The Sassa old age or older persons grant is paid to people who are 60 years or older. You can apply for this grant online or at your nearest Sassa office.
How do you know if you qualify?
You must:
- be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee
- live in South Africa
- not receive any other social grant for yourself
- not be cared for in a state institution
- not earn more than R86 280 if you are single or R172 560 if married.
- not have assets worth more than 1 227 600 if you are single or R2 455 200 if you are married.
How to apply online
to apply for the old age grant online, visit https://services.sassa.gov.za/. Create an account on the portal and once complete, you will be able to register for you grant online.
How to apply for the sassa old age grant at a Sassa office
- Go to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office nearest to where you live and bring the following:
- Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don’t have an ID:
- you must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official
- you must bring a sworn statement signed by a reputable person (like a councillor, traditional leader, social worker, minister of religion or school principal) who can verify your name and age
- the SASSA official will take your fingerprints. You will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the ID while your application is processed. If you don’t get an ID, your grant will be suspended.
- Proof of your marital status (if applicable).
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of your income and/or dividends (if any).
- Proof of your assets, including the value of the property you own.
- Proof of your private pension (if any).
- Your bank statements of the previous three months.
- If you were employed, proof of your Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership (‘blue book’) or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
- If your spouse died within the last five years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts where applicable.
- Please note: If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf. The person should take a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note saying why you cannot visit the office.
- Your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID). If you don’t have an ID:
- Complete the application form in the presence of the SASSA officer (note that only you as the applicant or a SASSA official may complete the application form). The officer will interview you and tell you if you qualify for the grant.
- You will be given a receipt. Keep it as proof that you applied.
How much does it cost
The service is free.
Forms to complete
Application forms are not available online, but you can get it at your nearest SASSA office.
Who to contact
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
SASSA Toll free: 0800 60 10 11
Email: (link sends e-mail)GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
