The old-age pension is administered by SASSA and applies to permanent residents, citizens, and refugees. It is designed for old people above 60 years who are in need of living assistance.
If you are planning to apply for the grant money, here is a complete SASSA old-age pension payout date and application guide, so give it a quick read.
SASSA Old Age Pension Payout Dates
Usually, the old-age grant is disbursed at the start of every month (the fourth day of the month). If you do not want to experience any inconvenience, it is better to keep in touch with your bank and SASSA. Here is the breakdown of the payment schedule and methods for SASSA’s old-age pension.
Payment Schedule
Once the SASSA committee approves your status, you will start receiving your grant payments, as directed by the status updated on the portal.
Well, there is no fixed time for disbursement of the amount, and the agency updates its payment schedule each month. For this month, the SASSA old age grant is expected to come on 3rd October 2024.
Users can also check R350 SRD grant payment dates and old age grant payment dates as well.
Payment Method
Now that you are sure about the paydays, it is time to understand the three payment methods. You can use these methods to receive the payment however you like.
- Beneficiaries can make transactions directly through their SASSA cards.
- They can also choose a bank option for direct transfer to your account.
- They can also choose SASSA-authorized retailer branches in their area, like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, Checkers, Shoprite, and SPAR.
- Alternatively, beneficiaries have the option to receive payments through authorized institutions like NGOs, disability centers, old-age homes, etc.
How Much is the SASSA Grant for Older People?
The old age pension from SASSA has varying amounts for different people, depending on their age. Typically, the grant money received by people between 60 and 74 years of age is R2,180 per month, whereas those above 75 years may get R2,200 per month.
According to the recent update, SASSA has announced an increase in old-age pensions of up to R10 per person. The new amounts for people between 60 and 74 and those above 75 will be R2,190 and R2,210 per month for each person, respectively.
SASSA Old Age Grant Eligibility Criteria
To become eligible for the SASSA old age pension, one must fulfill the following requirements.
- The applicant must be a South African citizen or permanent resident. Or, he/ she should be living in the country as a recognized refugee.
- The applicant must be living in the country at the time of application.
- The applicant must not be receiving any other type of social grant.
- The applicant must be above 60 years of age.
- The applicant must not be receiving care and support from any state-run institution.
- The applicant must comply with the conditions of the Means Test.
Means Test for SASSA Old Age Pension
The Means Test from SASSA is a financial instrument that helps the agency evaluate your income and assets so they can decide to fund deserving individuals. As per the recent updates, the asset and income threshold according to the Means Test is as follows.
- Asset Threshold for single applicants and married applicants (combined) is around R1,372,800 and R2,745,600, respectively.
- The income threshold for single applicants and married applicants (combined) is R96,840 and R193,680 per year, respectively.
Documents Required for the Applications
To apply for the SASSA old age pension, you are required to submit the following documents.
- A 13-digit barcoded ID document.
- Proof of your marital status. It can be your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or affidavit, as applicable.
- Proof of your current address.
- Proof of your stocks and dividends. Married applicants are also required to provide their spouse’s dividends and stocks.
- Proof of combined assets and property.
- Proof of your personal pension, if applicable.
- The bank statement should not be older than the last three months.
- UIF Unemployment Insurance Fund membership or blue book if you had previously been employed. If you are currently unemployed, you must provide a discharge certificate from the former employer.
- If your partner has passed away within the last five years, you are required to submit a copy of your spouse’s death certificate.
Affidavit for SASSA Old Age Pension
- If you do not have the ID document, SASSA allows you to submit the affidavit form. You can download this form from the official website. It must be filled out, stamped, and signed by the Oath Commissioner, who is not accredited with SASSA. Along with the affidavit, you are required to submit the following documents.
- A sworn statement signed by a reputable person. It can be a counselor, traditional religious leader, school principal, and social worker.
- SASSA may also take your fingerprint to process the application. This is usually sent to the Department of Home Affairs for identity verification. In case this verification fails, your application will be suspended.
How Do You Apply for an Old Age Pension at SASSA?
SASSA allows people to submit the application for old-age pensions online and by visiting their physical office at their convenience. Each process is easy when you have prepared. SASSA even gives you the option to send someone (a trusted friend or family member) on your behalf if you are unable to make it to the office.
Online Application Portal
Here is how you can submit an old-age pension request on the SASSA website.
- First, visit the SASSA Services portal and log into your account.
- If you are a first-time user, register yourself by providing a few personal details.
- From here, navigate to the Grants tab and select Old-Age Grant.
- After this, an application form will be displayed on your screen. Fill out the form. Make sure you provide correct information, or it can result in your disqualification.
- Once satisfied, proceed further and upload the supporting documents.
- Congratulations, your application has been submitted. All you need to do is wait for SASSA to process it and provide you with the outcome.
By Visiting the SASSA Office
Another way to submit the SASSA application is at the local office. It is pretty, as all you need to do is gather some documents and visit there. Here is how it goes.
- Go to the nearest SASSA office and ask for a staff representative.
- He/ she will guide you through the process. They will give you an application form. Fill out this form in the presence of the staff representative.
- Double-check everything and make sure there are no typing errors or incorrect data entry. This will delay your application processing.
- Once done, attach all the supporting documents with the application form, and you will be done.
- You will receive a stamped receipt with the form as proof of your application.
Processing Time
It takes around 30 to 90 days for SASSA to process the old-age pension application. Once your application is approved, you will receive payment dates and other information on the portal. Do note that this time may vary for individual applications, depending on the verification process and application submission.
SASSA Old Age Pension Status Check
Once your application is processed, SASSA will update your status on the portal, rejecting or approving your grant money. If your grant is approved, you will receive payment dates right away. However, those with declined status have the right to exercise their right for appeal or reconsideration.
Here is how you can check your SASSA old-age pension status.
- Visit the official SASSA website and enter your login details.
- Navigate to the status section and check whether it has been updated.
You can also check the status using this method.
- Contact SASSA at their toll-free number (0800 601 011) and inquire about your status check after answering a few questions.
SASSA Contact Details
For further details about the grant, you can directly contact SASSA.
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 601 011
- Head Office Number: 012 400 2322
- Email Address: [email protected]
What is the income threshold for the SASSA old age pension?
The income threshold for single SASSA old-age grant applicants and married applicants (combined) is R96,840 and R193,680 per year, respectively.
What is the payment date of the SASSA old age pension?
The expected date for the SASSA old-age pension is April 3, 2024.
How much do you get as a SASSA old-age grant beneficiary?
The SASSA old-age grant money for people between 60 and 74 is R2,190 per month. Moreover, people above 75 will receive R2,210 per month for each person, respectively.
In essence, the SASSA old-age pension grant is an excellent opportunity for old people to fund their lives. The application process is fairly easy, and chances are often higher once you are prepared. I hope this guide has helped you through the old-age grant application process.