The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is one of the milestone achievements of the independent Republic of South Africa. It provides social grants to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society, like pensioners. The program helps people living below the poverty line. To qualify for this funding, you must meet certain requirements. However, if you are fortunate to get an income-generating opportunity, you should opt out of the grant program. Here are the steps you can take to cancel your SASSA pension
How Do I Cancel My SASSA Pension Grant?
You can consider different methods to cancel your SASSA pension grant. Cancelling your pension online is one of the easiest methods; you can do it in the comfort of your home. To use this method, you must first visit the SASSA relief grant webpage on your computer and follow the steps below.
- Look for the “Cancel my Application” option and click the button.
- You will be provided with an option to input your mobile number and ID number, then tap on send the PIN.
- You will get an SMS consisting of a six-digit OTP number on your phone.
- Enter the OTP number on the dialogue box on your screen, which appears when you click the “Send PIN” option.
- Click on the tab “Cancel my Grant”.
- A popup message appears asking you if you are sure that you want to cancel the grant or not. If you wish to cancel, click “Yes” or terminate the process by clicking “No”.
Once you click yes, you have opted out of the SASSA pension grant and will not continue receiving it.
Alternatively, you can cancel the SASSA R350 grant via WhatsApp at 082 064 8553. When you reach out to the SASSA team, make sure you provide the correct details that you used during the registration process, such as your ID number. For a fast response, you can send a message titled “Cancel SASSA R350 Grant.”
Another option you can consider is to call the SASSA helpline toll number at 0800601011 and request a cancellation of your pension. A SASSA agent will attend to you and must provide your registered phone number and ID number. Once your SASSA grant is cancelled, the agent will give you confirmation.
You can also use email to request the cancellation of the SASSA pension. Send an email to GrantsEnquiries@sassa.gov.za and state the reasons why you want to opt-out. However, cancelling your pension does not mean you are barred from applying again. If your circumstances change and you feel that you want financial assistance, you can reapply for funding. As long as you meet the SASSA requirements, your application will be approved, and you will start receiving the grant.
How Much Is SASSA Pension?
SASSA offers different types of grants to various applicants. For instance, the SASSA pension or older person grant is for older people. The old age pension is supposed to increase to R2080 from 1 April 2023 for people between 60 and 74 years. Pensioners have been getting R1990, and an increment of R90 will come at the beginning of April 2023. Beneficiaries will also get an R10 increment on 1 October to make the SASSA pension R2090. Pensioners above 75 years will be getting R2100 on 1 April 2023, and they will get a further increment of R10 to make it R2010 on 1 October 2023.
The War Veterans Grant is another form of pension that is currently pegged at R2010. On 1 April, this amount will be increased to R2100, then R2110 on 1 October 2023. If you are a pensioner belonging to any of these categories, these are the payments you should expect to get in 2023.
How Much Is the Old Age Pension?
The old age pension is currently R1990 per month for people between 60 and 74 years. Individuals who are older than 75 years get R2100. Both categories will get an increment of R90 on 1 April to make the new payments of R2080 and R2100, respectively.
Where Can I Withdraw my SASSA Pension?
You can withdraw your SASSA pension through any of the following methods.
- Electronic deposit in your Postbank account or any other bank
- Get cash on a specific day from a particular pay point determined by SASSA
- Institutions such as old age homes, if you can no longer walk to the nearest facility to withdraw your pension
If you cannot collect the money, you can assign a power of attorney to a trusted person to collect the money on your behalf. Appointing a procurator at your SASSA branch office is another option you can consider to get your pension without hassles.
Who Qualifies for SASSA Pension?
To qualify for a SASSA pension, you must meet the following requirements.
- Live in South Africa
- Be a South African citizen, refugee, or permanent resident.
- You do not receive any other social grant.
- If you are single, you should not earn more than R86 280 per year or R172 560 per annum if married.
- You do not live in a state institution (If you live in an institution with a contract with the state to look after you, your social grant will be reduced by 25%. When you are discharged from the institution, your grant will be reinstated).
- Your assets are not worth more than R1 227 600 if you are single or R2 455 200 for married people.
Remember that your SASSA pension will lapse when you die. No beneficiary can claim your grant when you pass away. Failure to claim the grant for three consecutive months will cause it to lapse. Additionally, funding will lapse if you are absent from the country for an extended period.
If you are 60 years or more, you are entitled to get a SASSA pension. However, this funding is meant for people living below the poverty datum line and having no other source of income. If your situation improves, you can apply for cancellation of your pension. You can choose any of the options highlighted above. However, you can reapply if you need financial assistance.
