More information on SASSA’s March old-age grants

March 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants are next payable to beneficiaries on Tuesday 5 March (refer to our list below for the rest of 2024’s payment dates). This follows a report from the University of Cape Town in which it found that March 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants are in fact well below what they ought to be.

In the report shared by The South African last month, it explained that many of the 4-million beneficiaries on South African Social Security Agency aid are responsible for households of five people or more. Moreover, the average household income in these homes is just R6 850, which equates to just R1 370 per person.

MARCH 2024 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS

As a result, you have a scenario where the stipend of R2 090 (for those aged 60 to 74), and R2 110 (for 75 or older) doesn’t only support the elderly recipient but several other mouths, too. However, the indignity is that the beneficiary often goes without chronic medication and the additional healthcare they desperately need.

Some of the most prevalent health issues for the elderly are diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, as well as sight, mobility and cognition difficulties. A further study found that pensioners who did not receive SASSA Old-Age Grants were more susceptible to illness with complications in later life.

HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR AN OLD-AGE GRANT?  

The SA Government website says you – or a loved one with signed permission – can report to a SASSA branch in-person HERE to apply.

Be sure to have the following items ready for your application:

• 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID).
• Proof of your marital status.
• A proof of residence (utility bill with your name on it).
• Papers confirming your proof of income and/or dividend.
• Information regarding all your assets, including the value of the property you own.
• Declaration of a private pension you may have (if applicable).
• Three months’ statements certified by your bank.
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership ‘blue book’ or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
• Copy of your will and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if you were married but your spouse has passed away in the last five years.

A loved one can apply on your behalf. All they need is a letter from you and/or a doctor explaining why you cannot visit the office. All of the above documentation must be certified by a commissioner of oaths. Then, all application forms must be completed with a SASSA officer present.

INCOME AND ASSET LIMIT

• If you’re single you must not earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year).
• If you’re married, your total income cannot exceed R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year).
• Similarly, the asset declaration limitations are no more than R1 372 800 if single person.
• If you’re married, no more than R2 745 600.

A reminder that 2024 SASSA Old-Age Grants are payable as follows:

• Tuesday 5 March 2024.
• Wednesday 3 April 2024.
• Friday 3 May 2024.
• Monday 3 June 2024.
• Tuesday 2 July 2024.
• Friday 2 August 2024.
• Tuesday 3 September 2024.

*SASSA reminds beneficiaries that old-age pension grants March 2024 may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account. Also note that dates from May 2024 are only extrapolations and still await official SASSA confirmation.

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