SASSA war veterans grant is available to South African citizens who served as soldiers in the Second World War (1939-1945) or Korean War (1950-1953) and who have proven that they are South African citizens.

To be eligible for this grant, an applicant must be 60 years old or disabled and not receive any other social assistance. It is determined whether an applicant is eligible for the grant based on his or her income, assets, and other financial circumstances.

What is SASSA War Veterans Grant?

The SASSA War Veterans Grant is a monthly financial support program for individuals who have actively participated in World War I, World War II, or the Korean War. The grant aims to assist war veterans who are unable to support themselves financially due to age or disability.

Eligibility Criteria OF SASSA War Veterans Grant

If you wish to apply for the war veterans grant, you must meet the following requirements:

If you wish to be eligible for the grant, you must either be a South African citizen or have a permanent residency status.
South Africans are required to be residents.
The applicant must be at least 60 years old or disabled.
You shouldn’t receive any other social grant for your personal needs.
You should have served in the Korean War or Second World War.
You should not be supported by any institution of state care.
If you and your spouse are subject to the means test, you should comply with them.
If you are single, your annual income cannot exceed R96 840 (R8 070 per month). A married couple’s annual income cannot exceed R193 680 (R16 140 per month).
The value of your assets should be less than R1 372 800 if you are single. Being married, your collective assets should not exceed R2 745 600.

What is Means Test For The SASSA War Veterans Grant?

SASSA means tests are used to determine an applicant’s financial status, which includes income, assets, and other financial factors. They ensure that only deserving applicants receive the grant. There are two main thresholds as of 1 April 2023:

1. Assets Threshold:

A single individual should not own more than R1 372 800 worth of assets.
An individual and their spouse should not have more than R2 745 600 in assets combined.

2. Income Threshold:

A single individual shouldn’t earn more than R96,840 per year.
An individual’s combined income with his or her spouse must not exceed R193 680 a year.
In order to evaluate financial eligibility for grants, each type has different means test criteria.

How Much Does SASSA War Veterans Grant?

The SASSA grants increment for October 1, 2024, stipulates that the war veterans benefit will be in the amount of R2,210 per month for each person as of October 1.

How Much Will a War Veterans Grant Cost?

War Veteran Grants are available to veterans at no cost, and there is no service fee associated with applying.

War Veterans Grant Application Procedure

Apply for the SASSA war veterans grant at your nearest SASSA branch office by completing the SASSA application form, or you can apply online by reading the instructions on the SASSA website.

If you are too old, ill, or have a disability and cannot visit the SASSA office on your own, you may have a friend or family member apply on your behalf. It is recommended that the person applying on your behalf obtain a letter from you and a doctor’s note explaining why you are not able to visit the SASSA office personally.

Application forms are available at SASSA offices, and they must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer. Application forms may be completed by you, but if you are unable to do so, the officer will assist you in completing them. In addition to taking your interview (or having your appointed person take your interview), the officer will inform you if you are eligible for the grant.

The SASSA officer who assisted you in the application and the application reference number will be listed on the dated stamp receipt after the application and interview are completed. As proof of application, you should keep this receipt even if you are not qualified.

Documents Required To Apply For A War Veterans Grant

The following documents (originals or certified copies) must be taken to the SASSA office when applying for a War Veterans Grant:

Obtain a certificate of service as proof of your war service.
Original 13-digit barcoded ID (identity document). In the event you do not have an ID:

You must complete the SASSA standard affidavit form before an Oaths Commissioner who is independent of SASSA. An official from SASSA will provide you with the form.
To verify your identity and age, you must present a valid declaration from a reputable individual (such as a community counselor, traditional leader, licensed social worker, religious leader, or school principal).
It is important that you have documentation from the Ministry of Home Affairs that confirms that you have initiated the application for your ID and/or birth certificate.
A temporary identity document card issued by the Department of Home Affairs. In this case, if applicable

A medical assessment report (if applicable) is proof of your disability
Your current address must be verified.
Your proof of marriage is as follows:

Marriage Certificate: If you’ve been married.
Divorce Decree: when the marriage has been dissolved.
Death Certificate: if your spouse has passed away.
Affidavit or Sworn Statement: Only if you are single.

Provide proof of all your income and assets, including your spouse’s if you are married:

If you have been employed for the last three months, provide your payslips or bank statements.
If you are receiving UIF benefits, you will need a UIF card.
In the case of individuals who have been employed, a copy of the termination letter from your former employer or an Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership proof must be provided.
A pension receipt if you receive one (if applicable)
Provide proof of all your investments and information about your interest and dividends. (if required).
A document providing information about your assets and the valuation of the property you own (if applicable).

SASSA War Veterans Grant Application Processing Time

There is a processing time of up to three months for war veterans grant applications. Payments begin after your application has been approved. Once your application has been processed and your grant has been approved, you will receive all payments from the date on which you submitted your application. If your application is not accepted, SASSA will issue you a letter informing you of the reasons for the decision and guiding you on how to appeal.

SASSA War Veterans Grant Check Status

The SASSA war veterans grant status can be checked in the same way as other SASSA grants. The following steps will guide you through checking your status:

The first step you might want to take is to clear your browser cache, as this will improve the status checking experience. You don’t have to do this, but you can perform it as an additional step. Go to https://srdstatuscheck.co.za/.
First, enter your national ID card number into the status check, then enter your SASSA registered phone number into the next field.
Click on the ‘Submit‘ button, and your War Veteran Grant status will appear.

What happens if your SASSA War Veterans Grant Application is not approved?

When your grant application is rejected and you believe the decision is incorrect, you can ask SASSA to review it once more. If the reconsideration request is also denied, but you still disagree with SASSA’s decision, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development. Within 90 days of receiving the notification, you must initiate the appeal process.

To determine whether or not to approve your appeal, the Ministry of Social Development will review your application. Once they agree with your position, the SASSA’s decision will be overturned, and you will begin to receive your grant payments. We will provide you with a written explanation of our decision if your appeal is denied.

SASSA War Veterans Grant Payment Process

Your application for the War Veterans Grant will be approved once you have received approval. Payments will begin from the date you applied. There are no fixed dates for SASSA’s payment schedule, so it is released every month.

There are three ways SASSA will pay your grant payments (you must choose one):

Your bank account or your Postbank account will be credited directly. You may be charged a service fee by the banks.
SASSA-partnered retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, Usave, and Spar accept grant payments in cash.
A number of specific institutions (e.g., old age homes, disability centers, non-profit organizations) collect this data.

You must complete the Consent Form for SASSA Grant Bank Payment and submit each of the following documents if you want your grant payments to be made to your bank account:

An ID document, birth certificate, or driver’s license can be used as proof of identity.
Number of your bank account, it should be in your name.
On your 3 months bank statement, your name and account number should appear.

Whenever you need to update your banking details or payment method, you can do so easily. All you have to do is fill out the form at the welfare office. After the verification process has been completed, the new payment method will be used to receive payments the following month.

In the event that you are unable to collect grants yourself due to your age, you can have someone you trust collect them for you.

Balance Check For SASSA War Veterans Grants

SASSA balance check allows you to examine the remaining balance in your grant. Reviewing your balance regularly can help you stay informed about your funds, which can help you manage your finances and make good use of grant money. Following approval of your war veterans grant application, you may need to monitor your balance regularly by using the following methods:

You can dial USSD code 1203210# or 12069277# from your cellphone
The ATM may charge normal bank fees (normal bank charges may apply)
Contact SASSA via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553
SASSA’s toll-free number is 0800 601 011

Review of SASSA War Veterans Grants

SASSA reserves the right to conduct a review of your grant, which will be based on the income that you declared during the application process. You are reviewed to ensure that you still meet the means test criteria of the grant and that your circumstances have not changed. You are also being checked to see if you are still alive. You should always update your application whenever your circumstances change in order to ease the review process.

The SASSA will notify you in writing before the deadline to submit your life certificate (proof you are still alive) is three months away. As part of the written notification, the date and location of the review will be provided as well.

A life certificate must be submitted to the SASSA office annually by individuals who receive their grant through a bank, institution, or agent. SASSA officials will conduct the review at your home if you are bedridden. After completing your review, you will receive a compliance receipt.

Reasons for Grant Suspension

There are several reasons why a grant may be suspended:

You may need to change your circumstances.
Your information was false or you committed fraud.
When your grant was reviewed, you failed to cooperate.
Result of the review.
Your grant was mistakenly approved.

Grant Restoration

The Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development has the option to subject your dispute to the Ministry of Social Development if you feel your grant has been suspended in error or if you disagree with SASSA’s decision within 90 days of the suspension date.

War Veterans Grant Lapse Reasons

You will lose your war veterans grant if you meet one of the following conditions:

It would be sad if you passed away.
If you are not able to prove your existence when asked. A review of your grant will be conducted annually to ensure that you are still alive.
You can apply for your grant payments to start again if they haven’t been collected for consecutive three months. If it has been more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a new grant.
Whether you are in a hospital or a prison, you are in a fully government-funded institution.
Without notice, you have been out of the country for more than 90 days.
Your income and/or assets have increased to the extent that you are no longer eligible for the grant on a means-tested basis.

The social grant you receive if you are placed in a state-contracted care institution is reduced to 25% of the maximum grant amount. Your adjustment will begin after the fourth month of admission. Upon discharge, your grant maximum amount will be re-initiated immediately.

The Beneficiaries Responsibilities

There are also some responsibilities that SASSA grant holders must fulfill:

Make SASSA aware of any changes to your personal or financial circumstances to ensure accuracy.
Any changes in your contact information or physical address should be reported to the SASSA as soon as possible.
The SASSA does not tolerate fraudulent activity, so always provide the correct information.

SASSA sends notices and updates to the address you provide in your application, so you must keep SASSA informed in the above scenarios to avoid interruptions or suspensions of your grants. You may lose your grants if you updated your address or contact information without informing SASSA, since SASSA will not be able to reach you.

Benefit

The SASSA War Veterans Grant provides several key benefits to eligible war veterans, ensuring financial and social well-being. Below are the primary benefits:

Monthly Financial Support

The grant provides a monthly payment of R2,090 (as of 2024) to eligible war veterans.
This financial assistance helps cover essential living expenses such as food, medical care, and housing.

Healthcare and Medical Benefits

Beneficiaries may qualify for free or subsidized healthcare at public hospitals and clinics.
Those with disabilities can access medical aid support and disability services.

Financial Security and Stability

The grant ensures that elderly and disabled veterans have a steady source of income.
Protects war veterans from poverty and financial hardship in their later years.

Social and Community Support

War veterans receiving this grant may also qualify for other social support services, such as counseling and veteran community programs.
Helps maintain social dignity and respect within society.

Payment Flexibility

Beneficiaries can choose to receive payments via bank deposits, cash collection at pay points, or registered institutions.
Secure and reliable payment methods ensure timely access to funds.

SASSA Contact Us

SASSA can be reached via the following channels if you have any additional questions:

Contact SASSA’s Toll-Free Call Centre at: 0800 60 10 11
Contact SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2322
Please email SASSA Head Office: [email protected]
SASSA offices across the nation: SASSA offices near you

FAQs About SASSA War Veterans Grant

Who qualifies as a military veteran in South Africa?

Ans: Military veterans are defined by the 2011 Military Veterans Act as South Africans who have served in one or more of the military organisations, including the former statutory armies and liberation armies, which were involved in all sides of South Africa’s liberation war from 1960 to 1993; or in the Union Defence Force.

How much is the SASSA payment for April 2024?

Ans: In April 2024, the grant amount increased by R90, so for recipients between 60 and 74, the new grant amount is R2 180 per month, and for recipients over 75, the new grant amount is R2 200 per month.

How to apply for a war veterans grant?

Ans: You can apply for the war veteran’s grant by filling out an application form at your nearest Regional Office. You do not have to pay anything to make an application. You will be interviewed, fingerprinted, and informed whether you qualify for the grant during the application process.

Conlusion

The SASSA War Veterans Grant serves as a vital financial lifeline for South Africa’s war veterans. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and payment details, eligible individuals can successfully access this support. If you or someone you know qualifies for this grant, ensure you follow the steps outlined above to apply without delay.

SASSA War Veterans Grant