November 2024 Outlook for SASSA Old Age Grants

Before exploring the outlook for SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024, let’s briefly review the eligibility criteria for Older Persons applying for a government pension. By law, the South African Social Security Agency must protect all needy residents over the age of 60, who don’t have sufficient financial means to support themselves in their twilight years.

The lucky 4 million who receive SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024 are benefitting from one of the most comprehensive government pensions in Africa. However, it is unique in that SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024 are still means and asset tested. This means not just anyone who applies will gain access to the monthly stipend. You have to prove to the government agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. Having said this, let’s go through the qualifying criteria, how much SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024 will pay and the encouraging news about social security grants going forward …

SASSA OLD AGE GRANTS IN NOVEMBER 2024

If you qualify to receive SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024, the next payment date isn’t far off – Tuesday 5 November 2024. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 receive R2 190 and recipients aged 75 and older are paid R2 210. If you’re hoping to apply, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process. However, if you’re successful, you will receive funds backdated to the time of your application.

So, who is eligible for SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024, and how do you apply? First off, only residents who are 60 years of age or older may apply. Note the term residents – rather than citizens – because SASSA doesn’t only look after South Africans but all those legally residing here. However, even in this digital age, the application cannot be executed online, it must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official present to oversee and assist you. These are the documents you must be ready to present:

• 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.

ASSET AND MEANS TESTED

All of the above is required to allow the agency to confirm your income and financial situation. The agency has been in hot water recently over a spate of fraudulent Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant claims. To that end, if you are of sufficient means through a private pension, savings and/or personal assets, you will not be granted SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024. This is purely so people don’t take advantage of government funds and steal money away from those who really need it.

All of the above documentation is aimed to help SASSA officials understand your monthly income and assets. Furthermore, the limits are 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 ASSISTANCE?

Getting to a SASSA office is difficult if you’re old, sick or live in a remote area. So, SASSA allows a family member or friend to help you with your application. To do so they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot apply for SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024 yourself. This is so people don’t try to take advantage of the system, like they’ve been doing with R370 SRD.

Moreover, all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Your assistant can then complete all application forms in the company of a SASSA officer. Bear in mind, if your SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024 is denied, you do have recourse. The state sets aside 90 days to appeal any decision with the Department of Social Development. Just download THIS form and submit it through official channels.

CONTACT THE AGENCY

Furthermore, any beneficiary for SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024 should note that you can be reviewed at any time. This is to confirm you have not misrepresented yourself in your application or that your means have not improved since you first applied. However, SASSA must send you written notice of this three-months prior.

Keep these agency contacts handy:

• SASSA Head Office and toll-free line: 012 400 2322 / 0800 601 011
• Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
• Or email: president@presidency.gov.za

SASSA OLDER PERSON DATES INTO 2025

Beyond SASSA Old Age grants in November 2024, the National Treasury has had a new bill approved in parliament for an additional R330 billion in social welfare spending. This will most likely see an increase for old-age grants in April 2025. Likewise, the agency has published dates for Older Person grants up to and including March: 

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