The SASSA Older Persons Grant, also known as the Old Age Grant, is a social grant provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It supports elderly South African citizens who lack sufficient financial resources to sustain themselves. This grant is designed to help senior citizens cover basic living expenses.

SASSA Older Persons Grant

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SASSA Older Persons Grant, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Age: You must be 60 years or older.
  • Citizenship or Residency: You need to be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legally residing refugee.
  • Income and Assets Test (Means Test): Your income and assets must fall below the specified threshold:
  • If you’re single, your annual income must not exceed R92,400, and your assets should be worth less than R1,227,600.
  • If you’re married, the combined annual income must not exceed R184,800, with assets below R2,455,200.
  • Note: The SASSA Older Persons Grant threshold is subject to change, so check with SASSA for the latest figures.
  • No Other Social Grants: You cannot receive the SASSA Older Persons Grant if you are already receiving other social grants, except for the Child Support Grant.
  • Not Institutionalized: Applicants must not be cared for in state institutions (e.g., prison or state hospital), as these institutions handle the individual’s upkeep.

Grant Amount 

As of 2024, the older person’s SASSA grant amount is a maximum of R2,080 per month. If you are 75 years or older, the amount increases to R2,100 per month.

How to Register for the SASSA Older Persons Grant

  • Where to Apply: You can apply at your nearest SASSA office.
  • Documents Required:
  • South African ID: A valid South African ID document.
  • Proof of Income and Assets: Such as bank statements or salary slips, meeting the SASSA Older Persons Grant means test.
  • Proof of Marital Status: If married, you’ll need your marriage certificate.
  • Proof of Residency: Utility bills or a lease agreement.
  • SASSA Affidavit for an Older Persons Grant: May be required to verify certain information, such as your income or marital status.

How Do I Register for the SASSA Older Persons Grant?

  • Visit a SASSA Office: Go to your nearest SASSA office with all necessary documents.
  • Complete the Application Form: Fill out the SASSA Grant for Older Persons application forms. SASSA officers are available to assist if needed.
  • Document Verification: SASSA will verify your income and assets. This process typically takes between 30 and 90 days.
  • Biometric Verification: You may also be required to complete biometric verification, such as fingerprint scanning.
  • Receive a Receipt: After submitting the application, you will receive a receipt as proof.
  • Approval and Payment: Once your application is approved, you will be notified, and payments will begin via your chosen method.

Payment Methods

  • Bank Account: You can have the grant paid directly into your bank account.
  • SASSA Card: The SASSA card works like a debit card, allowing you to access your funds at ATMs, stores, or SAPO branches.
  • Cash Send: For those without bank accounts, the Cash Send service is available.
  • Post Office: You can collect your grant at SAPO or participating retailers such as Pick n Pay or Shoprite.

Additional Benefits

  • Free Medical Services: Some medical services at state hospitals may be free for SASSA Older Persons Grant recipients.
  • Burial Assistance: In certain provinces, grant recipients may also qualify for help with burial costs.
  • Utility Discounts: Some municipalities offer concessionary rates for services like electricity or water to grant beneficiaries.

How to Renew the SASSA Older Persons Grant 

The SASSA Older Persons Grant does not need annual renewal unless your financial status or personal circumstances change. However, SASSA may conduct periodic reviews to ensure continued eligibility.

  • Appeal Process:
    If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal:
  • Submit your appeal in writing to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice.
  • Include all supporting documents to strengthen your case.
  • You will be notified of the outcome once the appeal is processed.
  • Fraud Prevention:
    Keep your personal and grant details secure. Avoid sharing personal information with anyone except official SASSA representatives to prevent fraud.
  • Contact Information for Help:
    For assistance, you can contact SASSA through their toll-free helpline (0800 60 10 11) or visit their official website https://www.sassa.gov.za. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone aged 60 or older who is a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legally residing refugee and meets the SASSA Older Persons Grant means test can qualify.

The older person’s SASSA grant amount for 2024 is R2,080 per month, or R2,100 for those 75 years or older.

Processing usually takes between 30 and 90 days after submission of the application and required documents.

You will need a valid South African ID, proof of income, marital status, proof of residence, and possibly a SASSA affidavit for an Older Persons Grant.

You can apply at the nearest SASSA office by submitting the required documents and completing the SASSA Grant for Older Persons application forms.