The Older Person’s Grant – also known as the state old-age pension – is a monthly income for citizens, permanent residents, and refugees 60 years or older with no other means of financial income. This grant is meant to help our older residents cope financially during their old age.
You qualify for an older person’s grant if you:
- Are a South African citizen or permanent resident or refugee.
- Live in South Africa.
- Are 60 years or older.
- Are not living in a state institution.
- Are not receiving payments from another social grant.
- Your spouse must comply with the means test.
- You must submit your identity document (ID).
- You don’t earn more than R86 280 if you are single or R 172 560 if married.
- You don’t have assets worth more than R1 227 600 if you are single or R2 455 200 if you’re married.
The Older Person’s Grant means test
Only people who have a monthly income below a certain level can get the grant. The test to decide this is called a means test.
Because social assistance like state grants is meant for people who can’t support themselves, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) looks at the income and assets of the person applying for a social grant to determine whether a person qualifies to receive a grant or not.
How much is the old person’s grant?
The amount of the old person’s grant changes every year. Currently, the maximum amount that you’ll get is R1 980 per month. If you’re older than 75 years, you’ll get R2 000. Any changes in the grant amounts are reflected every year in the national budget speech or at the opening of Parliament.
Old person’s grant application requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
- The applicant and child must be resident in South Africa.
- Must not be less than 60 years.
- The applicant must not be in receipt of another social grant for him or herself.
- 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.
You can apply for the old age grant by filling in an application form at your nearest SASSA office and bringing the following information with you:
- Your official identity document (ID).
- If you don’t have an ID:
- You must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA form in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who’s not a SASSA official.
- You must bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a 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. You’ll be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID even as your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.
- If you don’t have an ID:
- Proof of your marital status (if applicable).
- Proof of your address.
- Proof of your income and/or dividends.
- Proof of your assets, including the value of the property you own.
- Proof of your private pension (if any).
- Your 3-month bank statement.
- If you were employed, an Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) (‘blue book’) or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
- If your spouse died within the last 5 years, a copy of your spouse’s death certificate, their will, and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts where applicable.
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Note: If you’re too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note saying why you can’t visit the office.
Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA officer (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official can complete the application form). The officer will interview you and tell you if you qualify for the grant.
Although the application is free, you’ll be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.
How long will it take for the application to be processed?
- It may take up to 3 months to process your application.
- If your grant is approved, you’ll be paid from the date on which you applied.
- If your application is refused, you’ll get a letter explaining why it has been refused and how you can appeal within 90 days of being notified.
The old persons grant will be cancelled if you die, if you’re admitted to a state institution or if your income or assets improve so much that you no longer pass the means test. You must inform the department of any changes in your circumstances.
Payment options and details
SASSA will pay the grant to you through one of the following methods:
- Cash at a specific pay point on a particular day.
- Electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service)
- Institutions (e.g. old age home).
Note: If you’re unable to collect the money yourself, you can appoint a SASSA official, or give someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf.
SASSA Older Person’s Grant Contact Details
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