The South African Social Security Agency will hope that SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant payments go off smoother than they did last month. In fact, the start to 2025 has been rather forgettable for Minister Tolashe and acting CEO Matlou. With just seven weeks to go to the highly anticipated announcement of grant increases for April 2025, and the country’s elderly still have no idea what’s in store for them.
Meanwhile, a High Court ruling last week dropped a bombshell ruling on the department. In decreed that since 2023, regulations have been ‘unlawfully’ excluding certain SASSA applicants. Moreover, Minister Tolashe told the media recently that reliable senior management is hard to come by, following the suspension (with pay) of SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela last year.
SASSA FEBRUARY 2025 OLD-AGE GRANT
Now, we can add frozen accounts into the mix for SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant payments. According to a release on the agency’s website, beneficiaries with frozen Ithala SOC accounts will still be assisted. Because SASSA is partnering with First National Bank (FNB) for emergency assistance to affected recipients.
Nevertheless, this potential disruption to some SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant disbursements will matter not to the majority of over 60s in the county. The county’s elderly have been waiting patiently for news on April 2025 increases. Likewise, there’s been a countrywide call for a return of grant payments to the 1st of every month, like before the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOW MUCH WILL YOU GET?
That said, SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant payments will go ahead as planned on Tuesday 4 February 2025. Likewise, despite rising cost of living and no news on adjustments from government, the grant amounts will be unchanged. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 will receive R2 190 and 75 and older are paid R2 210. If you’re hoping to apply now for a SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant, you should note that applications take as long as three months to process. However, if and when you are successful, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your application.
Furthermore, new applicants who are unfamiliar with the process should keep in mind that SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant payments are asset and means tested. This is so financial support is provided to only those who require it. Therefore, when you apply, the agency wants to see that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. So, let’s go through the eligibility criteria here …
OVER 60S ONLY
The SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant is only applicable to residents who are 60 years of age or older. There is no online application form available. All applications for SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant support must be made in-person at a SASSA office, with an official present to oversee proceedings.
While still not perfect, a SASSA online services portal allows you to at least make an appointment online first – click HERE for more. You can do this before you present your documents and biometric data in-person. Have you used the above portal, and do you have any feedback for our audience? If so, please be sure to use the comments section below …
BRING THE FOLLOWING ALONG WITH YOU
You will need to show SASSA the following at your in-person appointment:
- Official bar-coded ID – smart card or green booklet.
- Documents proving your marital status.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it).
- Confirmation of your proof of income and/or financial dividends.
- Any relevant information regarding your assets, valuation of property you own.
- Declaration of 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 job.
- Copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
- Note that SASSA, the banks and Department of Home Affairs cross-reference all financial and identity data before approval.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS?
If you have a private pension, savings and personal assets, your application for a SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant will probably not be approved. That is because SASSA is compelled by the National Treasury to enforce the following income and asset limits:
- Income limit of R8 070 per month (R96 840per year) if single.
- Income limit of R16 140 per month (R193 680per year) if married.
- Total value of your assets must not exceed R1 372 800 if single.
- Total value of your assets must not be higher than R2 745 600 if married.
Nevertheless, the agency does allow a family member or friend to help you with your application if you’re too old or sick to travel. All you need is a letter from your doctor. And all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if your SASSA February 2025 Old-Age Grant is somehow denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the DSD by clicking HERE.
While SASSA is trying its best to service nearly 45% of the population, it is still notoriously difficult to get hold of. Nevertheless, please contact them for any queries you may have:
- SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Or email: president@presidency.gov.za
Also note that you will never have to reapply for SASSA Old-Age Grants once approved. However, the agency can choose to review your status at any time. This is to confirm you have not misrepresented yourself in your initial application. And to check that your means have not suddenly improved since you first applied. You need to receive three-months’ notice in writing before the review takes place.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FEEDBACK ON THE SASSA GRANT SYSTEM?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailinginfo@thesouthafrican.com. Or WhatsApp your thoughts on this article to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest updates.
