SIX must-knows for SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa

When it comes to SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa, the government has set aside billions of Rands annually to assist the aged. The benefits are administered by the South African Social Security Agency, and are there to help provide for the elderly and vulnerable in their later years. Here are six must-knows for you to successfully receive SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa.

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SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa cater for 60-year-old citizens, permanent residents, as well as refuges, who have no alternative source of income. No matter your status, you must, however, reside permanently in South Africa to qualify.

SASSA OLD-AGE BENEFITS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Below you’ll find a list of requirements for old-age benefits in South Africa. If you meet all the criteria, you may move forward with your application:

• You must possess a verifiable identification document (ID).
• Not receive another social grant of any kind.
• Be 60-years of age or older.
• Reside permanently in South Africa.
• Not be in any state institution.

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To ensure no one takes advantage of SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa, there is an all-important means test. This is the certain threshold within which you qualify for SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa. There is both an asset and income element to the means test:

• Annually you cannot earn more than R86 280 if single.
• You cannot earn more than R172 560 annually in your household if married.
• You cannot possess more than R1 227 600-worth of assets against your name.
• If married, you must not have more than R2 455 200-worth of assets in your name.

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HOW MUCH IS THE GRANT?  

SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa went up on Sunday 1 October 2023. The stipend has increased to R2 090 per person (60 and 74 years old). And it is R2 110 per month for anyone 75 years of age or older.

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HOW DO YOU APPLY?

This cannot happen online, sadly. You must apply at a SASSA regional office. Click HERE to find the most convenient one for you. Follow the instructions of a SASSA official, who must be in attendance at all times, to fill out all necessary forms in person.

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Ensure you have the following documents:

• Verifiable/legal identification document.
• Proof of your marital status, if applicable.
• A discharge certificate from your last employer or Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) if you were employed.
• Proof of dividends or income.
• Proof of address.
• Three-months bank statement.
• Proof of all your assets and properties in your possession.

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WHAT IF YOUR SPOUSE HAS PASSED AWAY?

• If your spouse had died you will need to provide the following:
• A copy of your spouse’s death certificate (in the last five years).
• Provide their will, last and first distribution, and liquidation accounts where necessary.
• If you are very sick or too old to make the trip to apply for SASSA old-age benefits in South Africa, you may send someone on your behalf with a letter from your doctor.

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