Are you a senior citizen in South Africa who needs financial assistance? If so, you may be eligible for the SASSA Pension, a monthly benefit that provides income support to older people. The SASSA Old Age Pension is also known as the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension, and it is one of the social grants offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
SASSA Payment Schedule: Old Age Pensions
The SASSA Pension is a monthly benefit that provides income support to senior citizens in South Africa. The SASSA Old Age Pension payout dates may vary depending on factors such as payment method and location. To stay informed about when to expect payments, beneficiaries can check the official SASSA website, contact the helpline, or visit a local SASSA office. This ensures effective financial planning for those relying on the Old Age Pension.
SASSA Old Age Pension November 2023
The SASSA Old Age Pension November 2023 payout dates are as follows:
- Disability Grant: 03/11/2023
- Older Individual Grant: 02/11/2023
- Children Grant: 06/11/2023
How Much is SASSA Old Age Pension?
The SASSA Pension amount is determined by the government and adjusted annually according to inflation and other factors. The current SASSA Pension amount for 2023 is R1,890 per month. However, the amount may be reduced if the beneficiary has other income or assets above a certain threshold.
How to Qualify for the SASSA Old Age Pension
To qualify for the SASSA Old Age Pension, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- You must be 60 years or older.
- You must not receive any other social grant for yourself.
- You must not be cared for in a state institution.
- You must have a valid identity document.
- You must have a bank account or a SASSA payment card.
- You must pass the income and asset test.
The income and asset test is based on the income and assets of the beneficiary and their spouse, if applicable. The income and asset limits for 2023 are as follows:
- Income limit: R86,280 per year or R7,190 per month for a single person; R172,560 per year or R14,380 per month for a married couple.
- Asset limit: R1,227,600 for a single person; R2,455,200 for a married couple.
How to Apply for the SASSA Old Age Pension
To apply for the SASSA Pension, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office or contact the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to make an appointment.
- Bring your identity document, bank account details, proof of income and assets, and any other documents that may be required.
- Fill in the application form and submit it to the SASSA officer.
- Wait for the outcome of your application, which may take up to 90 days.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a notification letter and a SASSA payment card.
- If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision within 90 days.
How Much You Will Receive from the SASSA Pension
The amount of SASSA Old Age Pension that you will receive depends on several factors, such as your age, your income, your marital status, and your residency. The current SASSA Pension amount for 2023 is R1,890 per month. However, the amount may be reduced if the beneficiary has other income or assets above a certain threshold.
When You Will Receive Your SASSA Pension Payment
Your SASSA Old Age Pension payment is made by midnight on the second last business day of every month, except in December. In December, the payment is made by midnight on the second last business day before December 25. The following are the 2023 and 2024 SASSA Pension payment dates:
| Month | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 29 |
| February | 24 | 27 |
| March | 29 | 26 |
| April | 26 | 26 |
| May | 29 | 29 |
| June | 28 | 26 |
| July | 27 | 29 |
| August | 29 | 28 |
| September | 27 | 25 |
| October | 27 | 29 |
| November | 28 | 27 |
| December | 20 | 20 |
The payment dates may differ for beneficiaries who receive their payments through other methods, such as bank accounts, mobile money, or cash pay points. Beneficiaries can check their payment method and date on the SASSA website or by calling the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11.
You can also sign up for direct deposit to receive your SASSA Old Age Pension payment directly into your bank account.
How to Increase Your SASSA Old Age Pension Benefit
There are several ways to increase your SASSA Old Age Pension benefit, such as delaying your application, working longer, splitting your pension with your spouse, and applying for other benefits. For example, you can increase your SASSA Old Age Pension benefit by 0.6% for every month that you delay receiving it after age 65, up to a maximum of 36% at age 70. You can also apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Allowance, or the Allowance for the Survivor, which are additional benefits for low-income seniors, spouses, and survivors.
What Other Benefits You Can Get from the SASSA Old Age Pension?
Besides the basic SASSA Old Age Pension benefit, you may also be eligible for other benefits, such as:
- The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): a monthly, non-taxable benefit that supplements your SASSA Pension benefit if your income is below a certain threshold.
- The Allowance: a monthly, taxable benefit that provides income support to the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients who are aged 60 to 64.
- The Allowance for the Survivor: a monthly, taxable benefit that provides income support to low-income widowed spouses or common-law partners who are aged 60 to 64.
- Pension Sharing: a voluntary arrangement that allows you to share your SASSA Pension benefit with your spouse or common-law partner, which may reduce your taxes or increase your benefits.
- International Benefits: a benefit that you may receive if you have lived or worked in another country that has a social security agreement with South Africa.
Conclusion
The SASSA Pension is a monthly benefit that provides income support to senior citizens in South Africa. It is one of the social grants offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). To qualify for the SASSA Old Age Pension, you must be 60 years or older, have a valid identity document, have a bank account or a SASSA payment card, and pass the income and asset test. You can apply for the SASSA Pension online, by mail, or in person at a SASSA office.
FAQ
Q: How do I check my SASSA Old Age Pension balance?
A: You can check your SASSA Old Age Pension balance by using the SASSA USSD service. You can dial 1203210# from your mobile phone and follow the instructions. You will need your ID number and SASSA payment card number to access the service.
Q: How do I change my SASSA Old Age Pension payment method?
A: You can change your SASSA Old Age Pension payment method by visiting your nearest SASSA office or contacting the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You will need to provide your identity document, bank account details, and SASSA payment card. You can choose to receive your SASSA Old Age Pension payment by direct deposit, mobile money, or cash pay point.
Q: How do I report a lost or stolen SASSA Old Age Pension card?
A: You can report a lost or stolen SASSA Old Age Pension card by calling the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visiting your nearest SASSA office. You will need to provide your identity document and proof of residence. You will also need to pay a replacement fee of R12. You will receive a new SASSA payment card within 10 working days.
Q: How do I update my personal information for the SASSA Old Age Pension?
A: You can update your personal information for the SASSA Old Age Pension by visiting your nearest SASSA office or contacting the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You will need to provide your identity document and proof of the change. You can update your information such as your address, marital status, income, assets, or bank account details.
Q: How do I cancel my SASSA Old Age Pension?
A: You can cancel your SASSA Old Age Pension by visiting your nearest SASSA office or contacting the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You will need to provide your identity document and SASSA payment card. You will also need to fill in a cancellation form and submit it to the SASSA officer. You will stop receiving your SASSA Old Age Pension payment from the next month.
Q: How do I appeal a rejected SASSA Old Age Pension application?
A: You can appeal a rejected SASSA Old Age Pension application by writing a letter to the SASSA Appeals Tribunal within 90 days of receiving the rejection notice. You will need to provide your name, ID number, contact details, and the reasons for your appeal. You will also need to attach a copy of the rejection notice and any supporting documents. You can send your letter by mail, email, or fax to the SASSA Appeals Tribunal. You can find the contact details of the SASSA Appeals Tribunal on the SASSA website.
Q: How do I get a tax certificate for the SASSA Old Age Pension?
A: You can get a tax certificate for the SASSA Old Age Pension by visiting your nearest SASSA office or contacting the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You will need to provide your identity document and SASSA payment card. You will receive a tax certificate that shows the amount of SASSA Old Age Pension that you received for the tax year.
Q: How do I get a proof of income letter for the SASSA Old Age Pension?
A: You can get a proof of income letter for the SASSA Old Age Pension by visiting your nearest SASSA office or contacting the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You will need to provide your identity document and SASSA payment card. You will receive a proof of income letter that shows the amount of SASSA Old Age Pension that you receive monthly.
Q: How do I get a death certificate for the SASSA Old Age Pension?
A: You can get a death certificate for the SASSA Old Age Pension by visiting your nearest Home Affairs office or contacting the Home Affairs helpline at 0800 60 11 90. You will need to provide the identity document and death notice of the deceased SASSA Old Age Pension beneficiary. You will also need to pay a fee of R20. You will receive a death certificate that shows the date and cause of death of the deceased SASSA Old Age Pension beneficiary.
Q: How do I get a funeral grant for the SASSA Old Age Pension?
A: You can get a funeral grant for the SASSA Old Age Pension by visiting your nearest SASSA office or contacting the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You will need to provide the identity document and death certificate of the deceased SASSA Old Age Pension beneficiary. You will also need to provide the identity document and proof of relationship of the applicant. You will receive a funeral grant of R3,000 that can be used to cover the funeral expenses of the deceased SASSA Old Age Pension beneficiary.