Key information: SASSA older person grants for late 2024

Amidst the fierce winter storms battering South Africa, there is at least some positive news for SASSA Older Person grants in the latter half of 2024. The wintertime can be the hardest for South Africa’s aged population, but an increase in SASSA Older Person grants is just around the bend.

Coming into effect on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, there will be a R10 increase to SASSA Older Person grants. Yes, it may not sound like a lot, but every Rand and cent counts to assist the approximately 4 million elderly living on government benefits.

SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS

In October 2024, SASSA Older Person grants increased from the current R2 180 (over 60) and R2 200 (over 75) to R2 190 and R2 210 respectively. Better still, you will not have to reapply to the South African Social Security Agency to benefit from these increased stipends.  

However, for you or an elderly loved one in your care to qualify for SASSA Older Person grants in the second half of 2024, they must comply with the following rules:

• Must be 60 years of age or older.
• Permanently reside in South Africa.
• Have no source of income and pass the appropriate asset and means tests, which you can find out all about HERE.

VISIT A SASSA BRANCH

While the agency battles with implementing new biometric verification processes under new Minister Sisisi Tolashe, SASSA Older Person grants are applied for in the old-fashioned way. The application cannot be done online, it must be processed in-person at any of the hundreds of SASSA branches/offices countrywide.

Note, however, that the processing of SASSA Older Person grants can take upwards of three months. But, if your SASSA grant is accepted, you will receive back-dated funds from the time you applied. If your SASSA grant application is denied, you must appeal the ruling within 90 days.

WHEN WILL BENEFITS BE SUSPENDED?

Note that existing SASSA Older Person grants will be suspended in the following cases:

• If the beneficiary passes away.
• You are taken into a state institution funded by the government (prison, rehabilitation centre, etc.)
• Your circumstances change for the better, and you no longer meet the means/asset test requirements.
• You misrepresent yourself in your application and, therefore, commit fraud.
• If a SASSA officer made any mistakes in approving your grant.
• You fail to comply in any way during your grant review.
• If you leave South Africa for more than 90 days.

REVIEWED REGULARLY

SASSA reserves the right to review your living situation regularly. This is to ensure your circumstances have remained constant since you first applied for old-age benefits. SASSA grant reviews are predated by three months with a written notification detailing the date and venue of when the review will take place.

SASSA CONTACT INFORMATION

To apply, review, or send feedback to the agency, you can contact SASSA in the following ways:

• Call the SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
• SASSA Western Cape: 021 469 0200
• SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
• Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
• Or email: president@presidency.gov.za

SASSA PAYMENT DATES INTO 2025

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

*As always, the agency reminds beneficiaries that payments may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.