Do You Qualify For Old Age Grrant?
You are eligible to apply for the SASSA Older Person’s Grant, sometimes referred to as a state pension, if you are 60 years old or older, have given up working, and are experiencing financial difficulty. A means test must be taken in order to demonstrate your financial hardship. If you regularly earn more than a particular amount of money, whether it comes from investments, rents, or a private pension, you are not eligible to apply for the grant. Additionally, if your assets exceed a particular threshold, you will not be eligible for a state pension.
How Can I Tell If I’m Eligible?
Applying for a state pension is possible if:
1. You currently reside in South Africa as a citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
2. You have reached the age of sixty.
3. You are not granted any additional social benefits for yourself.
4. You don’t reside in a government facility (e.g. a state old age home or rehabilitation centre). This regulation does not apply if you reside in a Tafta Home because all of our residences are owned and operated by our organization.
5. According to the means test, you are eligible.
The first four requirements are rather simple. But how can you tell if you meet the means test requirements?
Minimum Wage
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) considers your income and assets to assess whether you qualify for a social grant because these funds are meant for those who are unable to sustain themselves.
Your total monthly income, if you are single, cannot be more than R7 190. Married couples are assessed jointly; you must demonstrate that your total income is less than R14 380 per month. You will not be eligible for the old age grant even if your spouse makes R14 380 or more per month but you do not.
Any money that your dependent children receive that is included against your monthly income (such as part-time or contract work) must also be disclosed. Additionally, your assets are taken into account.
How Long Will it Take For My Payments To Start Arriving?
Your application may take up to three months to be processed, but if accepted, you will start receiving payments from the day you applied. You will receive an SASSA card and can pick up your payment at a recognized bank, post office, or other pay places (eg at supermarkets and some old age homes). Alternately, you can make arrangements to have the funds electronically deposited into your bank or Postbank account.
You won’t pay any fees while using your SASSA card to pay for items at the register, withdraw cash at till points in specific establishments (like Checkers), go to any post office, or use an ATM.
How Much Is Old Age Grant In South Africa?
The grant is currently worth R1 980 per month (as of 1 April 2022). Seniors over 75 earn an additional R20, for a total of R2000. The award is increased each year, but the increases are not substantial. The government has stated that there will be a further R10 hike in October of 2022.
One of the minimal conditions for lodging at Tafta is to have a state pension.
