The agency is urging recipients of SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024 to save and spend their money wisely, as it is the final disbursement of the year. The festive season is meant to be a time of celebration and family coming together, however, expenses can quickly spiral out of control over the holidays.
Nevertheless, if you’re not already receiving the benefits, let’s quickly run through the eligibility requirements of SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024. By law, the South African Social Security Agency is entrusted to protect elderly residents – over the age of 60 – who have served the country their whole lives but no longer have sufficient financial means to support themselves.
SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS FOR DECEMBER 2024
However, SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024 are unique in that they are privy to an asset and means test. This is so not just anyone who applies for social welfare will receive the monthly stipend. You have to prove to the agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged in your latter years. With that in mind, let’s go through the qualifying criteria, explain how much pensioners get paid each month, and share the positive news for future SASSA grants in 2025.
Beneficiaries of SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024 don’t have to wait long for the next payout date, which takes place next week:
- On Tuesday 3 December 2024, beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 receive R2 190.
- Recipients aged 75 and older will be paid R2 210 into their bank accounts.
If you’re applying this festive season, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process. The reason for this admittedly long amount of time is SASSA and Department of Home Affairs’ cross-referencing of data before approval.
HOW TO APPLY FOR OLDER PERSON GRANT
However, the good news is, if successful, you will receive backdated funds from the date of your application. So, who is eligible for SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024, 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 dwellers in South Africa, 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 does allow you to make an appointment online. Click HERE for more. You’ll do this before you present your documents and biometric data in-person at a SASSA branch.
This is what you’ll require:
- Official bar-coded identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet.
- Documents proving marital status.
- Proof of residence (utility bill with your name on it).
- Confirmation of your proof of income/financial dividends.
- Any relevant information regarding your assets, including a valuation of your property.
- Declaration of any private pension (if applicable).
- Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (no older than three months).
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
- A copy of your will, and first/final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
ASSET AND MEANS TEST
All of the above is required so the agency can confirm your income and validity of government-funded pension. It may seem unfair, but if you have sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, you will not be granted SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024. This is so only the neediest residents benefit from the funds.
Furthermore, SASSA officials will enforce the following income and asset limits on your application:
- 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 FURTHER 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 SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024 is denied, remember that you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the Department of Social Development. 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
SASSA PENSION INCREASE IN 2025
Beyond SASSA Older Person grants for December 2024 and Minister Enoch Godongwana’s mid-term statement, the National Treasury has approved in 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.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU WITH A SASSA GRANT?
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