SASSA Old Person’s Grant – Status, Application & Eligibility

The Old Person’s Grant (also called Old Age Grant/Pension) is a vital monthly income for thousands of senior citizens in South Africa. This essential grant helps provide for elderly individuals lacking other financial means of support.

Here is an in-depth guide explaining everything about the Old Person’s Grant:

What is the SASSA Old Age Grant?

• Monthly income provided by the government to vulnerable South Africans over age 60.
• Administered and distributed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
• Aims to cover the basic needs of low-income seniors who can’t provide for themselves.
• Paid to Older Persons Grant recipients on fixed dates each month.
• Funded through tax revenue. 
• Largest individually-allocated grant.
• Almost 3.7 million Old Age Grant beneficiaries as of 2023.

Eligibility Requirements for Old Age Grant

To qualify for the Older Person’s Grant, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with valid papers.
• Be resident within the borders of South Africa.
• Be aged 60 years or older. There is no upper limit.
• Do not receive any other social grant for yourself.
• Not cared for in a state institution that receives subsidy funding.
• Must pass a means test assessing income and assets.
• Cannot have a pension or other assets above set thresholds.
• Legal spouses are assessed under the means test for joint household income.

How to Apply for the Old Person’s Grant

Eligible elderly individuals can apply for their Old Age Grant in two ways:

Online Application

• Visit the official website (services.sassa.gov.za)
• Click on “Register for a grant” and register an account
• Capture all required personal, contact, banking, and prior income details.
• Upload copies of the ID book, proof of residence, bank statements, etc.
• Submit the completed online grant application.

In-Person Application

• Visit the nearest SASSA regional office. Request application form.
• Complete all sections in full with ID copies, proof of income, residence, etc.
• SASSA agent captures details and initiates the application process.
• Return later to check the status and finalize any outstanding details.

Note applicants must provide their own genuine ID and contact details. Do not use another’s identity as this is considered grant fraud.

Old Age Grant Application Documentation

Applicants need to provide the following valid documentation when applying for the Old Person’s Grant:

• Green, barcoded ID book or Smart ID Card as proof of identity and age over 60.
• Proof of residential address such as utility bill, lease, or affidavit from the landlord.
• Recent bank statement for an account where the grant will be received.
• Proof of marital status if married or customary union.
• Divorce or death certificate if previously married.
• Proof of income and assets to assess qualifying for the means test.
• Refugee or asylum paperwork if the foreign applicant.

Old Age Grant Amount 2024

The Old Person’s Grant amounts are as follows from April 2024:

• R2,190 per month for individuals aged 60 to 74
• R2,200 per month for individuals aged 75 and older.
• There is no variation based on gender or geographic location.
• The grant values are uniform nationally but are reviewed annually and usually increased slightly by inflation.
• Married couples apply and receive their individual grant amounts.

The grant money aims to cover basic nutritional needs and living costs for low-income elderly persons.

How the Old Age Grant is Paid Out

SASSA distributes the Old Person’s Grant in a few ways each month:

• Direct deposit into beneficiary’s personal bank account on record.
• Loaded onto an SASSA-issued card that can be used to withdraw cash, make purchases, etc.
• Cash payouts at designated pay points like post office branches and participating retailers.
• Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and USave stores

Recipients should provide bank account details where possible for the safest and most convenient access to their monthly grant funds.

Old Age Grant Payment Dates

• Older Persons Grants are paid first each month before other grants.
• Payments commence on the 1st day of each month unless the 1st falls on a weekend or public holiday.
• Recipients get 5 working days from the payment start date to collect their monthly pension.
• Example: If the 1st is a Saturday, payments start on Monday the 3rd until Friday the 7th.
• Cash pay points get very busy on Old Age Grant payout days. Collect early to avoid long queues.
• Any uncollected or unclaimed grants get returned to SASSA reserves after the payment deadline.

Check More: SASSA Grant Payment Dates 2024

Requirements to Keep Receiving Old Age Grant

To continue receiving the Old Person’s Grant every month, beneficiaries must:

• Notify SASSA immediately if there are any changes in contact details, address, bank account, marital status, etc.
• Remain residing within South Africa. Inform SASSA if moving abroad.
• Apply for reassessment every 5 years to confirm eligibility criteria are still met.
• Update SASSA if recipients become cared for in an institution that receives state funding.
• Notify SASSA if recipients begin receiving pension or maintenance income that may exceed the means test threshold.

Comply with all SASSA annual verification and audit processes to confirm details when requested.

How to Report Old Age Grant Issues

Recipients should report any issues with Old Age Grants to SASSA right away:

• Visit the nearest SASSA office and speak to an agent.
• Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 during working hours for assistance.
• Log a query or complaint online via the SASSA Services portal.
• Follow up if grant payments are late, delayed, or missed without explanation.
• Report suspected fraud immediately and provide relevant details.
• Submit all supporting documents and explain the issue in detail.

SASSA relies on beneficiaries reporting issues quickly so they can investigate and take corrective action timeously.

Offenses and Penalties for Old Age Grant Fraud

It is illegal to provide false information or documents when applying for an Old Age Grant or to accept grants unethically. Offenses can lead to:

• Up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine.
• Having to repay all grant amounts unduly received.
• Being barred from receiving grants for a period of 10 years.
• A criminal record that will negatively impact the ability to find work.
• Prosecution under the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act.

Prospective applicants should take extreme care to provide accurate information to avoid facing serious criminal consequences.

FAQs about SASSA Old Person’s Grant

Conclusion

The SASSA Old Person’s Grant provides a vital lifeline and dignity to millions of low-income seniors. Follow the application process correctly to access this essential grant. Make sure you meet the criteria and then apply.