Having recently received the 2015 Asset and Income Threshold figures directly from SASSA, You’ve Earned It was prompted to check out the facts, when it comes to this much-talked-about topic – the Grant for Older Persons.
Number of recipients in South Africa
In August 2014, 16.3 million people are recipients of social grants, 3 million of whom are receiving Grants for Older Persons.
Who qualifies for a Grant for Older Persons?
Applicants must:
• be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees;
• be resident in South Africa;
• be 60 years old plus;
• comply with the means test (applicant and spouse); see 2015 Asset and Income Threshold figures (link to document on YEI);
• not be maintained or cared for in a State Institution;
• not be in receipt of another social grant for him or herself;
• submit a 13 digit bar coded identity document.
How to apply for a Grant for Older Persons
You need to apply at your nearest SASSA office. If you are not well enough to apply in person, you are able to send someone to apply on your behalf, or you may request a home visit. You need to complete an application form in the presence of a SASSA official, who will submit the application for you.
The application process takes up to 90 days.
If your grant is approved, you will get paid from the date of application.
If your grant application is not successful, you will be informed in writing. You are permitted to request that SASSA reconsiders the outcome, and finally you are able to appeal to the Minister of Social Development.
The “means” test
SASSA evaluates the income and assets of the person applying for social assistance to determine whether the person’s means are below a stipulated amount. The means test is a method of determining whether or not a person is eligible for a social grant as social grants are meant for those who have insufficient means to support themselves.
Both income and assets of both the applicant and his/her spouse are taken into account. Assets include the value of property owned, except where that property is occupied by the applicant and his/her spouse. The total value of the assets cannot exceed the amounts as indicated in the 2015 SASSA Asset and Income Threshold document for a single applicant or married applicants. If an applicant has assets which exceed these values, no social grant will be paid, regardless of the income.
If the value of these assets is below these limits, then the income is taken into account. The annual income of a single applicant cannot exceed the amount as indicated in the 2015 SASSA Asset and Income Threshold document, while the annual limit for the income of a married applicant is as indicated in the 2015 SASSA Asset and Income Threshold document. It must be noted that social grants for adults are paid on a sliding scale – the more income an applicant has, the less he/she will receive for the grant.
The SASSA card
The value of the Older Person’s Grant is R1 428 per person (as of April 2015). If you are aged 75+, you will receive an additional R21 per month (also as of April 2015).
You will receive your grant through a SASSA card. If you wish to use alternative methods of payment such as: Banks, including Postbank, or Institutions, you must contact your nearest SASSA office.
If you are unable to collect the grant yourself, you may nominate a procurator to collect it on your behalf.
Going forward
We understand that the Treasury is considering phasing out the means test for the old-age grant by 2016, to simplify its administration and to deal with the disincentive to save created by the current approach. However, time will tell.
Queries
SASSA has advised that it is in the best interest of the Agency as well as the client to visit the Local Offices with enquiries.
SASSA contact details:
Hotline: 0800 601 011
Website: http://www.sassa.gov.za
Can I apply for a social grant while drawing unemployment benefits I am 67 year’s of age
Dear Mirriam
SASSA Western Cape have responded as follows:
Yes, the client can apply for a social grant while drawing unemployment benefits. The income from the benefits received will be taken into account and assessed based on the Asset and Income Threshold (Means Test) which will determine the qualifying amount.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Can my mother who is 86 and living on my property without assets only a small British pension apply?
Gerry.
Dear Gerry
SASSA has responded as follows:
Yes she can apply, but the British benefits will subjected to the means test.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
We are a couple in our early seventies. We own no property other than the house we live in and neither of us has an additional income apart from a small pension from Europe. Are these pensions (totalling approx R7 000 per month) included in the income assessment?
Dear Hazel
SASSA has responded as follows:
The clients can apply for a South African Older Persons grants, but will be subjected to the means test.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
I am a 63 year old SASSA pensioner but I have only been getting R1410.00 since April 2015. Has there been an increase since then?
Dear Gerda
SASSA has responded as follows:
The R 1410.00 as indicated is the correct amount. This current amount is the approved national increase and effective as of April 2015.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Are there any documents, other than those stated, required to be taken when applying… eg. dividend statements, bank statements, letter from pension fund? I would not like to go to apply then have to be sent away for further documents.
I previously had an old age pension from SASSA, but got remarried in 2011. My husband said he would support me so I let my SASSA benefit lapse. we have now legally separated and I am living with my daughter in Durban. The settlement he is giving me monthly is R1675 per month. I cannot survive on that. Am I allowed to reapply for my old age pension again. If yes, how do I go about doing that?
Good day
Minister Pravin Gordhan announced in his 2013 budget speech that the “means test” to qualify for an older persons’ grant will be phased out in 2016. Is this still the case?
Regards.
Thank you for your query, Danie. We will approach SASSA to see if they can give us a response.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Marilyn, I posted an enquiry on 24 August regarding the “means test” possibly being phased out. Have you been able to get any information?
Kind regards.
Danie Botha
Dear Danie
Thanks for reminding us of this. Unfortunately, there has been no response from SASSA regarding this, and I have just sent them another email. SASSA are generally quite good about getting back to us – so not sure what happened to this one. Once we have a response, we will upload it on the YEI website.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF I QUALIFY FOR A S.A. OLD AGE GRANT
I AM 60 AND HAVE 3 CHEAP FLATS, ONE IN WHICH MY DAUGHTER IS LIVING
THE OTHER TWO , RENT IS COLLECTED AND 99% OF THE TIME GOES ON
SPECIAL LEVIES FOR THE FLATS.
THANK YOU
Dear D
SASSA has advised that it is in the best interest of the Agency as well as the client to visit the Local Offices with enquiries such as these.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
I am a female and I was told at the age of 62 that I do not qualify for the Old age grant because I co-own the house that I live in. I have no other assets and I have no income and no investments at all. Above in this site it clearly states … “Assets include the value of property owned, except where that property is occupied by the applicant and his/her spouse” Please can someone assist me with this. I am now 72 years old and still struggling with the Germiston office with this matter.
Dear Getruida
Thank you for your comments and query. This will be forwarded to SASSA for their response. I will upload their response once received.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Getruida
SASSA have responded as follows:
Kindly refer your enquiry to the Gauteng region, where they will assist.
Please forward the following contact number to the recipient: Gauteng General Manager: Grants Administration, Ms Maketa- 082 324 8110.
Ms Maketa will be able to assist with the enquiry.
I trust that the above helps.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
On the Means test PAGE THAT YOU REFER US TO there is NOTHING FOR 2015?! Does this means they are not doing a means test anymore?
Dear Charmaine
Please see the document titled 2015 Asset and Income Threshold at https://youve-earned-it.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2015-Asset-and-Income-Threshold-.pdf.
The 2015 details are listed under April 2015.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
we have a combined montly income of R6780 and investment of R7500 no property but rented flat Do you think we can apply and will qualify for sassa?
Dear Marj
Thank you for your queries.
We would like to suggest that you and your husband visit your nearest SASSA local office with an enquiry such as this. This will be in your best interest to find out whether or not you are eligible for assistance from SASSA.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
with a combined monthly income of R6780 (for couple) an R750000 fixed investment … do you think we will qualify for sassa old age pension?
What is the pensionable age for men to qualify for a sassa pension?
Dear Gil
Thank you for your query.
Please see above –
Who qualifies for a Grant for Older Persons?
Applicants must:
• be South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees;
• be resident in South Africa;
• be 60 years old plus;
and more….
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Good day,I’m 64 yrs old I live in my house and get a investment income from old mutual R4000 can I still apply foe an old age grant. Thank you. Regards Mrs Janeth Lewis
I refer to Pravin Gordhams speech of 2013 page 17 which states as follow ” the means test for grants should be phased out by 2016.
Is SASSA going to do this
Has the “means Test” been faded out yet?. My wife and I are NOT married in community of property, is her income still taken into account whether I qualify or not?
Presently I am not earning any income, and my age is 78.
Has the means test been phased out for 2016.
Thanks for your queries on the “means test” – we are trying to get updated information from SASSA.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Marilyn
Thank you very, very much.
Looking forward to the outcome.
Lots of other people do not disclose all their assets, but some people like my parents who really need it are penalized for being honest and for saving.
Regards
Fransie
My father is nearly 89 years old and my mother nearly 77. They do not have any fixed assets. They pay rental of R2500 per month for a flat. They applied last week, but failed the means test with a combined amount or R2000 per year. Can they appeal this decision as it is very unfair to penalize them for saving a few rands that they have in the bank?
Regards
Dear Marilyn Is means test applicable still? See on webpage will be phased out by 2016. If my husband doesn’t support me but we still married must I still do the means test? I am 63 my child look after me.
Regards
MC Thero
Dear Mrs Theron
Thanks for your query.
I am afraid that I am still battling to get hold of SASSA to ask them several questions from readers that need response. As soon as I am able to get hold of the relevant person, and get an update from them, I will publish this in the YEI newsletter.
Apologies that I can’t currently respond to your query.
Kind regards
Marilyn
I’m a 76 year old widow with permanent residence living with my son, a citizen who is working. I have no income or assets of my own. Do I qualify
Dear Eunice
Thanks for your query.
I am afraid that YEI will not be able to assist you with your query. Please go directly to SASSA. SASSA’S contact details are above.
Kind regards
Lyn
You’ve Earned It
Follow up. I need a pension card very urgently How fast does it take to get a pension card. (Money can wait)
Dear Eunice
Thanks for your enquiry.
YEI does not issue pensioner cards – this is on our radar for the future.
SAARP issue a senior citizen card to the over-50s.
The Government does not issue a pensioner card, only cards to SASSA pensioners.
I hope the above helps.
Kind regards
Lyn
You’ve earned It
I am 65 yrs old and my woman friend 55. We’ve been living together for the last five years. Should I apply for the old age grant, will our means be assessed as for a married couple? Just to be clear, she is not employed.
Thanks for your assistance.
James
Hallo im also a concernerd citizen that waited for the means test to be dropped as promised in 2016 ,but is still applied agianst me by SASSA.please help becuase it was announce by mr Pravin Gordan in his 2013
speech in parlement.HELP
Dear Dawid
Thank you for your enquiry.
You’ve Earned It used to have a direct line through to the SASSA PR person who was always very proactive and helpful when it came to advising on YEI readers queries and concerns.
However, this contact seems to have dried up, as they do not answer any of our queries or phone calls any more. We will keep trying!
In the meantime, we had previously heard that the means test was being phased out in 2016, but it does not appear to be the case. Should we manage to get information out of SASSA, we will advise our readers via the newsletter.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi, my dad collects a pension grant and has been collecting R1190 per month and some months it’s R1170. From what I have been reading this does not sound right. Does everyone collect the same amount or does it differ? Take note he has no other income or assets to his name.
Regards,
Dear Roxanne
Thank you for your query. I do believe that there is a sliding scale with regard to the SASSA pension, but this does not account for the R20 difference in payment in various months. We do recommend that your father, or you, address the query directly with SASSA.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi Marilyn
My dad is 62 and wants to apply for sassa pension.
What are the minimum requirements for getting this pension. My mom does not work either.
Also, does retirement investment affect him getting his pension.
What should the minimum savings be in his personal account?
Thanks
ND
Dear Neel
SASSA has responded as follows:
The current asset threshold is R1 980 000 (married couple)
Currently the income threshold (means test) R11 500 per month for married couple.
Therefore any applicants private income to be less than the R11 500 per month
Income is assessed from the following sources:
Private pension
Annuities
Interest on investments
Income from shares
Salary
Rental of properties/rooms
Gratuities
Income from casual employment
Any regular income from any source
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
My mother has recently turned 60 years old, she has never been employed but she is currently getting her late husband’s pensioner (GEPF). Does she qualify for the old age pension?
Dear Mthokozisi
SASSA has responded as follows:
Currently the income threshold (means test) is R5 750 per month for single person. Therefore any person’s whose private income (pension, annuity, interest, salary, etch) is below the R5 750 they could qualify.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Please inform closest SASSA office/facility to Somerset West where I can apply for Old Age Pension.
Dear Frederick
SASSA has responded as follows:
Address of the SASSA office in Eerste River: 42 Main Road, Eerste River
Telephone number: 021 902 8600
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi Marilyn….I retired on 63 and my husband is 65. He earns 10000 a month and i hve an investment that gives me interest of 1500.00. We stay in a cluster of our own…..would I qualify for old age pension. Thanks
Dear Hilda
SASSA has responded as follows:
The current asset threshold is R1 980 000 (married couple)
Currently the income threshold (means test) is R11 500 per month for married couple.
Any monthly payments to medical aid (not hospital plan) will deducted from the private pension/annuity and the balance will be assessed for the social grant.
To note: If one of the spouse receives a private pension/income and the other spouse would like to apply for the SASSA social grant, then both will qualify to apply.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi Marilyn,
Myself and my husband have been our of work since last year.I am 57 and my husband 58. Can we apply for sassa
Dear Jennifer
SASSA has responded as follows:
Qualifying age for the Older Person’s Grant is 60 years old.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Marilyn, Do you perhaps know what happened to the phasing out of the MEANS TEST on the Old Age Grant by 2016? We are almost at the end of 2016 and so far there is no confirmation for this “promise” that was made by the Minister of Finance in FEBRUARY 2013 (three years ago) in Parliament , as well as in the 2015 Newsletter.
I quote :
Going forward
“We understand that the Treasury is considering phasing out the means test for the old-age grant by 2016, to simplify its administration and to deal with the disincentive to save created by the current approach. However, time will tell.”
Make me wonder how long time do Treasury need to consider and when will this turn into reality.
Dear Theresa
Your query has been sent to SASSA for response. We will upload their response once we receive it.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi Marilyn
Reading all the comments regarding the phasing out of means test there is no direct answer either yes or no. Why is that. Treasury did say it will be phased out by 2016 the year is almost over but still no clarity. How much longer do we wait for a written answer. When I spoke to a social worker at the Phoenix office he said there is no more means test. Not sure who to believe. My husband is 69 and suffered severe stroke in August and is paralyzed. His previous disability grant not full amount was stopped after review now we going to reapply. Who will win this battle. One good guess. I will pay out of my pocket for diapers and special food for him cos government does not care about us.
Dear Vasanthi
Thanks for your query. This has been sent on to SASSA for response.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi Marilyn
I receive a pension from a Living Annuity. Is the capital invested in a Living Annuity counted as an asset for the Means Test assessment?
I also pay R6000.00 per month for medical aid. Is this deductible from income for the assessment?
Dear Paul
Your query has been sent on to SASSA for response.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Paul
SASSA has responded as follows:
Yes the capital is assessed
Yes medical contributions is deducted from your monthly Annuity for the assessment.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi marilyn,I’m 60,I have applied for a old age grant,I get R1599 interest from a investment and my wife has a endowment policy of R 399000,she gets R6000 a month from this endowment policy,she is 62,R1600 of the R6000 goes on medical aid,we live in our owned home,its worth R360000,will I qualify for a old age grant,all income we get is below there thresshold,regards,the wifes endowment policy matures in 2021,regards David.
Dear David
Your query has been to SASSA for response.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear David
SASSA has responded as follows:
All combined income below the SASSA Income threshold of R138 000.00 per annum will qualify for the social grant (lessor amount based on the sliding scale)
Kind regards
Marilyn
I am 60 and get SASSA pension. My paper show that I must get R1510 but I only get 1498. What is the R12 shortfall for?
Dear Antoinette
Your query has been sent on to SASSA for response.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Antoinette
SASSA has responded as follows:
All SASSA grants withdrawn via the ATM’s and supermarkets are subject to a service fee.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Ek en my eggenoot is in 1979 op huweliksvoorwaarde getroud, buite gemeenskap van goedere. Hy ontvang n maandelikse pensioen. Ek het geen inkomste nie. Kan ek kwalifiseer vir staatspensioen. My ouderdom is 68 jaar.
Dear Gerda
Your query has been sent on to SASSA for response.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Gerda
SASSA has responded as follows:
Indien die gesaamtlike inkomste/privaat pensioen minder as R 138 960.00 per jaar sal u albei kwalifiseer vir ‘n minderde maatskaplike toelaag bedrag.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Good day
My mom is a 72-year-old former teacher who retired 12 years ago and her husband passed 14 years ago she has no form of income can she apply for pensioners grant
Dear Abigail
thank you for your query – this has been sent to SASSA for response.
Kind regards
Marilyn
Goeie dag.Kan my ma van 65 jaar aansoek doen vir old age pesion? Sy bly in n woonstel wat ek betaal vir haar en sy is nou op pensioen vanaf april. Hoe bewys sy haar bates? Watter verklaring moet sy afle en waar? Ons is in port elizabeth.Sal waardeer as iemand ons kan inlig en help.Dankie
Hallo YE!
Ek is nou 62 jaar oud, besit ‘n huis saam gekoop in in twee se naam – waarde R790000.
Het tans geen inkomste nie alhowel die vrou nog werk – haar inkomste is +_R20000 voor aftrekings.
kan ek kwalifiseer vir die Old Age Pension?
Sal dit graag wardeer – nog nie aansoek gedoen nie.
Dankie,
Pieter
Hallo Pieter, ons sal u versoek vir SASSA stuur en vra dat hulle u sal kontak met n antwoord.
Angela – YEI
My Mom has just been retired from her work , she turns 69 this year. she will be getting a little money from her pension fund ,she has no assets at all as she stays with me on my property. will she be able to apply for SASSSA?
Dear Celese
We would highly recommend that your mother applies for the SASSA grant. They will ascertain whether she is eligible or not.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Hi my mom qualified for the social grant since 1998, but never applied as she received a unemployment benefit. Can she apply for her social grant back dated to her eligibility date ?
Thanks.
Dear Garnett
I regret that SASSA is no longer responding to queries from YEI readers. A great shame, as it was a fabulous service for a while from SASSA – I suspect they no loner have the capacity to answer queries.
Kind regards
Marilyn
Can you please look into this ?
Dear Garnett
Please could you clarify?
Kind regards
Marilyn
Dear Marilyn
The new regime (DA) at the City of Johannesburg have instituted a complicated system to apply for a pensioner discount on Property Rates. The website has all sorts of rules and regulations a pensioner has to comply with to qualify. A lot of the information is out of date, contradictory and confusing. I have also been unsuccessful in getting a coherent answer from the call centre..
In the past a pensioner 70 years and older would get a 100% discount. Does this still apply?.
I did apply for the 70 year and older discount in November 2016 while the old regime (ANC) were still in power and followed the instructions to the letter as published on their website. To date I have had no reply.
My question is:
Does the 100% discount for 70+ year old still apply and if so what are the requirements in order to qualify and the procedure to apply..
Paul Rodgers
Dear Paul
YEI has tried to get information re the City of Johannesburg rebate for pensioners for rates and electricity, but to date, we have had no luck, I’m afraid. However, we too, will keep trying.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
My husband turned 60 in July and was dismissed from work and I AM working as a teacher.Does he qualify for a grant.
Dear Tjeane
You will need to apply directly to SASSA to find out if he qualifies for a grant. In the meantime, you can look at the SASSA booklet at https://youve-earned-it.co.za/site/sassa-grant-for-older-persons/ and see if that assists you in any way.
Kind regards
Marilyn, YEI Editor
Dear Tjeane
We sent your query to SASSA and they responded as follows –
Your husband will be financially assessed (your income will be assessed) when completing the application to determine if he will qualify.
Your husband must visit the nearest SASSA office to complete the application process.
Kind regards
Marilyn
Hello, I have worked for government department in 2012, though it was an internship, my son’s social grant was received by my mother who died last year, and I want my son’s social grant to be received by me, I am currently unemployed. But because I have a persal number, at Sassa offices they can’t help me. Saying they need a letter from Gepf as proof that i not receiving any pension from government. which will cost me the money I do not have to travel from tzaneen to polokwane gepf offices. What can I do in this . My Id no is 8501201027082
Dear Refiloe
SASSA has responded as follows:
A letter from the previous department you had worked for should also be sufficient to apply for the grant.
Kind regards
Marilyn
Good day if my grant lapses in December do I still get it on the 1st december or does it lapse end of december
Hi there
We were at SASSA Germiston yesterday and I thought I had all my documents, but when we got to the consultant, she asked for proof of medical aid contributions, do I just need a monthly statement of my Medical aid?
Thanks
Hi Jenni
We would imagine that your medical aid statement would suffice as proof of medical aid contribution, but it might be wise to phone SASSA to confirm before you go.
Regards, YEI
Hi Jenni I am a 69 year Dutch permanent resident and my only income is a partial Dutch Social State Pension. I want to apply for the SASSA OLD AGE GRANT. Does SASSA subject a Dutch State Pension to the means test or not?
regards
Fred
Hi I am 59 years old female was married for 38 years in community of property but four years ago my husband divorced me without my knowledge he is in England and I am here in South Africa been battling to find work.I managed to get a job that pays 4000 rand a month I have got a flat that I pay 3400 a month rent my daughter and son help me with good and power.I would like to know if there is a grant I possibly could qualify for to be self sufficient please and not have to depend I my kids for good please.
Thanking you kindly
HI Charmaine
Our understanding is that one needs to be 60 to apply for the Old Age Grant. We are not aware of any other grants that are available.
Sorry we cannot assist.
YEI
I am assisting an elderly gentleman who wants to apply for the older persons grant. How do I determine that he is not already receiving an old age grant?
The best way is to Call SASSA Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11 for assistance. Regards, Angela – YEI