Lentswe, Klerksdorp - By law, the South African Social Security Agency must protect all needy residents over the age of 60, who don’t have sufficient financial means to support themselves in their twilight years. Who is eligible for old age grants, and how do you apply? Only residents who are 60 years of age or older may apply. SASSA doesn’t only look after South Africans but all those legally residing here.
However, even in this digital age, the application cannot be executed online, it must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official present to oversee and assist you. These are the documents you must be ready to present:
- Official bar-coded identity
document (ID) - smart card or green booklet.
- Documents proving your marital status.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on qualifies).
- Confirmation of your proof of income and/or financial dividends.
- Any relevant information regarding your assets, including a valuation of any property you own.
- Declaration of any private pension in your name (if applicable).
- Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (not more than three months old).
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
- A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
The agency has been in hot water recently over a spate of fraudulent Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant claims. To that end, if you are of sufficient means through a private pension, savings and/or personal assets, you will not be granted SASSA Old Age grants. This is purely so people don’t take advantage of government funds and steal money away from those who really need it.
All of the above documentation is aimed to help SASSA officials understand your monthly income and assets. Furthermore, the limits are as follows:
- You cannot earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year) if single.
- The income limit is R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year) if married.
- Total value of your assets declared must not exceed R1 372 800 if single.
- And your assets cannot be valued higher than R2 745 600 if married.
Getting to a SASSA office is difficult if you’re old, sick or live in a remote area. So, SASSA allows a family member or friend to help you with your application. To do so they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot apply for SASSA Old Age grants yourself. This is so people don’t try to take advantage of the system, like they’ve been doing with R370 SRD.
