Sadly, this service is not accessible online.
To help you through your senior years, you can receive a grant. People 60 years of age or older are eligible to receive an older person’s award. The old age pension was the previous name for this payment.
How can you tell if you’re eligible?
You have to
live in South Africa as a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
not be supported by a governmental institution or receive any other social assistance; not earn more than R86 280 (for single people) or R172 560 (for married people).
not possess assets valued at more than R2 455 200 if you are married or R1 227 600 if you are single.
What will you receive?
You can get a maximum of R1 980 every month. You will receive R2,000 if you are over 75 years old.
You’ll get paid in what way?
You will be paid the grant by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) via one of the following methods:
electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service) at a specific pay point on a specific day (e.g. old age home).
You can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office or grant someone power of attorney to collect the grant on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself.
When can we review your grant?
If your grant needs to be evaluated, SASSA can decide. This choice will be based on the income you disclosed when applying for the grant. The date of the review or the deadline for submitting the life certificate (evidence that you are still alive) will be communicated to you three months in advance. You must annually complete a life certificate at the SASSA offices if you receive your money through a bank, an institution, or a procurator.
When is it possible to revoke your grant?
Your grant may be revoked for the reasons listed below:
When you fail to cooperate when your grant is evaluated, when you conduct fraud or self-deceit, or when there was an error when your grant was authorised. When your circumstances influence the conclusion of a review.
What time will your grant expire?
The gift will expire once you:
pass away, enter a state facility, or leave the country for three consecutive months without filing a claim.
Please be aware that the social grant is lowered to 25% of the grant’s maximum amount if you are admitted to a facility that has a contract with the state to provide for your care. This will begin the fourth month after your enrollment at that institution. As soon as you are released from the institution, the reduced grant is reinstated.
More details about the grant for older people
How you should proceed
Bring the following items to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office that is closest to your residence.
Your identity card with a 13-digit barcode (ID). If you don’t have an ID, you must fill out an affidavit in accordance with standard SASSA format in front of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not an SASSA representative. You must also bring a sworn statement signed by a respectable individual who can attest to your identity and age, such as a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal. A SASSA representative will take your fingerprints. While your application is being processed, you will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID. Your grant will be put on hold if you fail to obtain an ID.
Your marriage status must be proven (if applicable).
evidence of residency
A statement of your earnings or dividends (if any).
Evidence of your assets, including the cost of any real estate you possess.
your private pension documentation (if any).
your three-month worth of bank statements.
If you were working, a copy of your UIF membership card (often known as a “blue book”) or a letter of termination from your prior job.
A copy of the will, along with the first and last liquidation and distribution accounts, if your spouse passed away during the last five years.
Please be aware that a family member or friend may submit your application on your behalf if you are too frail or ill to get to the office. The person should obtain a letter from you and/or a note from your doctor explaining your inability to come into the office.
Fill out the application while the SASSA officer is present (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form). After speaking with you, the officer will determine if you are eligible for the grant.
A receipt will be provided to you. Maintain it as evidence that you applied.
What happens if your application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, SASSA will provide you with a written explanation of the reason why.
You can appeal the judgement to the Minister of Social Development at the federal Department of Social Development if you disagree with it. Following receiving notification that your application was denied, you have 90 days to file an appeal.
What is the time frame?
Your application might be processed for up to three months.
If your grant application is accepted, you will start receiving payments from that point forward.
What does it cost?
It’s a free service.
Forms to fill out
Application forms are only available at your local SASSA office; they are not accessible online.
South African Social Security Agency contact information (SASSA)
