Before we get to December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants, let’s quickly run through the eligibility requirements of Older Person grants in 2025. By law, 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.
While the agency has been mired of late by reports of fraud and corruption, believe it or not, but recipients of December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants will be getting one of the most comprehensive government pensions in Africa. Here’s why …
DECEMBER 2024 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants are unique on the continent in that they are still asset and means tested. This means not just anyone who applies for support will get the monthly stipend. You have to prove to the agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. With that in mind, let’s go through the qualifying criteria, how much the government pays pensioners each month and the encouraging news for future SASSA grants in 2025.
Beneficiaries of December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants don’t have to wait long for the next payout date, which is Tuesday 3 December 2024. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 receive R2 190 and recipients aged 75 and older will be paid R2 210. If you’re hoping to apply, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process. The reason for this seemingly long amount of time is because SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs cross-reference all their data before approval.
HOW TO APPLY FOR OLD-AGE PENSION
However, the good news is if you’re successful, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your application. So, who is eligible for December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants, 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 and assist you. However, a new SASSA online services portal allows you to make an appointment online HERE, before you present your documents and biometric data in-person. This is what you’ll require:
- Official bar-coded identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet.
- Documents proving your marital status.
- A 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, 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.
HOW TO PASS THE ASSET AND MEANS TEST
All of the above is required so the agency can confirm your income and validity of pension. It may seem unfair, but if you have sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, you will not be granted December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants. This is so wealthy people don’t take money away from those who really need it.
Furthermore, SASSA officials will enforce the following income and asset limits 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.
DO YOU NEED APPLICATION ASSISTANCE?
Getting to a SASSA office can be difficult if you’re old, sick or live in a remote area. So, will SASSA allow you to get a family member or loved one to help with your application? Of course, however, they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note 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. The person assisting you can complete all the relevant application forms in the company of a SASSA officer. Finally, if your December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants is denied, remember that you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the Department of Social Development.
Beyond December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s mid-term statement approved a R2.7-billion increase in social welfare spending for 2025. This brings the provisioned amount to R330 billion for next year. And although there is no official word on what the SASSA grant increases will be in April 2025, you can click HERE to read about our latest prediction.
The agency is notoriously difficult to get hold of, but anyone awaiting December 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants should note that 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 not suddenly improved since you first applied. However, SASSA is not allowed to spring this grant review on you. You need to receive three-months’ notice in writing …
You can contact the agency below:
- 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
DO YOU NEED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR SASSA GRANT?
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