Recent Increases: SASSA Old-Age Grants for October 2024

There’s positive news for SASSA old-age grant recipients in October 2024, as beneficiaries struggling with financial hardships will see a long-anticipated increase. However, for many, this raise falls short of keeping up with the rising annual inflation rate. Nevertheless, for the roughly 4-million South African Social Security Agency old-age grant recipients, every rand and cent is a benefit in today’s tough economic climate.

SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR OCTOBER 2024

Controversially, it was recently revealed in parliament that the agency underspent on Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants by as much as R4 billion. This massive discrepancy is attributed to newer, more stringent biometric and means tests, which stopped many needy residents from accessing their government dues. Nevertheless, issues with management of SRD have had little bearing on SASSA old-age grants for October 2024.

From this week onwards, qualifying pensioners aged 60 to 74 receive R2 190 (R10 extra). While, SASSA Older Person beneficiaries aged 75 and older receive R2 210 (also R10 more). These increases equate to R100 over the full year (4.8% annually), following April 2024’s R90 increase. Specifically, the asset and means tests for old-age grants are unchanged, too. So, if you’ve turned 60 years of age or are older, we’ll run through the criteria required to apply for a government pension.

ASSET AND MEANS TEST CRITERIA

SASSA old-age grants for October 2024 are administered based on your financial means and security. You must be living below the following level of economic means to qualify for government assistance:

• R8 070 income per month (R96 840 per year) if you are single.
• Or R16 140 income per month (R193 680 per year) if you are married.
• Your declared assets must not exceed a total value of R1 372 800 if you’re single.
• Asset value cannot be higher than R2 745 600 if you’re married.

Therefore, if you’re over the age of 60 and fall into the above bracket, we’ll go into more detail on how to take advantage of SASSA old-age grants for October 2024. We’ll also share the remaining payment dates announced by the agency till March 2025 so you can plan effectively.

SASSA APPLICATIONS

Encouragingly, the agency has updated its website to include a useful online portal to assist residents with online applications. You can click HERE for more. Note that the process cannot be completed online, but you can get guidance and prebook an appointment to help avoid lengthy queues.

Nevertheless, SASSA applications can take upwards of three months to be processed and approved. However, if successful, you will be back-paid monies to the initial date of your application. Now we’ll list all the documents you should gather to make your case to the agency (not all may be applicable to your application):

• An official bar-coded identity document (ID) – a smart card or green booklet.
• Any and all documents proving your current marital status.
• Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it qualifies).
• Confirmation of your proof of income and/or financial dividends.
• Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (no older than three months).
• Relevant information showing the value of your assets, including a valuation of any property you own.
• Declaration of any private pension fund in your name (if applicable).
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) 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.

WHAT IF YOU CANNOT VISIT A SASSA OFFICE?

So, above are all the documents you will need to show a SASSA official at your appointment. But what if you’re too old, sick or live too far away from a SASSA office? Thankfully, you can get assistance from a friend of family member. All you need is a letter from a doctor explaining why you cannot visit a SASSA office in person. Then, you must get all of the above documentation signed and certified by a commissioner of oaths. This is most easily done at a police station.

And the person helping you will present all the relevant documents to a SASSA officer in-person. Finally, if you’re denied SASSA old-age grants for October 2024 for whatever reason, you have 90 days to appeal the decision by completing this Department of Social Development appeal form. Also, you can contact the agency in any of the following ways for feedback:

• SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
• SASSA Head Office (landline): 012 400 2322
• SASSA email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za

REMAINING SASSA PAYMENT DATES

Furthermore, SASSA old-age grants for October 2024 will never be cancelled without notice. However, the agency does have the right to review your benefit status from time to time to ensure you have not misrepresented yourself in your application. SASSA must send a written note warning you of the review and give you three months’ notice to sort out your affairs.

The next payment dates are as follows:

• Wednesday 2 October 2024.
• Tuesday 5 November 2024.
• Tuesday 3 December 2024.
• Friday 3 January 2025.
• Tuesday 4 February 2025.
• Tuesday 4 March 2025.

*Note that payments can take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.