UPDATED info: May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants

May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants are next payable this Friday 3 May 2024 to qualifying beneficiaries. At this difficult time of year as Mzansi heads into colder winter months, recipients of May 2023 SASSA Older Persons grants are encouraged to save their money wisely. This follows massive 12.8% electricity tariff hikes from Eskom, which far outpace last month’s South African Social Security Agency grant increases of just 4.8%.

MAY 2024 SASSA OLDER PERSONS GRANTS

Help is at hand for the country’s vulnerable old-age citizens. Image: File

Likewise, according to the latest food inflation data, the price of everyday food items is rising at roughly 6.2%. This situation is not great for the countries’ most vulnerable citizens, who effectively have less to spend on groceries and living expenses, despite higher May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants.

As of last month (April 2024), SASSA old-age pensioners were paid R2 180 (over 60s) and R2 200 (over 75s). People with disabilities also receive R2 180. These will increase again in October 2024 by a nominal R10. However, studies by academics from the University of Cape Town believe this is not enough money for the number of mouths that actually need feeding.

SEVERAL MOUTHS TO FEED

A 4.8% increase in SASSA grants in 2024 is not enough to outpace consumer inflation. Image: File

According to their studies, roughly 4-million old-age pension beneficiaries support households of five people or more. Moreover, the average income in one of these households is just R6 850 (or R1 370 per person). As a result, those actually receiving May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants suffer the indignity of going without chronic medication and any additional healthcare they may need.

Specifically, the elderly in Mzansi suffer from diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and sight, mobility and cognitive difficulties. Furthermore, the study finds that old-age pensioners who did not receive sufficient financial assistance are 50% more likely to suffer from the above illnesses/complications in later life. So, it is essential that we look after our elderly …

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SASSA OLD-AGE GRANT

May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants often go to feeding several mouths and not to holders who require chronic medication. Image: File

According to the agency website, you or a loved one with signed permission can report to a SASSA branch in-person to apply for an older persons grant.

You must be 60 years of age or older and have the following items:

• 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 loved one, 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 with a SASSA officer present. Sadly, these forms are not available online to complete beforehand.

MEANS AND ASSET LIMIT

You must prove you are not earning too much money to qualify for a SASSA old-age pension. Image: File

To ensure no one takes advantage of the South African Social Security Agency, there is an asset and means test you must pass to be eligible for May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants:

• 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 single.
• No more than R2 745 600, if you’re married.

SASSA PENSION PAYMENTS (TILL NEXT INCREASE)

Be sure to diarise the following SASSA Older Persons grant payment dates for 2024, until the next increase. Image: File

• Friday 3 May 2024 (this week).
• Monday 3 June 2024.
• Tuesday 2 July 2024.
• Friday 2 August 2024.
• Tuesday 3 September 2024.

*SASSA reminds beneficiaries that old-age pension grants May 2024 may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.

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Are you in line to receive May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants? How has your service with the agency been so far in 2024? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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