SASSA: What are the requirements for the May 2024 old-age grant?
Here’s the latest on May 2024 SASSA old-age grants, including application requirements, as well as updated payment amounts and dates …
May 2024 SASSA old-age grants take on extra significance as we head into the colder winter months of the year. Sadly, there’s an uncertain outlook for grant recipients following Eskom’s recent above-inflation electricity price hike. This will be compounded later in the year in July when many municipal rates and taxes are set for a similar increase to account for these price increases.
All this spells bad news for those in line for May 2024 SASSA old-age grants. Even the April 2024 increases are no match for the worsening cost of living in Mzansi. Basically, for those who are eligible for May 2024 SASSA old-age grants, it’s best to bank the money and start saving for a long winter. And for those who are not yet on a government pension, here are the requirements for a SASSA application …
MAY 2024 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
According to the WesternCape.gov website, May 2024 SASSA old-age grants will be disbursed by the South African Social Security Agency. You’re required to be a South African citizen, legal permanent residents, or refugee, over the age of 60 to qualify.
You cannot have an income of more than R86 280 annually (R7 190 per month) if single, or R172 560 (R14 380 per month) if married. The assets in your name cannot exceed a worth of R1 227 600 (if single), or R2 455 200 (if married). Likewise, to qualify, you must live in South Africa, not in a state-run institution and you cannot receive any other social grants from the state.
HOW MUCH DOES IT PAY?
As mentioned, May 2024 SASSA old-age grants increased to R2 180 (over 60) and R2 200 (over 75) from last month. The amount of the grant changes every year and will enjoy another increase in October 2024 by another R10. There are also plenty of unknowns as we head into the 2024 General Elections and face the prospect of a regime change in government. So being cautious with your pension is advised.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A SASSA APPLICATION
You must apply for May 2024 SASSA old-age grants by filling in an application form at your nearest SASSA office. Be sure to bring along valid identification. And as we explored in our article on alternative forms of legal identification in SA, if you don’t have ID, you must complete an affidavit in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths.
You must then bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age. The SASSA official will take your fingerprints. While SASSA processes your application, you will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for a South African ID. SASSA will suspend your grant if you fail to get an ID within three months.
OTHER DOCUMENTS NEEDED
- Proof of your marital status (if applicable).
- Proof of your address.
- Proof of your income and dividends.
- Proof of your assets, including the value of the property you own.
- Proof of your private pension (if any).
- Three months’ bank statement.
- If you were employed, an Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) (‘blue book’) or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
- If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of your spouse’s death certificate, their will, and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts, where applicable.
WHAT IF YOU’RE TOO OLD OR SICK?
If you’re too old or sick to travel to the office to apply personally, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note saying why you can’t visit the office. The application for May 2024 SASSA old-age grants takes up to three months to process. However, if your grant is approved, you’ll be back paid from the date you applied.
There are various payment options you may arrange with SASSA. You can collect cash at a specific pay point on a particular day. Alternatively, SASSA can make an electronic deposit into your bank account. Remember, however, that bank charges can apply to any money going in and out of your bank account. You can decide to change the payment method at any time by filling in a form at a SASSA branch/office.
Make sure to diarise Friday 3 May 2024 as the next payment date for old-age grants. And remember that payments can take between 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.
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