It’s confirmed that March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will go ahead unchallenged next month. This follows a somewhat cryptic SONA address (Thursday 6 February 2025), in which President Ramaphosa hinted at the introduction of a future Basic Income Grant (BIG). Possibly as an expanded Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant …
Why is this of any import to March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants? Well, disbursement of existing ‘core’ SASSA grants, to the elderly, disabled, war veterans and parents, is inexorably tied to what will happen with South African Social Security Agency SRD grants. This is because there is only so much social-welfare budget (National Treasury’s second highest after debt servicing) to go around …
MARCH 2025 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
Nevertheless, March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will next go ahead as planned on Tuesday 4 March 2025. As before, the grant amounts are unchanged for the month. Therefore, pensioners aged 60 to 74 will receive R2 190. And beneficiaries 75 and older will be paid R2 210. New applicants must note that March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants can take upwards of three months to be processed. However, if successful, you’ll be paid backdated funds to the time of your application.
As for scheduled increases in April 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address was unfortunately lacking in concrete details. Ramaphosa has promised repeatedly that SRD will expand into a BIG grant, as part of government’s long-term, ‘pro-poor’ vision. And the time couldn’t be better for it, following the High Court ruling that SRD exclusions were ‘unlawful’.
TROUBLE AT THE AGENCY
However, Ramaphosa’s ideals for social welfare in South Africa appear to be at odds with the realities of an embattled department. Just last month the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and #PayTheGrants coalition won their case against the Department of Social Development (DSD). The minister has until May 2025 to consult with the National Treasury on how to expand SRD grants to include all applicants. Should it do so, the taxpayer bill could expand by R35 billion. This will significantly impact ‘core’ SASSA grants for those who (arguably) require it more. However, last week the DSD and National Treasury announced their intention to appeal the judgment.
All this is taking place against a backdrop in which SASSA has only an interim CEO and the minister has gone public to bemoan a lack of reliable senior leadership. Plus, just six-weeks away, we are no closer to finding out what April 2025 grant increases will be. Presumably because of inter-departmental infighting. This only leaves Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech on Wednesday 19 February as a date for possible resolution on still-unconfirmed 2025 grant increases …
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR OLD-AGE GRANTS?
Nevertheless, departmental wrangling aside, let’s run through the eligibility for March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants. Of course, benefits only apply to residents 60 years of age or older. Grants are asset and means tested, so money is only provided to those who need it. Therefore, when you apply, you must be able to show that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. SASSA is compelled to look after all legal residents, not just citizens.
To apply there are no online application forms. All transactions for March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants must be done in-person at a SASSA office. This way an official can be present to oversee proceedings. Yes, the agency suffers from terrible queue issues and we’re told repeatedly by readers that beneficiaries cannot reach them by phone or digitally. However, there is a way make a SASSA appointment online first. Simply click HERE and follow the prompts before you report to a SASSA office to present your documents and biometric data.
Because the agency is overworked (45% of the population receive SASSA grants) and understaffed, try to be patient when contacting them. You can attempt to contact them here:
- SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: [email protected]
- Or email: [email protected]
Note that there is typically a three-month waiting period for ‘core’ SASSA grants. This is so SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) can cross-reference all financial and identity data before approval.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO SASSA
Make sure you have the following with you for your March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants application:
- All documents proving your marital status.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it).
- Official bar-coded ID – smart card or green booklet.
- Confirmation of proof of income/financial dividends.
- Any relevant information regarding your assets/valuation of property.
- Declaration of private pension (if applicable).
- Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (no more than three months old).
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous job.
- Copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
ASSETS AND MEANS TEST REQUIREMENTS
Furthermore, SASSA is compelled by the National Treasury to enforce the following income and asset limits for social welfare:
- R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year) income limit if single.
- R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year) income limit if married.
- Total value of assets R1 372 800 if single.
- Total value of assets R2 745 600 if married.
The agency may allow a family member or friend to help you with your application. All they need is a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply personally. And all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths.
If your application for March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants is denied, you do have 90 days to appeal the decision with the DSD by clicking HERE. Note that, once approved, you will never have to reapply for old-age benefits ever again. However, SASSA does have the right to review your status occasionally. The agency must give you three-months’ notice in writing for a review.
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH YOUR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANT?
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