What is War Veterans Grant by SASSA? and its Criteria

Have you served your country bravely as a war veteran? SASSA provides grants to participants in World War I, II, or the Korean War who risked their lives. Those who live in South Africa and cannot support themselves are eligible for this aid. The grant is still subject to proper eligibility criteria, even though it is for war veterans.

Almost every community of needy people in South Africa is covered by the South African Security Agency or SASSA. Physically disabled people who lost their ability to work in the war or whose financial situation is extremely poor are also eligible for a monthly grant. To ensure you can apply on time, let me take you through all the details of this grant.

Eligibility Criteria for SASSA War Veterans Grant

The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the SASSA War Veterans Grant in 2023:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Be 60 years of age or older or disabled.
• Reside within South Africa.
• Have fought in either the Second World War or the Korean War.
• Pass the means test, which assesses their income and assets.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the SASSA website or contact SASSA directly to check the latest eligibility criteria for the War Veterans Grant.

SASSA offices or South African Post Offices (SAPO) accept applications for the War Veterans Grant. Please call ahead to confirm the application process and required documents. From 1 April 2023 to 1 October 2023, the War Veterans Grant will pay R2,100 per person per month.

How to Apply for a War Veterans Grant?

A simple and straightforward application procedure is mentioned below. Make sure you understand each and every step carefully so you get qualified for the grant as soon as possible. There are two ways of applying for the SASSA war veterans grant; either online or via visiting the official SASSA offices.

Online Application Submission

To apply online you have to open the official website of SASSA and have to download the application form by clicking on the grant you want to get. Download the application form and fill it out correctly. Make sure to put the right information in it, do not miss any column, and complete it carefully.

Applying Via Visiting Official Offices

On the other hand, if you are going to apply for a war veterans grant by visiting the SASSA office, you can find one near you. Visit there and ask the sitting officer to give you the application form for the war veteran grant. Fill in the application form with the help of a SASSA officer and ask him anything if you do not understand the form and submit the form.

Waiting For Response

After submitting the application you have to wait until you get a response from SASSA. The officials of SASSA will review the application and will check whether you are eligible to get the grant or not. It will review the supporting documents too and will respond in writing to the applicant.

If your application gets approved you will get the payment within a few weeks of approval. On the other hand, if your application gets rejected you will be informed of the rejection with a rejection letter in writing. Keep in mind that SASSA needs additional information and interviews or other documents to verify and check your eligibility.

Payment Schedule and Amount

As of April 2024, the grant amount is R1,970 each month. SASSA provides monthly payments to eligible applicants for war veterans grants based on a proper payment schedule. The payment schedule for the grant depends upon the last digit of the ID card number.

• If the end of the ID card number has 0 or 1 in it, it means you will get the payment on the 1st of each month.
• If the last digit of the ID card number is 2 or 3 that means you will be paid on the 3rd of each month.
• If your ID card number is 4 or 5, you will get your grant on the 5th of each month.
• If the last digit is 6 or 7, you will receive your grant on the 7th of each month.
• Lastly, if the last number of the ID card number is 8 or 9, you will receive your grant on the 9th of each month.

There are three ways you can receive your payment and that depends on what method you select. You have the option of receiving the payment via bank deposit, pay points, or specific institutions. It depends on you and SASSA is bound to pay you the payment via the method you choose.

Problems You May Have in Application Submission

There are certain problems that you may have to face in receiving your war veteran grant. The main problem that often occurs is the lapsing of the grant. The meaning and causes of grant lapse are mentioned as follows.

Lapse of the Grant

Lapse means termination. The lapse of a war veteran grant means termination of the grant. There are several reasons for termination of the grant and they are mentioned below.

• If the recipient no longer fulfills the eligibility criteria.
• If the recipient dies.
• If there is a noticeable improvement in the financial and health condition of the recipient of the grant.
• In case the recipient does not operate with the grant conditions and terms.
• In case the receiver also receives another grant from some other source.
• If the recipient is not collecting the grant from SASSA for a particular period.
• In any of such situations, your grant will be terminated and you will not receive the grant.

Means Test for Sassa War Veterans Grant

A means test is used by SASSA to determine social grants. To determine whether an applicant qualifies for a grant, a means test evaluates their income and assets.

Income threshold: 

Marriage applicants must not have assets worth more than R2 94 640, while single applicants must not have assets worth more than R1 97 320.

Asset threshold:

The annual income of a single applicant cannot exceed R1 379 400, while the annual income of a married couple cannot exceed R2 758 800.

Documents Required For War Veterans Grant

The following documents must be submitted when applying for the SASSA war veterans grant (originals or certified copies)

• If you do not have an ID document, you can bring your birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license.
• Certificate of service (proof of service in the war)
• Disability proof, if applicable (medical report or assessment)

Marital status proof:

• In case of marriage, you will need a marriage certificate and your spouse’s ID documents.

If divorced, order of divorce

• If your spouse died within the last five years, please provide a copy of the death certificate, their will, and their first and final liquidation and distribution accounts.

Residence proof

• Your own and your spouse’s proof of income or dividends if applicable.
• Your property’s municipal value, if applicable, is proof of your assets.
• If applicable, proof of private pension.
• Bank statements for 3 months.
• If you were employed, a discharge certificate from your previous employer, or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) (blue book).

SASSA War Veterans Grant Status Check

The progress of your application can be tracked through a status check after submission to find out if your application has been approved or declined. Keeping yourself informed about your upcoming grant payment dates is crucial after your application is approved.

War Veterans Grant Payment Method

As soon as your grant application is approved, you will receive your payment. You can choose from these 3 ways (based on your preference) to receive your War Veterans Grant:

• You will receive a direct deposit into your bank account. (If you lost your card you can also change banking details easily)
• Your SASSA gold card must be used to collect cash at approved pay points.
• From specific institutions or the Post office.

SASSA War Veterans Grant Balance Check

You can check the balance of your SASSA grant through the balance check service. Keeping an eye on your balance periodically can help you manage your finances and use grants wisely. The following methods are useful to check your war veterans grant balance after your application has been approved and you begin receiving grants:

• By dialing the USSD code *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your mobile device.
• Any ATM (normal bank charges may apply).
• Contact SASSA via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553.
• ­Toll-free number 0800 601 011 is SASSA’s call center number.

For How Long Will SASSA Pay War Veterans?

A monthly payment is provided to eligible SASSA War Veterans Grant recipients. From April 2023 onwards, the grant amount will be R2,100 per month. Grant payments are typically made around the 2nd or 3rd of each month. 

As long as the recipient remains eligible for the grant, grants will continue to be paid. SASSA could, however, decide to review the grant, and its decision would be based on the recipient’s income as declared during the application.

In advance of the review or the due date for the life certificate, recipients will be notified three months in advance. As the War Veterans Grant payment amount and other details may change, it is always best to check the SASSA website for the most up-to-date information or contact SASSA directly.

SASSA’s War Veterans Grant is a symbol of gratitude and support for those who have served our nation. It provides financial stability, access to healthcare, and opportunities for growth. Our war veterans deserve the recognition and assistance they deserve as we move forward, so let’s continue to honor and uplift them.