Do pensioners need to reregister for SASSA Older Person Grants to remain eligible for their monthly government stipend? At a difficult time, heading into the end of the year for the country’s most needy old-age citizens, every extra rand and cent from the South African Social Security Agency counts to ease the burden of poverty.
However, following a spate of alleged data breaches that may have compromised the state agency’s database, should you be cautious and reregister for SASSA Older Person Grants? For the record – although the SASSA online services portal is currently still down – the agency claims there has been no data breach of significance it’s worried about.
REREGISTER FOR SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS
Nevertheless, you may be wondering if you need to reregister for SASSA Older Person Grants in November 2024 to remain compliant with the SASSA database. Thankfully, the answer is NO, you do not have to reregister, and the agency will NEVER ask you to reapply for your old-age benefits. However, to ensure you still qualify for government aid, your grant may occasionally be reviewed. To that end, you have to be notified in writing three months in advance of the date when the review will take place.
If you’re over the age of 60 and comply with all the necessary criteria (which we will list below) to qualify for a government pension, you don’t ever have to reapply. Because, as the South African Gov website explains, it is tasked with guiding elders through their golden years.
WHY YOUR GRANT CAN BE REVOKED
Having said that, SASSA pays more than 4-million Older Person Grants in South Africa. That equates to billions in social aid every month. So, if you are reviewed, they can be ruthless in denying your grant if you exceed the asset and means threshold. You can have your old-age grant revoked for the following reasons:
- You’re receiving care in a state-run institution.
- You’re found to be earning more than R86 280 annually (R7 190 per month) if single.
- Or R172 560 annually (R14 380 per month) if married.
- If your asset-value threshold exceeds R1 227 600 if single.
- And R2 455 200 if married.
- If you pass away.
- If you do not claim your SASSA Older Person Grant for three consecutive months it will be cancelled.
END-OF-YEAR BENEFITS
A reminder, SASSA Older Person Grants increased back in October for the final time this year. Therefore, anyone who would like to register for a SASSA Older Person Pension will receive R2 190 if you’re between the ages of 60 and 74. And R2 210 is set aside monthly for anyone 75-years of age or older. If you or an elderly loved one is eligible to apply or reregister SASSA Older Persons Grants, you may click the relevant links below to find a SASSA branch or satellite office nearest you.
Applications can take upwards of three months to be processed. However, if successful, you will be back-paid to the date of your initial application. Also, keep these agency contacts handy should you need to reach out:
- 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
And don’t forget to diarise these remaining dates for Older Person Grants. The next increase will take place in April 2025, although the specific amount has not yet been announced by the National Treasury.
- Tuesday 5 November 2024.
- Tuesday 3 December 2024.
- Friday 3 January 2025.
- Tuesday 4 February 2025.
- Tuesday 4 March 2025.
ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO RECEIVE YOUR OLD AGE GRANT?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest updates.
