The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial assistance to vulnerable groups in South Africa through social grants. The Old Age Grant, also known as Old Age Pension, supports seniors aged 60 years and above who meet the eligibility criteria.
As of 2024, over 3.7 million Old Age Grants have been approved in South Africa. If you have applied for the SASSA Old Age Grant, checking the status online lets you track the progress of your application.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to check the SASSA Old Age Grant status online in 2024 through various methods.
To qualify for the South African Old Age Grant in 2024, you must:
Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee aged 60 years or above
Earn less than R96 840 per annum if single or R193 680 per annum if married
Meet the specified asset threshold
Not be maintained or cared for in a state institution
Not be in receipt of another social grant
Applicants are means tested based on their income, assets and family status to determine eligibility.
How to Apply for the Old Age Grant in 2024?
You can submit the Old Age Grant application online or visit the nearest SASSA office to apply in person. The required documents include:
Original 13-digit barcode ID or affidavit if you don’t have an ID
Proof of marital status
Proof of residence
Recent bank statements
Proof of assets and income
SASSA aims to process applications within 3 months. Approved applicants will receive monthly payouts through bank transfer, at designated pay points or via nominated persons. And Speaking of Bank transfers make sure you have accurate Banking Details, and if not you can Change SASSA Banking Details on our website or learn how to change.
Old Age Grant Application Status
Once submitted, your application will go through various stages:
Received – SASSA has received your application
Pending – Your application is still being processed
Approved – You meet the eligibility criteria
Rejected – You do not satisfy the qualifying conditions
Finalized – Approval decision has been made
Checking your status online lets you track your application progress.
Ways to Check SASSA Old Age Grant Status Online
You can check your Old Age Grant status through multiple platforms depending on your convenience.
Through SASSA Website
Visit the our website at SASSA SRD Status Check or Scroll above.
Enter your ID number, and enter your Phone Number as well
Click ‘Check Status’ to see your status
Via SMS
SMS your ID number to 082046 8553
You’ll receive an SMS update of your application status
Through SASSA WhatsApp
Message your ID number to 082046 8553 on WhatsApp
An agent will send you the status of your Old Age Grant application
Through Moya App
Download the Moya app on your phone
Choose the ‘SASSA’ option and enter your ID to get your status at no data costs
By Calling SASSA Call Centre
Call 0800 60 10 11 toll-free
Provide your ID number and get your status update from the agent
Understanding Old Age Grant Status Updates
Once submitted, your Old Age Grant application will go through the below stages:
Tracking the status of your Old Age Grant application is important to understand where your application stands in the screening process.
As your application gets reviewed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), your status will change to reflect the current stage.
Here is what each status denotes:
Pending: You application is currently being assessed by SASSA as per the qualifying criteria. Pending status means the eligibility check is still ongoing.
Approved: Congratulations! This status means you meet all the requirements and have been awarded the Old Age Grant. You will start receiving monthly payments from the date you had applied.
Rejected: Unfortunately, this means your application did not satisfy the eligibility criteria for the grant as per SASSA’s assessment.
Checking these status indicators periodically will inform you of how far your application has progressed. This allows you to track efficiently and act promptly if this is any delay beyond expected timelines. It is advisable to follow up if your status stays as “Pending” for over 3 months.
It is important to check your status regularly for updates during the screening process.
What to Do If Your Application is Declined?
If your Old Age Grant application gets rejected, first understand the reasons:
Reapply ensuring you meet the criteria
Appeal the decision within 90 days if you believe it was made in error
Provide additional information supporting your SASSA Appeal for it to be considered. You will receive the appeal outcome in writing from SASSA.
FAQs on Checking Old Age Grant Status
Q: How long does it take to process the Old Age Grant application?
It takes approximately 3 months from the date of application to get approval, rejection or finalization outcome. Check your status for updates.
Q: My status shows pending for a long time. What should I do?
If your status has been pending for more than 3 months, contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11 for appropriate guidance. There may be delays in case verification, but follow-up will help.
Q: I can’t get through any of the online/phone channels. What are the alternatives?
You can also get your Old Age Grant application status by visiting the nearest SASSA regional office. Carry your ID and application details for reference.
Q: My Old Age Grant shows approved but I haven’t received any payments yet. What should I do next?
If your status is approved but you haven’t got the monthly pension after a reasonable wait period, call the SASSA helpline. An agent will be able to assist you on the likely reasons and solution for this.
Q: How often should I check my Old Age Grant status online?
It is advisable to check your status at least once every 2-3 weeks after applying. This will help track your application progress through the screening stages for timely follow-up if required.
Conclusion
Checking your SASSA Old Age Grant application status online regularly through the SASSA website, SMS, WhatsApp, Moya app or call centre helpline will help you track your progress.
This enables you to follow-up promptly in case of delays and understand your final approval decision. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and provide accurate information for smooth processing.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves
