Persons Grant is the largest social grant in South Africa, with over 17 million beneficiaries. For a person at age above 60, the SASSA grant can act as a lifeline. It allows them to buy food and medicines and to pay their rent.

We have provided details of how you can apply for this grant and avail its complete benefits without any trouble. We will also guide you with some things to avoid your grant from lapsing. So, stay tuned to learn how it can benefit you or someone you know.

What is the SASSA Older Persons Grant?

The SASSA Old Age Grant is a social grant given by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees.

The Old Age Grant is intended to provide a basic income to elderly South Africans who can no longer work or have limited income and assets.

The Old Age Grant is important in reducing poverty and improving the well-being of elderly South Africans. It provides basic income for necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The grant also helps to reduce their social isolation and to improve their quality of life.

How much is an Old Age Grant?

The grant is paid monthly and is currently R2,100 for people aged 75 or older and R2,090 per month for people aged 60-74.

How long is an old age grant?

The Old Age Grant is paid for life if the beneficiary meets the eligibility criteria. It means that once a person is approved for the grant, they will continue to receive it until they die.

Eligibility Criteria

You can qualify for the Old Age Grant, if you meet the following criteria:

• Have to be South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
• Be aged 60 or older.
• Have a monthly income of less than R86,280 if single or R172,560 if married.
• Have assets worth less than R1,227,600 if single or R2,455,200 if married.

Is the MEAN Test Necessary for Old Age SASSA Grant?

Yes, the means test is a requirement for all social grants in South Africa, including the Old Age Grant. Social grants are intended to provide financial assistance to those who most need it. Only means test verified gets the much-needed grant.

The means test for the Old Age Grant is based on a person’s income and assets. If a person’s income or assets exceed the eligibility criteria, they will not be able to receive the grant.

Documents Needed to Apply

Applicants can apply for the Old Age Grant at any SASSA office or Post Office branch. They will need to provide the following documentation:

• A valid ID document
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• Proof of assets (if applicable)

How to apply for an old age grant?

There are two ways to apply for the Old Age SASSA Grant, i.e., online and offline.

1. Online

The application process starts with an account on the SASSA website. Once you have created an account, you can log in and start the application process.

You will provide the following information:

• Your details, such as your name, date of birth, and ID number
• Your contact information, such as your phone number and email address.
• Your income and assets information
• Your banking details

2. Offline

To apply for the Old Age SASSA Grant offline, you will visit a SASSA office or Post Office branch. You will bring the following documentation with you:

• A valid ID document
• Proof of residence
• Proof of income (if applicable)
• Proof of assets (if applicable)

How long will it take to approve?

Usually, you can expect your application to be processed within 3 months. However, it is essential to note that it works most of the time, and the actual processing time may be longer or shorter depending on the factors. 

They include the workload at the SASSA office or Post Office branch where the application is submitted and whether there are any delays in the processing of applications.

What to do If your application is approved?

If your application is approved:

• Make sure you activate your SASSA card as soon as possible.
• Keep your SASSA card safe and secure.
• Be aware of the different ways you can use your SASSA card.
• Keep track of your grant payments and contact SASSA with any questions or concerns.

If not approved

If your application is not approved:

• Read the letter from SASSA carefully to understand why your application was unsuccessful.
• You can appeal if you believe the decision was made in error.
• To appeal the decision, you will write a letter to the SASSA office within 90 days of receiving the letter informing you that your application was unsuccessful.
• In your appeal letter, you should explain why you believe the decision was made in error and provide any supporting documentation that you have.
• You should also send a copy of your appeal letter to the National Department of Social Development.
• If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may be able to apply for other social grants or assistance programs.

Payment Option

There are three main payment options for the SASSA Old Age Grant:

• Cash: You can withdraw your grant money from an ATM using your SASSA card.
• Electronic deposit: Your grant can be deposited directly into your bank account.
• Through an institution: Your grant can be paid through an institution like a welfare organization or a care home.

How do we change the payment method?

To change the payment method for your SASSA Old Age Grant, you can either do it online or offline.

Online 

To change your payment method, do these steps:

1. Go to the SASSA website and log in to your account.
2. Click on the “My Grants” tab.
3. Click on the “Old Age Grant” tab.
4. Click on the “Change Payment Method” button.
5. Select the new payment method you want to use.
6. Enter the required information.
7. Click on the “Submit” button.

Offline

You will visit a SASSA office or Post Office branch to change your payment method offline. You will need to bring the following documentation with you:

• Your SASSA card
• A valid ID document
• Proof of residence
• If you choose to receive your grant through an institution, you will provide a letter confirming that they will accept your grant payments.

Check Old Age Grant Balance

 There are a few ways to check your SASSA Old Age Grant balance:

• Online: You can check your balance on the SASSA website. To do this, you will create an account and log in. Once logged in, you can see your balance under the “My Grants” tab.
• USSD: You can check your balance using your phone by dialing 12069277# and following the prompts.
• ATM: You can verify your balance at an ATM by inserting your SASSA card and entering your PIN.
• SASSA office: You can go to a SASSA office and ask a staff member to check your balance.

When your old age can be suspended?

Your Old Age Grant can be suspended for the following reasons:

• If you die.
• You are admitted to a state institution, such as a hospital or nursing home.
• You didn’t claim your grant for three consecutive months.
• You are not in the country for more than 90 days without notifying SASSA.
• Involved in defrauding the SASSA Old Age Grant system.

SASSA may also suspend your grant if they need to verify your eligibility or if they need to investigate a suspected case of fraud.

When may your grant lapse?

Your SASSA Old Age Grant may lapse if you do not claim it for three consecutive months. 

Reasons for Grant Lapse

There are several reasons why a SASSA grant may lapse. Some of the most common causes include:

• Beneficiaries forget to collect their grant.
• They are unaware to renew their grant.
• Beneficiaries are unable to collect their grant due to illness or disability.
• Beneficiaries moving to a new city or province and not updating their details with SASSA.
• Beneficiaries passing away and their family members not notifying SASSA.

Consequences of Lapse

Lapsing a SASSA grant can have several negative consequences for the beneficiary. These can include:

• Financial hardship: Beneficiaries who rely on their SASSA grant as their primary source of income will struggle to meet their basic needs if their grant lapses.
• Social isolation: SASSA grants can provide beneficiaries with security and belonging. Lapsing a grant can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
• Increased stress and anxiety: Lapsing a SASSA grant can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience. Beneficiaries may worry about meeting their basic needs and supporting their families.

How to avoid Grant Lapse?

There are several things that beneficiaries can do to avoid lapsing their SASSA grant, such as:

• Setting a reminder to collect their grant each month.
• Check their SASSA account regularly to see if they need to renew their grant.
• Updating their details with SASSA if they move to a new city or province.
• Notifying SASSA immediately if they cannot collect their grant due to illness or disability.
• Notifying SASSA immediately if a family member passes away.

Restoring a Lapsed SASSA Grant

If a beneficiary’s SASSA grant has lapsed, they can reapply for the grant at any SASSA office. They will provide the same documentation as when they first applied for the grant.

Once a beneficiary has reapplied for their lapsed grant, they will undergo a new assessment. If the evaluation is successful, the beneficiary’s grant will be reinstated.

Payments date for old age SASSA grant

The SASSA Old Age Grant payment date for November 2023 is November 2, 2023. Please contact SASSA for assistance if you do not get your payment on the scheduled date.

SASSA Grant Review

A SASSA grant review is a process that SASSA uses to review the eligibility of social grant beneficiaries. SASSA may check a grant for many reasons, including:

• To verify that the beneficiary is still meeting the eligibility criteria for the grant.
• To investigate a suspected case of fraud.
• To follow up on a complaint.
• To update the beneficiary’s information.

If SASSA selects your grant for review, you will receive a letter or SMS notification explaining why your grant is being reviewed and what you need to do.

SASSA will review the information you provide and decide on your grant. If SASSA finds that you are still eligible for the grant, your grant will continue as normal. If SASSA finds that you are no longer eligible for the grant, your grant may be suspended or terminated.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information about the SASSA old age grant. So, If you are eligible for the Old Age Grant, I encourage you to apply. 

The application process is straightforward, and you can apply online or offline. After the approved application, you will receive a SASSA card that you can use to withdraw your grant money from an ATM. You can buy goods and services at associated retailers.

FAQs