The old age pension helps alleviate poverty and provides a stable income to the senior citizens of South Africa. You can register your account on the online portal of SASSA and apply for a regular pension.
The provision of income makes sure that older adults can maintain the basic requirements of a life. The applicants must be above 60 years old and permanent citizens of South Africa.
The digital approach makes it comfortable for people who can not visit the office for any reason. There are some straightforward guidelines that we have provided in this blog for readers who are interested in receiving pension benefits from SASSA.
What is the SASSA Old Age Pension
The old age pension is for those vulnerable citizens of South Africa who are 60 years old or above. It aims to cover the fundamental needs of senior citizens who are unable to work anymore.
The SASSA pays this lump sum amount at the start of every month. More than 4 million of the citizens are now getting advantage from this pension grant. It is necessary to meet the eligibility criteria to apply online.
Most of the old age people in South Africa do not have financial sources and income support. They need additional assistance that is now provided by the government. Most of the time the old age grant is also called the old age pension.
SASSA Old Age Pension In 2024
The SASSA pension amount has been increased in the year 2024. From the start of April 2024, an increment of R90 is added to the original payment. The new pension amount is now R2180 per month.
The recipients who are above 75 years will get R2200 per month. Moreover, in the month of October 2024, a further increment is also expected. The pension will hopefully be increased by R10 and will be given to the beneficiaries.
This increment will provide crucial support to the senior citizens. It is important to note that the amount of the pension may vary as per the conditions of an individual. You need to confirm the status of the SASSA about the increment.
Eligibility Criteria For The SASSA Pension
The pensioners are selected as per specific criteria set by the SASSA. There are some rules that will decide your eligibility. These specifications are necessary to consider before applying online for pension funds.
The individual must be a citizen of South Africa with proper evidence of residence. If you are a refugee then you need to prove it with supporting documents.
- The age of a person should be more than 60.
- The applicant is valid for the pension if he or she is not able to work anymore.
- You should not be under the care of any other social institution taking any type of grant.
Required Documents For SASSA Old Age Pension
The senior citizens should complete the documents related to the old age pension grant before applying for it. There are some documents that are required common for all but some of them are exceptional.
- The most important document is the South African national identity card which has a 13 digit code.
- A marriage certificate is necessary if you are married. In case you are single then bring a divorce or death certificate.
- The current address documents are utility bills.
- The income proofs can be any type of dividends or stock investments. The proof of any type of asset that includes the property or building.
- The proof of any other pension if you are retired from a job.
- The other income proof includes a bank statement that should not be older than 3 months.
- The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and any other document provided by your employer is required.
- The death certificate of the spouse is also required if he or she has passed away in the last five years.
Important Note
The applicants who do not have an identity card can provide an affidavit from SASSA. The template of the affidavit is available on the website or you can collect it from the institute. Moreover, you will require a sworn statement signed by an individual such as a counselor.
The SASSA will help you process the ID card and send the information to the Department of Home Affairs. This will make it sure that you won’t lose a chance to secure income support from the SASSA.
How To Apply For SASSA Pension Online
The individuals can apply for the SASSA pension online or by physically visiting the office. In both cases, there are some requirements that you need to fulfill. However, to apply online on the official website you can get help from this guide.
Sign Up
The most fundamental step is to sign up on the SASSA official website. This website will give you access to the online portal after registration. You can find the link to registration on the top right side of the main page. It is available in the extended menu bar.
Enter Details And LogIn
The users will enter the details such as contact number, address, and National ID card number of South Africa. After completion of the registration, you can log in to the portal successfully. This will give you access to the various possibilities and facilities offered by SASSA.
Search Old Age Pension (Old Age Grant)
The individuals will now search for the old age grant which is also known as an old age pension. Both of these grants are the same and you can apply for it if you are above 60. Click on the tab and fill in the form that will open in front of you on the screen.
Form Filling
The online form is simpler than the hard copy of the old age pension form. However, you can fill it digitally by entering all the details relevant to the application. These can include the address, email address, income sources, and status of the job.
Uploading Documents
The users will now upload the documents that are already mentioned on the form. You can upload the income statement, copy of your ID card, and other documents by taking their pictures. All the pictures should be clear and you can upload them in PDF format.
Submission
The applicants will now submit the form by double checking it. After submission, the SASSA can verify the details such as your phone number by sending an OTP. They will send you other details by SMS or to your email address.
Interview
SASSA will call you for an interview during the review process. This interview is conducted physically and will require some identity proof and supporting documents. They can give you a call asking about the time and convenience.
Approval
After an extensive review that can take up to 90 days, the institute will make a decision on your application. They can contact you multiple times during the process and you have to cooperate with them. In case of negligence, they can dismiss your application.
Important Note
The individuals can send a family member on their behalf to the SASSA office for correspondence. The office will give you a receipt that will include the identity number. This number is essential and it will help you log in to the SASSA website as well.
Means test For an Old Age Pension Grant
The mean test is another criterion that will determine the eligibility of the applicants. This test is related to your income level and wealth. This is to make sure that deserving people get a first chance to receive assistance from SASSA.
The private income, pension, and any other funds that you are receiving from other sources will be included in the mean test. The amount of the grant is also determined by this test. People with a very low income level can get the maximum grant amount.
For a Single person
The income threshold for a single person is R86,280 per year as per the records of SASSA. If you have any types of fixed assets that should not be more than R122,760,0.
For married couple
The couples or married people threshold for income level is almost R172 560. If we talk about the assets for a couple then it will not be more than R2 455,200. All these income levels and assets are combined for couples.
SASSA Old Age Pension Payment Process
When the department will approve your grant then you will start receiving the payments from the date of application. Most of the time the applicants get confused about how they receive the payments. Some of the most common methods to receive a pension are as under.
A direct bank deposit is the most common and reliable method that many pensioners choose. There are no fees for depositing the amount. However, checking your balance and other bank charges may apply as per the policy of a specific bank.
Retail outlets such as Boxer, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Checkers are partnered with SASSA. You can collect your payments from these outlets.
Specific institutions like NGOs, disability centers, and old age homes may give you a facility to directly collect the payment.
How to Receive Payment in Bank
The beneficiaries who want to receive the payments from the bank accounts have to fill out a consent form for the bank. This form is available on the SASSA website and will need the following documents to attach to the form.
- The account number of the bank or a checkbook leaflet copy.
- The identity proof includes an ID card or driving license.
- A bank statement that should be not older than 3 months.
People who want to update the information related to their bank account can also get help from the SASSA portal. You can also select a fresh or alternative payment method. This will require some sort of verification and other approvals.
SASSA Old Age Pension Balance Check
The balance check feature is available for the beneficiaries of the SASSA. This allows you to timely manage your financial activities and plan for the upcoming expenses. The people can check the balance of their pension using the following methods.
Method 1: ATM machines are available that require your Gold Card or Bank Card PIN code to check the balance.
Method 2: The WhatsApp number of SASSA can help you confirm the latest details (082 046 8553).
Method 4: A toll-free number of SASSA is the best option that works office hours 0800 601 011
Method 5: You can dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# on the cellphone which will help you get the details about the grant amount.
SASSA Old Age Pension Reviews
The review process of the grant is crucial to understand because if you do not comply with the SASSA then they can cancel your grant. These reviews are conducted regularly for the pensioners to ensure that they are still eligible for social benefits.
If you are not eligible anymore then the department will stop the grant or can take other actions. Whatever the circumstances are, you need to update the information on your application on the website.
The SASSA can send you a written notice prior to any type of review. In this way, you can prepare the necessary documents that they can ask for. The interview can be conducted and the time and date will be specified as well.
The office can visit your location or residence to confirm the addresses. You have to provide updated information such as bank records to continue receiving the benefits.
SASSA Pension Suspension Reasons
The pension can be suspended after a review. To understand the reasons for the suspension you can read the following section.
Reason 1: If the department has approved the grant and later finds a mistake in the application.
Reason 2: Failure to cooperate with the department can suspend your grant at anytime.
Reason 3: The information provided in the documents was false.
Reason 4: The income status or circumstance of the beneficiary has now changed.
Reasons for Lapsing of SASSA Pension
The reasons for the lapsing of the pension can be different. As per the records of SASSA, there are a few common reasons for the lapse of grants.
Reason 1: The pension will lapse after the death of the beneficiary.
Reason 2: The SASSA will take review on an annual basis and you need to provide the official documents and other details. Failing to respond can cancel the grant on the spot.
Reason 3: If someone has not collected the grant payment for not more than three months.
Reason 4: The individual has been out of the country without informing SASSA for more than three months.
Reason 5: The mean test is another essential criterion to consider. If the income level of the spouses or a single person gets over this criteria then the grant can be lapsed.
SASSA Pensioners Responsibilities
The SASSA pensioners should play an active role in receiving the uninterrupted payouts. They can cooperate with the department and provide updated information when asked. You should update the payment details and residential address if there are any changes.
If there are any financial changes in the record then you have to inform the office. Do not perform any type of fraudulent activity and also do not take help from the unauthentic service providers. Keep the information safe and don’t share it with anyone.
In case of the death of the pensioner, the family members should inform the SASSA on the phone call. Moreover, you can get an additional benefit if your age is over 75 years old.
Restore SASSA Pension Grant
The SASSA can suspend the grant after a review but the individuals will still have a chance to present the matter in front of the Ministry of Social Development. You should appeal before the ministry within 90 days of suspension.
The SASSA pensioners will now get the R2180 per month after the approval of the application from SASSA. The physical and online methods are available for the ease of the citizens to apply for the pension. There is an eligibility criteria that is similar to the old age grants for pensioners.
You must qualify for these criteria and then apply. The online portal will require your registration. After that, you can get access to the online portal. This will further let you complete the application process and start receiving the funds.
