Getting your SASSA old age grant shouldn’t be impossible just because you don’t have an ID document. Many elderly South Africans face this challenge, but there’s a solution – the SASSA affidavit process. You must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA format in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who is not a SASSA official. Don’t worry – we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
When Do You Need to Write Affidavit for SASSA Old Age Grant
You’ll need to write affidavit for SASSA old age grant when you can’t provide your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID document. If you don’t have an ID: You are required to fill out the affidavit form on the SASSA standard affidavit template, and this must be done in the presence of an Oaths Commissioner who is not affiliated with SASSA.
Common situations requiring an affidavit include:
- Lost or stolen ID documents
- Damaged ID that can’t be read properly
- Never received an ID from Home Affairs
- Waiting for ID replacement from Department of Home Affairs
Remember, this affidavit is temporary. SASSA will suspend your grant if you fail to get an ID within the required timeframe.
Essential Documents for Your SASSA Old Age Grant Affidavit
Before you write affidavit for SASSA old age grant, gather these documents:
Primary Requirements:
- SASSA standard affidavit form (get from SASSA office)
- Proof you’ve applied for ID at Home Affairs
- 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
Supporting Documents:
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Bank statements from last 3 months
- Marriage certificate (if married) or spouse’s death certificate
- Proof of income and assets for means test
- UIF blue book or discharge certificate (if previously employed)
Who Can Be Your Commissioner of Oaths
You must complete an affidavit on a standard SASSA form in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths who’s not a SASSA official. Here’s where you can find qualified commissioners:
Acceptable Commissioners of Oaths:
- Police officers at SAPS stations
- Bank officials
- Post office officials
- Attorneys and advocates
- Magistrates
- Church ministers (if registered)
- Municipal officials
Important: The commissioner cannot be a SASSA employee. They must stamp and sign your affidavit and include your thumbprint.
Who Can Provide Your Sworn Statement
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.
Reputable Persons Include:
- Ward councillors
- Traditional leaders and chiefs
- Social workers
- Ministers of religion
- School principals
- Community leaders
- Healthcare workers who know you
This person must know you personally and can confirm your identity, age, and full name.
Process to Write Affidavit for SASSA Old Age Grant
Getting the Affidavit Form
Visit your nearest SASSA office and ask for the older person’s grant affidavit form. A SASSA official will provide you with the form. You can’t complete the application without this specific SASSA template.
Completing the Affidavit
The affidavit must include:
- Your full legal name
- ID number (if you remember it)
- Physical address where you live
- Age and date of birth
- Confirmation you’re not in a state institution
- Marital status details
- Declaration about income and assets
Getting It Certified
Take your completed affidavit to a commissioner of oaths (not SASSA staff). They’ll:
- Verify your identity through your sworn statement
- Check all information is complete
- Add their official stamp and signature
- Take your thumbprint
- Date the document
Submitting Everything Together
Return to SASSA with:
- Completed and certified affidavit
- Sworn statement from reputable person
- Proof of Home Affairs ID application
- All supporting documents for means test
Current SASSA Old Age Grant Payment Rates 2025
As of the last SASSA grants increase on April 1, 2025, individuals aged between 60 to 74 receive a monthly payment of R2,310 per person, while those aged 75 or older receive R2,330 per person.
These payments start from the date you submit your application, not from the approval date.
SASSA Means Test Requirements for Old Age Grant
You must pass the means test to qualify. Single applicants: Annual income must not exceed R86,280 (Monthly: R7,190). Married applicants: Combined annual income must not exceed R172,560 (Monthly: R14,380).
Asset Limits:
- Single person: Assets under R1,227,600
- Married couple: Combined assets under R2,455,200
What Happens After You Submit Your Affidavit
SASSA will take your fingerprint to process your application. You will be sent to the Department of Home Affairs to request for your ID while processing your application.
Timeline Expectations:
- Application processing: Up to 3 months
- Payment starts from application date (if approved)
- Must get ID within timeframe or grant gets suspended
Mistakes to Avoid
Affidavit Errors:
- Using wrong commissioner (SASSA staff can’t certify)
- Missing thumbprint or official stamp
- Incomplete personal information
- Not getting sworn statement from reputable person
Documentation Problems:
- Not proving you applied for ID at Home Affairs
- Missing means test documents
- Incorrect bank details for payments
Alternative Application Methods
Can’t visit SASSA yourself? If you are too old and unable to visit the SASSA office yourself, you can have any trusted friend or a family member apply on your behalf. The person applying on your behalf should take a letter from you along with a doctor’s note explaining the reason why you cannot visit the SASSA office yourself.
Appeals Process if Application Gets Rejected
If your application wasn’t approved, SASSA will inform you in writing why your application was unsuccessful. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to the National Department of Social Development. You must appeal within 90 days of being notified that your application was unsuccessful.
SASSA Status Check and Payment Tracking
Once you submit your affidavit and application, track your progress:
- Check SASSA status online
- Call SASSA helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Visit your local SASSA office for updates
Payment Methods Available
SASSA offers several ways to receive your R2,310 monthly grant:
- Cash collection at designated pay points
- Direct bank transfer (requires bank consent form)
- SASSA payment card
FAQs About Affidavit for SASSA Old Age Grant
Can I use an affidavit permanently instead of an ID document?
No, the affidavit is temporary. You must apply for and receive your South African ID document from Home Affairs, or SASSA will suspend your grant.
How long does it take to process an old age grant application with an affidavit?
It may take up to 3 months to process your application. If your grant is approved, you’ll be paid from the date on which you applied.
What if the reputable person who signed my sworn statement is no longer available?
You can get another sworn statement from a different reputable person who knows you personally and can verify your identity and age.
Can family members help me write the affidavit?
Yes, family can help you fill out the form, but you must sign it yourself in front of the commissioner of oaths. The thumbprint must also be yours.
What happens if I can’t afford to get documents certified?
Police stations provide free certification services. You can also ask at municipal offices – many offer free document certification for grant applications.
Will my grant be backdated if there are delays in processing?
Yes, if approved, you’ll receive payments from your original application date, even if processing took several months.
Conclusion
Writing an affidavit for SASSA old age grant doesn’t have to be complicated. Get the correct SASSA form, find an approved commissioner of oaths, and ensure you have a sworn statement from someone reputable who knows you. Remember to apply for your ID at Home Affairs immediately, as the affidavit is only temporary. With proper preparation and the right documents, you can successfully apply for your R2,310 monthly grant even without an ID document.
