LATEST: SASSA August 2024 grants for Older Persons

We have positive news about the SASSA grants for Older Persons for August 2024.

But before we get to that, we’ll run through all the eligibility requirements for SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024 and payment dates into the new year. By law, the South African Social Security Agency must protect all vulnerable residents over the age of 60 who don’t have sufficient financial means to support themselves.

South Africa actually offers one of the best and most comprehensive government pensions on the continent. However, it is also unique in that SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024 are means and asset tested, which means not just anyone is eligible for the monthly support. You have to prove to the agency that you’re a permanent resident in South Africa and sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. With that in mind, we’ll run through the qualifying criteria, how much the grant pays each month and the encouraging news for future SASSA grants.

SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS FOR AUGUST 2024

If you’ve already qualified to receive SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024, the next payment date is Friday 2 August 2024. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 will receive R2 180 and recipients aged 75 and older are paid R2 200. If you’re hoping to apply, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process, says the agency. However, if you’re successful, you will receive funds backdated to the time of your application.

So, who is eligible for SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024, and how do you apply? Of course, only residents who are 60 years of age or older are eligible. Even in this digital age, the application cannot be done online, it must be done at a SASSA office or branch with a SASSA official present to assist you. These are the documents you must be ready to present …

BE PREPARED TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

• Official bar-coded identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet.
• Any 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 TEST LIMITS

All of the above is required to allow the agency to confirm your income and financial situation. It may seem unfair, but if you are of sufficient means through a private pension, savings and assets, you will not meet the requirements of SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024. This is purely so people don’t take advantage of government funds and take 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 for these are as follows:

• You cannot earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year) if you are single.
• The income limit is R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year) if you are married.
• Total value of your assets declared must not exceed R1 372 800 if you’resingle.
• And your assets cannot be valued higher than R2 745 600 if you are married.

ASSISTANCE TO APPLY

There you have it, the asset and means tests and documents required to apply for SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024. But 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? The answer is yes. However, they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor explaining why you cannot apply yourself. This is so people don’t try to take advantage of the system and commit fraud in the name of someone else.

Moreover, all of the above documentation gathered by the applicant must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Then, the person assisting you will complete all the relevant application forms in the company of a SASSA officer. Finally, if SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024 are denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the Department of Social Development using this form HERE.

SASSA PENSION PAYMENT DATES INTO 2025

Looking ahead, beyond SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024, the National Treasury has had a new bill approved in the National Assembly that makes R330 billion available for social welfare in the coming years. This paves the way for a Basic Income Grant to replace R370 SRD but also means increases for Older Persons and Childcare grants in the future. Likewise, the agency has published dates for Older Person grants up to and including the following dates, which fall in the first week of each month:  

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

SASSA CONTACTS

Furthermore, anyone in line for SASSA Older Person grants for August 2024 should note that the agency can review your status. This is to confirm you have not misrepresented yourself in your initial application or that your means have improved since you first applied. However, SASSA is not allowed to spring this grant review on you without warning. You need to receive a written note and three-months’ notice.

Below are some helpful ways to contact the agency to review or send feedback:

• 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