September 2024 SASSA old age grant payments

Before diving into the positive updates about the SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024, let’s briefly review the eligibility criteria for Older Person grants as we head 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.

Believe it or not those who receive SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024 will be getting one of the best and most comprehensive government pensions on the continent. However, it is unique in that SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024 are means and asset tested, which means not just anyone who applies will get the monthly stipend. You have to prove to the agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. With that in mind, let’s go through the qualifying criteria, how much the government pension pays each month and the encouraging news for future SASSA grants.

SASSA OLD AGE GRANTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2024  

If you qualify to receive SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024, the next payment date isn’t far off – Tuesday 3 September 2024. Beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 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. 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 for September 2024, and how do you apply? First off, only residents who are 60 years of age or older can apply. Note the term ‘residents’ here, because SASSA doesn’t only look after citizens but all legal residents, too. Sadly, even in this digital age, the application cannot be executed online alone. It must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official present to oversee and assist you. However, you can apply for an appointment online at the link HERE. And rhese 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 TEST

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 be granted SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024. This is purely so people don’t take advantage of government funds and take money away from the indigent 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 ifsingle.
• And your assets cannot be valued higher than R2 745 600 if married.

CAN SOMEONE ASSIST YOU?

Getting to a SASSA office is 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? Of course, however, they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot apply yourself. This is so people don’t try to take advantage of the system.

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

SASSA PENSION PAY DATES INTO 2025

Beyond SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024, the National Treasury has had a new bill approved in parliament that’s provisioned R330 billion for social welfare in the coming years. This means an increase for old-age grants in October 2024. Likewise, the agency has published dates for old-age grants up to and including the following dates: 

• Tuesday 3 September 2024 (next pay date).
• Wednesday 2 October 2024 (grant increase).
• Tuesday 5 November 2024.
• Tuesday 3 December 2024.
• Friday 3 January 2025.
• Tuesday 4 February 2025.

HOW TO CONTACT THE AGENCY

Furthermore, anyone in line for SASSA Old Age grants for September 2024 should note that the agency can review your status at any time. This is to confirm you have not misrepresented yourself in your initial application or that your means have not suddenly improved since you first applied. However, SASSA is not allowed to spring this grant review on you. 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