While mired in uncertainty, we’ll start with the good news for July 2024 SASSA government pension grants. Owing to a relatively unique calendar year, upcoming July 2024 SASSA government pension grants will be disbursed ‘earlier’ than usual. July 2024 SASSA government pension grants will be disbursed on Tuesday 2 July. The preferred three-day South African Social Security Agency window from the fourth to sixth of each month had to be moved earlier to beat the weekend.
JULY 2024 SASSA GOVERNMENT PENSION
July 2024 SASSA government pension grants will be paid against the irregularly uncertain political backdrop of Mzansi’s new GNU. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and African National Congress (ANC) are engaged in fierce negotiations for key Cabinet positions, one of which is the Department of Social Development (DSD). The architect of the current government grant scheme, Minister Lindiwe Zulu, was ousted earlier this year as a result of the ANC losing seats in the National Assembly.
As a result, people within civil society encourage July 2024 SASSA government pension beneficiaries to save their grants and spend money wisely in the short to medium term. This year has already seen a 12.8% electricity tariff increase from Eskom. Likewise, food inflation in the 6.0% range has comfortably outpaced 2024’s 4.8% grant increase. However, there is another R10 increase slated for SASSA grants in October 2024. Whether this will go ahead or be increased/decreased under new leadership within the DSD remains to be seen.
OLD-AGE PENSIONERS IN 2024
Currently, South African old-age pensioners on government grants receive R2 180 (over 60) and R2 200 (over 75). Likewise, academics from the University of Cape Town have found that even though these pensioners no longer physically contribute to the economy, they are in fact still critical to supporting livelihoods in Mzansi. Quite often old-age pensioners on SASSA grants live in a household of four or more, spanning two to three generations of family.
Therefore, the July 2024 SASSA government pension grant often goes towards feeding several mouths instead of being used for chronic medication, healthcare and home upkeep for the recipient. Furthermore, it has been scientifically proven that older citizens who do not receive sufficient financial and medical support in later years are far more likely to suffer from serious illnesses. These include diabetes, hypertension and arthritis, as well as sight, mobility and cognitive difficulties.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SASSA GOVERNMENT GRANT
This is why it is so important to care for our older citizens. They are an imperative lifeline to their families and communities. Therefore, according to the agency, you or a loved one with signed permission may apply for a government pension at any SASSA branch. Of course, only those who are 60 years of age or older are eligible.
The application cannot be done online, and you must have the following documents ready:
- 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 (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.
To have a family member or friend apply on your behalf, they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor explaining why you cannot visit the office yourself. All of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Then, complete all the relevant application forms for the SASSA officer.
HOW TO PASS THE ASSET AND MEANS TEST
To ensure no one takes advantage of the grant system, the government uses an asset and means test for July 2024 SASSA pensions. They are as follows:
- If you’re single, your statements must show you do not earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year).
- If you’re married, the total income you show to SASSA cannot exceed R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year).
- Similarly, the asset declaration limitations are R1 372 800 if single.
- And no more than R2 745 600 if married.
REMAINING SASSA PENSION DATES FOR 2024
- Tuesday 2 July 2024.
- Friday 2 August 2024.
- Tuesday 3 September 2024.
- Wednesday 2 October 2024.
- Tuesday 5 November 2024.
- Tuesday 3 December 2024.
*SASSA reminds beneficiaries that government pension grants in July 2024 will take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.
Are you in line to receive a July 2024 SASSA government pension? How has your service with the agency been so far in 2024 and do you anticipate this to change under the Government of National Unity? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. Check out the top trending stories on our website here …
