You can acquire a grant to help you get through your golden years. People above the age of 60 are eligible for an older person’s award. This stipend was previously known as the old age pension.
How do you know if you’re eligible?
You must be either a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a refugee.
South African resident
not receive any other type of social grant
not be cared for in a state facility
Earn no more than R86 280 if single, or R172 560 if married.
not have assets worth more than R1 227 600 if single, or R2 455 200 if married
How much will you be paid?
You will be paid a maximum of R1 980 per month. If you are over the age of 75, you will receive R2 000.
How will you be compensated?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay you the grant in one of the following ways:
cash at a specified pay level on a specific day
electronic transfer to your bank or Postbank account (the bank may charge you for the service)
institutions (e.g. elderly age home) (e.g. old age home).
When will your grant be evaluated?
SASSA will decide whether or not to review your grant. This decision will be based on your disclosed income when you apply for the grant. You will be notified three months in advance of the review date or the date the life certificate (evidence that you are still alive) is due. If you get your money from a bank, an institution, or a procurator, you must fill out a life certificate at the SASSA offices every year.
When can your grant be revoked?
Your grant may be suspended if any of the following occur:
when your situation changes
the result of a review
if you do not cooperate when your grant is being reviewed
when you conduct fraud or make false statements about yourself
if there was an error in the approval of your grant.
When does your grant expire?
If you die, are admitted to a state institution, do not claim for three months, or leave the country, your grant will be terminated.
What should you do?
Bring the following items to the nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office:
Your 13-digit barcoded identification card (ID). If you do not have identification:
In the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not an SASSA official, you must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format.
You must produce a sworn statement signed by a credible person who can authenticate your name and age (such as a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion, or school principal).
Your fingerprints will be taken by an SASSA officer. While your application is being processed, you will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for an ID. If you do not obtain an ID, your grant will be revoked.
Evidence of your marital status (if applicable).
Proof of residency is required.
Evidence of your earnings and/or dividends (if any).
Evidence of your assets, including the worth of your property.
Evidence of your private pension (if any).
Your bank statements from the last three months.
If you were previously employed, provide documentation of your UIF membership (‘blue book’) or a dismissal certificate from your prior employer
If your spouse died within the last five years, please provide a copy of the will as well as the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts, if appropriate.
Please keep in mind that if you are too old or sick to go to the office, a family member or friend may apply on your behalf. The individual should take a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you are unable to visit the office.
In the presence of the SASSA officer, fill out the application form (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form). The officer will interview you and determine whether you are eligible for the grant.
A receipt will be issued to you. Keep it as evidence that you applied.
What if your application is denied?
If your application is not granted, SASSA will notify you in writing of the reason for the rejection.
If you disagree with the decision, you have the option of appealing to the Minister of Social Development at the national Department of Social Development. You must file an appeal within 90 days after being told that your application was denied.
How much time does it take?
Your application may take up to three months to be processed.
If your grant is granted, you will be paid beginning on the date you applied.
What is the price?
The service is completely free.
Forms to fill out
Application forms are not available online, however they are available at your local SASSA office.
Who should I contact?
Agency for Social Security in South Africa (SASSA)
