Here’s the latest outlook for SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025. Regular South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries will know it is the last payment before the annual increase. However, even after President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) this week, we’re still no closer to knowing what those increases will be. This only leaves Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech on 19 February as a date for resolution.
Nevertheless, budgetary wrangling aside, let’s run through eligibility for SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025. The country’s over 60s can expect to receive their payments on Tuesday 4 March 2025. And, as before, the grants are unchanged for the month. Therefore, pensioners aged 60 to 74 will receive R2 190. And beneficiaries 75 and older will be paid R2 210. If you’re a new applicant, note that SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025 can take upwards of three months to be processed. However, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your application if successful.
SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS IN MARCH 2025
Now, let’s explore some of government’s more trying circumstances around SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025. With just seven weeks to go to April 2025 disbursements, there is no official word on grant increases for the year. Sadly, the country’s aged must wait with bated breath not knowing if they will be able to make ends meet in a few months’ time. However, we predict no more than a 5% increase for the year, because of the mess Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has been left to clean up after her predecessor. Â
Firstly, a recent landmark High Court ruling says SASSA has been deliberately excluding SASSA SRD applicants since 2023. However, should the department open up and more than double monthly SRD payments, that would cost the taxpayer approximately R35 billion extra. Worse of all, such a measure would certainly impact ‘core’ disbursements like SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025. There’s only so much budget to go around and the April SASSA increase might be affected. Finally, Minister Tolashe was forced to suspend the SASSA CEO late last year (with pay) and has gone public, admonishing a lack of reliable senior management within the agency.Â
HOW TO APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT AID
Nevertheless, here’s how new applicants can apply for SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025. The grants are asset and means tested, so financial support is only provided to those who need it. Therefore, when you apply, you must prove to the agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. Obviously, SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025 are only applicable to residents 60 years of age or older.
Note the term ‘residents’ here, because SASSA is compelled to look after all legal residents, not just citizens. Unfortunately, there are no online application forms. All applications for SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025 must be made in-person at a SASSA office, with an official present to oversee. Yes, the agency suffers from terrible queue issues, but there is a way to make an appointment online first. Click HERE and follow the prompts before you present your documents and biometric data in-person.
WHAT YOU NEED ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
Make sure you have the following with you for your SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025 application:
- Documents proving your marital status.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it).
- Official bar-coded ID – smart card or green booklet.
- Confirmation of proof of income/financial dividends.
- Any relevant information regarding your assets/valuation of property.
- Declaration of private pension (if applicable).
- Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (no 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 the three-months waiting period occurs because SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs must, by law, cross-reference all financial and identity data before approval.
ASSETS AND MEANS FOR SASSA GRANTS
To not waste money, SASSA is compelled by the National Treasury to enforce the following income and asset limits of social welfare:
- R8 070 per month (R96 840per year) income limit if single.
- R16 140 per month (R193 680per year) income limit if married.
- Total value of assets R1 372 800 if single.
- Total value of assets R2 745 600 if married.
Furthermore, SASSA will allow a family member or friend help you with your application. All they have to do is show a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply personally. And all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if your application for SASSA Older Person grants in March 2025 is denied, you do have 90 days to appeal the decision with the DSD by clicking HERE.
Because the agency is trying to service nearly 45% of the population, it is still notoriously difficult to get hold of. But you can attempt to contact them like so:
- 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, once approved, you will never have to reapply for old-age benefits. However, SASSA does have the right to review your status occasionally. The agency must give you three-months’ notice in writing before the review takes place.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS IN 2025?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send us a WhatsApp on 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African’s newsletter and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest FREE-to-read news. Â
