What Age Can You Apply for SASSA Old Age Pension Grant?

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 10/03/24 •  5 min read

Are you or someone you know struggling financially and over 60? You may be eligible for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Older Person’s Grant. This article covers the age criteria and requirements for different SASSA grants, how to apply for the SASSA Older Person’s Grant, and the grant amount and payment methods.

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What Age Can You Apply for SASSA Old Age Pension Grant?

There is good news for you if you are 60 or older and struggling financially. You can apply for the SASSA Older Person’s Grant. To qualify, you must undergo a means test that assesses your income and assets. You may qualify if you don’t receive a regular income above a certain amount, don’t live in a state institution, and your total monthly income is below R7 190. Married couples can apply jointly if their combined monthly income is below R14 380. You will not qualify for the grant if you have zero earnings, but your spouse earns R14 380 or more monthly.

Currently, the grant pays R1 980 per month, and people over 75 receive an additional R20, for a total of R2 000. While the grant increases every year, the increases are minimal. 

You can apply for a grant by visiting your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office or apply online at www.services.sassa.gov.za. The processing time is approximately three months, but if you are successful, you will receive payments from the date you applied. You can use your SASSA card to pay for goods at the till or withdraw cash from designated points.

Age Criteria for Each Type of SASSA Grant

If you are wondering about the age criteria for each type of SASSA grant, we’ve got you covered! Millions of people in South Africa rely on SASSA grants to meet their basic needs, and age is an important qualifying criterion.

To apply for the SRD grant, you must be between 18 and 60 years old. For the Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, and Care Dependency Grant, the child must be under 18 years old. If you are applying for the Disability Grant, you must be between 18 and 59 years old. The Older Persons Grant, War Veterans Grant, and Grant-In-Aid require you to be at least 60 years old to apply.

SASSA provides different types of grants to cater to different needs, and it is heartening to know that the government is taking care of its people. If you need more information on each grant type, head to the SASSA website. Remember, SASSA is here to help, and if you have any queries, feel free to contact them directly.

Who Qualifies for SASSA Older Persons Grant?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial assistance to older persons through the Older Persons Grant. This grant is designed to help older South Africans who are financially vulnerable and need support to cover basic living expenses.

To qualify for the SASSA Older Persons grant, individuals must be South African citizens or permanent residents and be 60 years or older. They must not receive any other pension or social grant and not have an income or combined income with their spouse exceeding the grant threshold. Beneficiaries may obtain their funds using one of the following payment methods: at the appropriate pay stations that issue cash payments, banks, or institutions.

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The grant amount is currently R2 010 per month for older people 75 years and above. It stands at R1 990 monthly for older people between 60 and 75. The grant amount may get adjusted annually based on inflation. The grant is paid directly into the beneficiary’s bank account or onto a SASSA-approved payment card.

Applying for the grant is a straightforward process; eligible people can expect to receive it as soon as their application is approved. To apply for an Older Persons grant, you must do so at your nearest SASSA office. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and information on the requirements and documentation needed to apply for the grant.

The SASSA Older Persons grant is an important social safety net for older South Africans who cannot financially support themselves. It helps to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for older persons. If you or someone you know qualifies for the grant, do not hesitate to apply and start receiving the benefits that come with it.

How Much is the SASSA Older Persons Grant?

Are you 60 years or older and in need of financial assistance? Look no further than the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and their Older Person’s Grant. This grant is available to South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees who reside in South Africa and do not receive any other social grants for themselves, have assets below a certain value and do not earn more than a specified amount. The maximum monthly amount of the grant is R2 080, with an increase of R2 100 for individuals over 75 years old.

To apply, visit your nearest SASSA office with your 13-digit bar-coded ID or affidavit and sworn statement, proof of residence and marital status, bank statements, proof of income, and proof of assets. A family member or friend can apply on your behalf if you cannot apply in person. The application process may take up to three months, but you will receive your grant from the approval date if approved.

SASSA will pay the grant to you through an electronic deposit or a specific pay point, or if you cannot collect the money yourself, you can appoint a procurator at the SASSA office.

It’s important to note that SASSA may review your grant and suspend or lapse it under certain circumstances, such as if your income or circumstances change or if you fail to cooperate when your grant is reviewed. However, the Older Person’s Grant is a valuable and essential resource for seniors in South Africa, providing financial assistance and stability during their golden years.

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