Due to a vaguery in this year’s calendar, SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025 will be paid earlier than usual. The date this year is Friday 3 January 2025. Which is welcome relief for the country’s elderly after a long festive season. So, let’s quickly run through the eligibility requirements of Older Persons in 2025. For those who are unfamiliar, the South African Social Security Agency is entrusted to protect all vulnerable residents over the age of 60 who no longer have sufficient financial means to support themselves.
However, last year was not plain sailing for the Department of Social Development (DSD). The government department has been under fire for maladministration. As a result, the National Treasury has insisted that the agency cross-reference applicants more thoroughly with the Department of Home Affairs and banks to ensure eligibility. Nevertheless, SASSA’s CEO was suspended and replaced in an acting capacity late last year, pending a broader investigation. We wait to see if worries about account suspensions are well-founded, following more than 150 000 accounts being closed without appeal on New Year 2024.
SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS IN JANUARY 2025
Nevertheless, despite the agency’s constant drama, SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025 will go ahead earlier than usual on Friday 3 January 2025. Grant amounts are unchanged from last month and will not see an increase until April 2025.
A reminder that SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025 are unique in that they are asset and means tested. This ensures that support only goes to old-age pensioners that really need it. You must prove to the agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. So, we will run through the qualifying criteria and share with you how much a government pension pays out each month.
EARLY GRANT PAYMENT IN 2025
Mercifully, recipients of SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025 only have to wait three more days (at time of publishing). While Childcare, Disability and War Veterans grants are only set to take place the following week – Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 January, respectively. On Friday 3 January 2025, those aged 60 to 74 receive R2 190, and over 75s are paid R2 210. If you’re hoping to apply now in the New Year, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process.
The reason for this extended time frame is because SASSA, SARS, Department of Home Affairs and banks must cross-reference data before approval. After national debt, social welfare accounts for the second highest portion of national budget annually. We’re talking billions per month, and this makes it an easy target for skelms who don’t want to work to earn money …
HOW TO APPLY FOR OLDER PERSON BENEFITS
However, the good news is if you are successful, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your application. So, who is eligible for SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025, and how do you apply? Firstly, only residents 60 years of age or older can apply. Note the term ‘residents’ here, because SASSA doesn’t only look after citizens but all legal residents, too.
If this is you, your application must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official present to oversee. However, a new SASSA online services portal does allow you to make an appointment online HERE, before you present your documents and biometric data in-person. This is what you need:
- 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 qualifies).
- 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.
- A copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
MEANS AND ASSET TEST
All of the above is required so the agency can confirm your income and verify your details. If you’re deemed to be of sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, applicants will not be granted SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025. Furthermore, SASSA is compelled by the National Treasury to enforce the following income and asset limits:
- 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.
OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE IS POSSIBLE
Getting to a SASSA office can be difficult if you’re old, sick or live in a remote area. So, SASSA does allow you to get a family member or loved one to help with your application. You will need to produce a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply yourself. Moreover, all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025 are denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision HERE.
SASSA is notoriously difficult to get hold of, especially over the holidays, for anyone waiting on SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025. Also, the agency can review your status at any time. This is to confirm you have not misrepresented yourself in your initial application or that your means have suddenly improved since you applied. However, you need to receive three-months’ notice in writing before the review will take place.
- 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
There is no official word on how much SASSA grant increases will be in April 2025. But, you can click HERE to read all about our latest predictions.
CAN WE HELP YOU IN ANY WAY WITH SASSA GRANTS FOR 2025?
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