Here’s the latest outlook for SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year. Beneficiaries of a government pension received their December grants last week. However, due to a vagary in the calendar, this means a five-week wait for the next disbursement of SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year.
As a result, civil society – and SASSA staff themselves – are urging frugality over the Christmas holiday. But this can be difficult when faced with the extra expenses that come with the holidays. Like friends and family visiting, Christmas meals and gifts. And not to mention preparing kids for school/college in the New Year …
SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS IN THE NEW YEAR
Nevertheless, the first SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year will be paid on Tuesday 6 January 2026. The grant amounts for over 60s are R2 320. And beneficiaries over the age of 75 receive the highest grant in the country – R2 340. At last count, approximately four million elderly will benefit from SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year.
However, the South African Social Security Agency says it expects to save R340 million on SASSA grants in 2026. This follows a year of strict eligibility reviews in which many social grants were culled. Nevertheless, that amount is a proverbial drop in the ocean compared to what the Department of Social Development (DSD) needs to save to keep within budget …
MASSIVE BUDGET CUTS IN THE NEW YEAR
Currently, the DSD budget (for all social development) sits at R285 billion. This is the second largest budget portion in the country after paying off government debt. But for 2026/27, this figure falls by R14 billion, to R271 billion. And it falls again for 2027/28 by R11 billion, to just R260 billion. Unfortunately, there is concern that SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year will bear the brunt of this.
While a budget reduction will likely impact other ‘core’ grants like Child Support, SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year could be vulnerable. For example, a R14-billion budget cut in 2026 would require cancelling roughly 500 000 old-age grants. Extend this to 2027 and nearly 900 000 elderly pensioners would be removed from the books.
SAFEGUARD SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS IN THE NEW YEAR
Therefore, here’s how existing beneficiaries can safeguard their SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year. And how newly eligible over 60s can apply for the first time. Note that new applications take three months to process. So, if you apply this month, you may only start receiving money in March 2026. However, if successful, you will be back paid to the date of your original application.
Next, is passing the all-important asset and means test. The agency is becoming very strict on this to try and eliminate as many grants as it legally can. Therefore:
- Your income must be less than R107 800 (single) or R215 760 (married) per annum.
- Per month, this is R8 983 (single) or R17 980 (married)
- And your cumulative assets (property) cannot be more than R1 524 600 (single) or R3 049 200 (married).
WHAT DOCUMENTATION YOU NEED TO PROVIDE
We’ve received lots of feedback from SASSA grant applicants that getting all the correct documents can take months. Therefore, read carefully below for what you need to bring along to apply for SASSA Old-Age grants in the New Year, so you don’t waste time and money. Bring the original and copies for peace of mind:
- Official RSA identity document (ID) (preferably a Smart ID Card with a digital ID photo).
- Valid three months’ statement certified by your bank, plus copies.
- All documents proving your marital status, plus death certificates if necessary.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it, not older than three months).
- Documents proving your income and/or financial dividends.
- Comprehensive information regarding assets/valuation of any property you own.
- Full declaration of any private pension in your name.
WHY YOU MAY BE DENIED SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS IN THE NEW YEAR
Remember, you are not eligible for SASSA Old-Age Grants in the New Year if you are housed in a state institution/care facility. Likewise, if you receive any other form of social welfare from the state, like UIF payments or another grant like Childcare, Disability or War Veteran.
However, if your application is denied, you have 90 days to appeal by clicking HERE and filling out the relevant forms. Refer to the below contact lists if you need to get in touch with SASSA. And note that the agency is extended office hours over December:
- SASSA Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
But what do you think? Are you and old-age beneficiary who fears their grant may be suddenly stopped? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below …
