PENSIONS

The following criteria apply to qualify for a social grant:

	South African citizenship.
	In case of a woman, she must have attained the age of 60.
	In case of a man, he must have attained the age of 61, unless applicant is a war veteran in which case the qualifying age is 60.
	The amount payable will depend on the assets and income of the applicant, i.e. the means test.
	Married couples are assessed together.
	Applications for a social grant must be made in person unless physical/mental frailty has been confirmed by a medical officer of health.
	Resident in the Republic of South Africa.

The following documents must be submitted when applying at the nearest office of the South African Social Security Agency(SASSA):

	Official identity document.
	Proof of marital status.
	Proof of assets and income of applicant and spouse.
	In case of a war veteran, proof of service.

Under the new legislation -

	8% of all assets will be used in the calculation of the means test.
	Living accommodation registered in the name of the applicant or spouse that is occupied by the family, will be given a value of nil for the application of the means test.
	A quarter of the total income for a married couple will be applied to the formula in the calculation for a social grant.

The definition of assets is wide and includes:

	Immovable property owned by an applicant or their family.
	Property held under leasehold.
	Cash investments.
	Bonds, loans and debts in favour of the applicant.
	Interest in shares, endowment policies or any accounts with banks and financial institutions.
	Cash on hand.
	Share capital or assets of a company or institution.

The definition of income includes:

	Any compensation received in cash or as a pension.
	Profits from a company or farm, which the applicant or spouse owns personally or as a member of a family business.
	Income derived from an inheritance or trust fund.
	Income obtained from rented property or cash investments.