Sassa Older Persons Grant 2024 Eligibility, Application and More

The SASSA administers the SASSA Older Persons Grant to provide financial assistance to needy elderly individuals. This grant aims to support older South Africans aged 60 and above who face financial issues and don’t have any other financial assistance. Similar to the SASSA Care Dependency Grant, the Older Persons Grant is distributed monthly and is intended to cover essential expenses such as food, housing, and medical care.

To check the Older Persons Grant Status Online follow the below guide for it:

• Enter the South African ID Card in the first input box
• Now, the South African Number associated with Sassa in 2nd input box
• After this, you can click on the “Check Old Age Grant” Button
• You will see the status of the SASSA Old Person Grant

How to Apply for a SASSA Older Person Grant?

Below is the complete process for Applying Process, the Required Documents, and everything you need to know about the Sassa Older Grant

Application Process

• Visit the nearest SASSA office.
• Submit the required documents.
• Prove age, income status, and residency.
• Grant deposited into a bank account or SASSA-approved payment card upon approval.

Eligibility Criteria for Older Person Grant

To qualify for the Older Persons Grant, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship or permanent residency in South Africa.
• Age of 60 years or older.
• Not receiving any other pension or social grant.
• Income below the specified threshold.
• Not residing in a state institution.
• The applicant and spouse must comply with the means test.
• The applicant must not be maintained or cared for in a State Institution.
• The applicant must submit a 13 digit bar coded identity document.

Required Documents for Application

When applying for an older person’s grant, you’ll need to provide the following original documents or certified copies:

1. Your identity document and your spouse’s identity document. If these are unavailable, SASSA will provide an affidavit for you to complete.
2. Proof of spousal relationship status, which can be shown through:
   • A sworn statement or affidavit
   • Divorce Order
   • Marriage certificate
   • Spouse’s death certificate
   • A sworn statement or affidavit indicating both you and your spouse’s income and assets.
3. Supporting documents to prove your income and assets, including documents for your spouse if applicable.
4. Documented proof of dependent children’s income if relevant.

It’s important to note that SASSA will provide the necessary affidavits when required.

Applying Process for the Older Age Grant

Assistance for Elderly or Sick Individuals: If you’re too old or unwell to go to the SASSA office yourself, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf.

Completing the Application Form: Your application form will be filled out in the presence of a SASSA officer. If you’re unable to fill it out yourself, the officer will assist you.

Receipt of Application: Once your application is completed, you’ll receive a dated stamped receipt. This receipt, bearing the name of the assisting SASSA official, is your only proof of application. Keep it safe.

No Fees for Application: There are no fees associated with applying for the grant.

Notification of Approval or Rejection: If your application is approved, you’ll receive written notification. If it’s rejected, SASSA will inform you in writing, including the reasons for the rejection.

Reconsideration and Appeal: If you’re unhappy with SASSA’s decision, you have the right to request reconsideration. This request must be based on the outcome of your initial application. If the reconsidered decision is still unfavorable, you can appeal in writing to the Minister of Social Development.

Home Visits and Compliance Receipt

Home Visits: Bed-ridden beneficiaries undergo home visits as part of the process.

Receipt of Compliance: Upon completion of the process, you should receive a compliance receipt.

Responsibility for Notification: It’s your responsibility to inform SASSA of any change of address. All official correspondence is sent to the address on file.

Suspension of Grant

Your grant may be suspended due to:

• Changes in financial circumstances.
• Review outcomes.
• Non-cooperation during reviews.
• Providing false information (fraud or misrepresentation).
• Grant approval made in error.
• Failure to collect the grant for three consecutive months.
• Absence from the Republic for over 90 days.

Old Age Grant Award Date and Payment Methods

Date of Grant Award

If your grant application is approved, you’ll receive payment from the date you applied. You can check the complete details of Payment Dates from here.

Payment Method

You can receive your grant through either of the following methods:

• Cash payment at designated pay points.
• Bank, including Postbank institutions.

Grant Reviews

• Declaration of Income and Assets: When applying, you must declare any income and assets. This determines how often a review will occur.
• Suspension for Lack of Documentation: If you fail to provide necessary documentation during a review, your grant may be suspended.
• Purpose of Reviews: Reviews ensure that you still meet the conditions for receiving the grant. They confirm your continued eligibility.
• Review Process: Reviews check if your circumstances have changed since your application or last review. In some cases, they confirm your status (e.g., completion of a Life Certificate).

Lapsing of Grant

A grant will lapse under the following circumstances:

• On the last day of the month in which you die.
• Upon admission to a state-funded institution (e.g., prison, state old age home, rehabilitation center).
• If absent from the Republic for over 90 days.
• Six months after being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, with continued stay.

Responsibility of Beneficiaries

It is the responsibility of beneficiaries to:

• Keep SASSA informed of changes in personal and financial circumstances.
• Update SASSA about any changes in physical or postal addresses.

Means Test Explanation

In South Africa, social assistance undergoes means testing. This involves SASSA assessing the income and assets of the applicant to determine if they fall below a specified amount. The means test decides eligibility for receiving a grant, as it’s intended for those with insufficient means to support themselves.

• For married applicants, half of the annual joint income is considered.
• Property ownership details are required for records. Living in owned property doesn’t affect the means test.

Challenges and Solutions for the SASSA Older Person Grant

Challenges

• Money Struggles: Some older people find it hard to get the grant because they need more money.
• Paperwork: It can be tough for some older folks to get all the papers they need for the grant.
• Applying is Hard: Some older people have trouble understanding how to apply for the grant.
• Checks and Stopping: Sometimes, the grant might stop because of changes or checks, which can make it hard for older folks.
• Knowing About It: Some people who could get the grant don’t know much about it or how to apply.

Solutions

• Going to People: Go to places where older folks are and tell them about the grant and how to get it.
• Help Centers: Set up places where people can go to get help with the papers they need for the grant.
• Easy Forms: Make the papers to apply for the grant simple and easy to understand.
• Keeping in Touch: Talk to people who get the grant often to let them know about changes or checks.
• Using the Internet: Make sure there’s good information online about the grant, with answers to common questions and clear instructions.

By doing these things, SASSA can help more older people get the support they need with the Older Person Grant.

How do I check my Old Age Grant Balance? 

Online Check

• Go to the https://sasastatuscheck.co.za/  website.
• Enter your South African ID number or 13-digit bar-coded identity document.
• Type in the cell phone number you used for your grant application.
• Click “Check Old Age Grant”’ to see your grant status.

USSD Code Check

• Dial *120*69277#  on your phone.
• Follow the instructions to check your balance.
• If that code doesn’t work, try 12069277# and follow the prompts.

WhatsApp Check

• Send “Sassa” to +27820468553  via WhatsApp.
• Reply with “Status” and your mobile number used for the grant application.
• Follow the instructions to check your grant status.

Check with ATM Card

• Visit any ATM with your SASSA card.
• Insert your card and enter your PIN.
• Select the “Balance Inquiry” option.
• Your current grant balance will be displayed on the screen.
• Take your card and any printed receipt.

Visit SASSA Office

• If you can’t use online or phone methods, go to a SASSA office.
• They’ll help you check your grant balance.

Using these methods, you can easily keep track of your SASSA Old Age Grant balance and make sure you get your money on time.

FAQs about Old Age Grant

Summary

The SASSA Older Persons Grant provides crucial financial assistance to elderly individuals in South Africa, covering essential expenses like food and medical care. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria and submit required documents. The application process can be completed in person or with the help of a proxy, with no associated fees. Various methods, including online platforms and ATMs, enable beneficiaries to check their grant status.

SASSA addresses challenges in accessing the grant through outreach efforts and simplified procedures. The grant amount varies based on age, with processing time taking up to 3 months. There is no application fee, and SASSA can be contacted via phone, email, or in-person visits for further inquiries.