Before we get to January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, let’s quickly run through the eligibility requirements for Older Persons in the New Year. As we’ve already reported this month, the South African Social Security Agency is entrusted to protect all vulnerable residents over the age of 60 who no longer have the financial means to support themselves.
However, the Department of Social Development (DSD) and agency have been under fire for perceived maladministration in 2024. The National Treasury insists SASSA must work harder to cross-reference applicants with the Department of Home Affairs and banks to ensure eligibility. Because of this and other ‘serious issues’ according to the Public Prosecutor, the SASSA CEO was suspended this month, pending a broader investigation into the running of the government entity.
JANUARY 2025 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
Nevertheless, despite the agency being seemingly mired in constant drama of identity theft and leadership suspensions, January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will go ahead as planned on Friday 3 January 2025. Grant amounts are unchanged from this month, and will not see any increase until April 2025.
But applicants should keep in mind that January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are unique in that they are still asset and means tested. This tactic is to ensure that only support is provided to those old-age pensioners that really need it. You must prove to the agency that you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. So, let’s go through the qualifying criteria, and remind you of how much a government pension pays out each month.
THREE WEEKS AWAY
Mercifully, recipients of January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants don’t have to wait long for the next payout date, just three more weeks (at the time of publishing). On Friday 3 January 2025 those aged from 60 to 74 receive R2 190 and anyone aged 75 and older is paid R2 210. If you’re hoping to apply now or in the New Year, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process.
The reason for this long amount of time is, as mentioned up top, because of SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs’ new policy of cross-reference data before approval. After debt, social welfare spend accounts for the second highest share of the national budget, that is more than healthcare and basic education. We’re talking billions per month. However, the good news is even if you wait three months and are successful, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your application.
HOW TO APPLY FOR OLD-AGE BENEFITS
So, who is eligible for January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, and how do you apply? Firstly, only residents 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.
If this is you, your application must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official present to oversee proceedings. However, a new SASSA online services portal also allows you to make an appointment online HERE before you present your documents and biometric data in-person. This is what you need:
- Official bar-coded ID – smart card or green booklet.
- Documents proving your marital status.
- 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, valuation of property you own.
- Declaration of 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 job.
- Copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
MEANS AND ASSET TEST
All of the above is required so the agency to confirm your income and verify your details. If you’re deemed to be of sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, applicants will not be granted for January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants. Furthermore, SASSA officials are compelled by the National Treasury to enforce the following income and asset limits:
- 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 if single.
- And your assets cannot be valued higher than R2 745 600 if married.
OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE ALLOWED
Getting to a SASSA office can be difficult if you’re old, sick or live in a remote area. So, SASSA does allow you to get a family member or loved one to help with your application. You will need to produce a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply yourself. Moreover, all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants is denied, you do have 90 days to appeal the decision with the DSD HERE.
Beyond January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, Finance Minister Godongwana’s mid-term statement back in October approved a R2.7-billion increase in social welfare spending for next year. And while there is still no official word on what the SASSA grant increases will be in April 2025, you can click HERE to read all about our latest 5% prediction and what that will mean to you.
SASSA is notoriously difficult to get hold of, but anyone awaiting January 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants 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 must receive three-months’ notice in writing before the review takes place.
- SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: [email protected]
- Or email: [email protected]
OLDER PERSON PAYMENT DATES IN 2025
- Friday 3 January 2025.
- Tuesday 4 February 2025.
- Tuesday 4 March 2025.
*Payments may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.
CAN WE ADVISE YOU ON YOUR SASSA GRANTS FOR 2025?
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