SASSA War Veterans Grant | Eligibility, Application, and Process

South African Citizens who served as soldiers in the Korean War (1950 – 1953) or Second World War (1939 – 1945) receive a monthly grant from SASSA known as SASSA War Veterans grant. To become eligible for this grant, the applicant is not receiving any other grant and must be older than 60 years.

The grant’s approval depends on a means test that looks at the applicant’s money, assets, and financial situation. In this article, I will tell you the complete procedure to apply for the SASSA War Effort Grant. Stay there and read the article thoroughly to get the answers you are looking for regarding the SASSA War Veterans Grant.

Eligibility Criteria For SASSA War Veterans Grant

To apply for the War Veterans Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

Either you must have a permanent residency status or be a South African citizen to apply for the grant.
Your residency must be in South Africa.
You must be disabled or be more than 60 years old.
You are not receiving grants or any other form of financial support from others.
You must be a participant in the Second World War or the Korean War.
No other care institution is supporting you.
You and your wife have fulfilled the means test criteria.
If you are married, your yearly income should be lower than R193 680. In other cases, your annual income should not surpass R96 840 if you are unmarried.
If you are married, then your overall assets must be less than R2 745 600. But in case you are single, your collective assets should not be greater than R1 372 800.

When And Why Does the SASAS War Veterans Grant Start?

The SASSA War Veterans Grant is an important program in South Africa. It started in 2009 to help military veterans who served during the difficult times of apartheid. The government began this grant to show that they appreciate the big sacrifices these veterans made during that challenging period in our history.

The SASSA War Veterans Grant serves several significant objectives. Firstly, it offers vital financial assistance to veterans, thereby improving their quality of life and meeting their basic needs.

Secondly, it symbolizes the nation’s profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by these warriors during the struggle against apartheid. Additionally, it addresses the ongoing challenges veterans face by granting them enhanced access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, and education.

The program started after the Military Veterans Act passed in 2009. The law sets an eligibility criteria, and it says that the veterans should give their service in the political wing. The SASSA War Effort Grant is an honor to veterans who had given their best to set democracy.

The main objective of the program was to provide financial support to veterans facing different issues like housing problems, insufficient access to healthcare, unemployment, and economic challenges.

Means Test For The SASSA War Veterans Grant?

The SASSA Means Test serves as a system to scrutinize the financial circumstances of an applicant by considering various factors, including their assets, income, and other financial conditions. This evaluation is a crucial step to determine the true eligibility of the applicant for the grant.

After 1 April 2023, the two main factors that are considered in the Means Test are:

Income Threshold

Means Test criteria for income is:

Your annual income must be less than R96,840.
If you are married, then your annual income must be lower than R193 680.

Assets Threshold

Means Test criteria for assets are:

Your assets must not be more than R1 372 800.
The assets limit is R2 745 600 if the applicant is married.

The Means Test criteria are not the same for every type of grant. The criteria are carried out according to the type of grant.

How Much Is The SASSA War Veterans Grant?

SASSA War Veteran Grant for each individual is R2110 according to the SASSA update to 1 October 2023. From 1 April 2024, there will be an increase of R10 per person.

What Is The Procedure To Apply For The War Veterans Grant?

To apply for the SASSA war veterans grant, you have two options. The first one is to visit your nearest SASSA office branch and complete their application form. The second one is to apply online by following the guide given on the SASSA services website.

You can also send any of your trusty friends and family members on your behalf if you are unable to visit the office because of illness. The person who replaces you will show the SASSA officer a doctor’s note stating why the patient cannot attend the office.

The form will be accepted only if it is written in front of a SASSA officer. The application forms are available at SASSA offices. It’s your responsibility to fill out the form, but if you cannot do it, then you can get help from an SASSA officer.

The applicant (or appointed person) will then give an interview to the officer. The officer will tell you the status of your SASSA War Veterans Grant. You will receive a date-stamped voucher with the name of the officer who will interview you. You have to keep that voucher safe as proof, even if you are rejected.

What Documents Are Required For SASSA Child Grant?

You should have the following documents when you go to the SASSA office:

Proof Of War Service

If you were giving service during the war, then you have proof, such as a certificate of service, and take it to the SASSA office.

Identity Document

Your original 13-digit-bar-code ID. If you don’t have then take any one of the following:

Temporary ID card issued by Home Affairs Department.
You must have the document from the Home Affairs Department that you have applied for the birth certificate or ID card.
Age and name verification by a reputable person like a school principal, recognized religious leader, licensed social worker, traditional leader, or community counselor.
SASSA officials will provide you with an affidavit form that you will have to fill in the presence of the oath commissioner. Remember that the oaths commissioner is not a part of SASSA.

Proof Of Disability

If you are disabled, then give your medical assessment report to the SASSA officer.

Current Address

You have to give a proof of your address.

Proof Of Marital Status

The proof of your marital status includes:

A marriage certificate
Divorce Decree if you are divorced.
If your spouse has passed away, then their death certificate.
If you are single, then a sworn statement affidavit

Proof Of Income

You have to provide SASSA with the following documents:

Bank statement or earning record of the last three months in case you are a bank employee.
If you are getting UIF support, then provide a UIF card.
Those who are not working yet but were working in the past will give a resignation letter from the previous office. Also, give a Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership proof.
If you receive a pension, give SASSA the pension receipt.
Proof of your investments.
Proof of your assets

What Is The Processing Time for the Application of the SASSA War Veterans Grant

The average processing time for the SASSA War Veterans Grant application is 90 days. Your payment will start when the application is approved. If your application is approved, you will start getting your grant from the date when you submit your application.

In case your application is rejected, you will be provided with a letter that will tell you the reason why your application is rejected. The complete procedure to appeal the process will also be mentioned in the letter.

How To Check SASSA War Veterans Grant Status?

Once you have submitted your application, you can check the status of your application to determine whether it has been approved or declined. It is the best way to monitor your application progress.

If your application is approved, it is now your responsibility to check the schedule of upcoming payments and upcoming grants to keep yourself calm. You can use any of the following methods to check the status of your grant:

What To Do If My SASSA War Veterans Grant Application Is Not Approved?

If your SASSA SRD R350 grant application has been rejected, and you think the decision is wrong. You have a right to request SASSA to take another look at your case. Suppose SASSA also rejects your reconsideration request, and you are still not happy with their decision. In that case, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development at the National Department of Social Development.

To appeal, you have to wait for 90 days after the rejection. The Ministry of Social Development will check your appeal thoroughly before making a decision. If you succeed in satisfying them, they will cancel the SASSA’s decision, and you will start receiving the grant.

However, if your appeal is declined, you will receive a written explanation clarifying the decision. Now, the only possible choice for you is to submit a new application.

How To Understand the SASSA War Veterans Grant Payment Process

Payments for your War Veterans Grant will start once the application gets approved, regardless of your submission date. SASSA does not have a fixed schedule, and they determine the payment plan on a monthly basis.

SASSA has the following three methods for grant payments:

SASSA directly deposits the grant into either your bank account or your Postbank account, with the possibility of incurring a service fee from the banks.
You may receive your grant payment in cash at SASSA-affiliated retail stores like Spar, Usave, Checkers, Boxer, Shoprite, and Pick n Pay.
SASAS also distributes payments through some institutions like Non-profit organizations, disability centers, and nursing homes

You will complete the Consent Form for SASSA Grant Bank Payment and send the following documents in order to receive your grant payments via a bank account:

Driving license, birth certificate, or ID document that proves your identity.
Your bank account number is in your name.
A 3-month bank statement that displays your account number and name.

Anytime you need to, you can quickly update your payment method or banking information. All you have to do is go to the welfare office and complete the application. However, the payment using the new method will start after one month of the verification.

You can also elect any trusty that receives your money if you cannot receive a grant because of illness or old age.

How To Check SASSA War Veterans Grant Balance?

You may find out how much money is left in your grant by using the SASSA balance check facility. You can manage your expenses much better if you check your grant balance regularly.

After the approval of your grant application and the issuance of grant payments, you may need to verify your balance using the following ways:

Using your mobile, call the USSD code *120*69277# or *120*3210#.
Via SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553.
Using ATM (regular bank fees may apply).
Contacting the SASSA call center at 0800 601 011.

SASSA War Veterans Grant Reviews

Based on the income you reported when submitting your application, SASSA retains the right to review your grant payment. The basic purpose of the evaluations is to make sure whether you should receive a grant or not.

Besides, it also ensures that the applicant is still alive. You should always keep your application updated whenever your circumstances change, as this will help SASSA evaluate the process.

You will receive a notification from SASSA three months before the review, which serves as proof of your continued existence. The location and date of the review will be mentioned in the notification.

You must deliver your life certificate to the SASSA office on an annual basis if you received your grant through an agent, institution, or bank. SASSA representatives will come to your home to review if you are bedridden. After completion of the evaluation, you will receive a compliance receipt.

What Are Some Reasons For Grant Suspension?

The common for the grant suspension are:

If the applicant’s financial situation changes.
You committed fraud or gave wrong information.
You have not cooperated with the SASSA officers during the review.
The review’s conclusion.
If the grant was approved by mistake.

How To Restore the Grant?

Within ninety days of the suspension, you can appeal to the Ministry of Social Development if you think the suspension of your grant was an error. It is your right to challenge the SASSA Grant Status.

Reasons for Lapsing of War Veterans Grant

Your war veterans grant can become invalid under the following circumstances:

In case of your death
If you fail to provide proof of your existence during the required annual review
If you do not collect your grant payments for three consecutive months, you can reapply to restart the payments. However, if it’s been more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a new grant.
If you are admitted to a government-funded institution, such as a jail or hospital.
If you are absent from the country for more than 90 days without notifying the authorities.
If your assets and income cross the Means Test income and asset criteria.

If you are under a state-contracted care facility, your social grant will be reduced to a quarter of the whole grant amount. These changes will be applied after four months. As you leave the state institution, you will start getting the whole grant.

What Are The Responsibilities of the Beneficiaries?

As an SASSA grant recipient, there are some responsibilities you need to fulfill:

Keep SASSA Update About Your Condition

It is essential to keep SASSA informed about any changes in your personal and financial situation to make sure that SASSA has the latest information.

Update Contact Details

For effective communication, always update SASSA regarding your address and phone number.

Provide Accurate Information

Never try to misguide or fraud with SASSA, as SASSA can reject your grant. SASSA sends updates and notifications to your phone number. So, to avoid any disruption in your funding, it’s important to keep SASSA informed. If you update your address or contact details without notifying SASSA, then it may be difficult for them to locate you.

SASSA Contact Details

If you have any questions regarding the procedure of Child Support Grant, contact SASSA:

Contact SASSA Toll-Free Call Center	0800 60 10 11
Contact SASSA Head Office	012 400 2322
Send your queries to SASSA via email	[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is A Sassa SRD War Veterans Grant?

The SASSA war veterans grant is available to South African citizens who served in either the Second World War (1939 – 1945) or the Korean War (1950 – 1953). To be eligible, the applicant must be either 60 years old or disabled, and they should not be receiving any other form of social grant.

Who Qualifies For Sassa War Veterans Grant?

If you are 60 years or older and have served in the First World War (1914-1918), Second World War (1939-1945), or the Korean War (1950-53), you are eligible for a war veteran’s grant. You must be a South African citizen when applying for the grant.

How Much Increase For Sassa War Veterans Grant?

It was reported in February 2023 that the War Veterans Grant will go up to R2,000 in April and R2,010 in October, a 5.2% increase.

How Do I Check My Sassa War Veterans Grant Balance?

To check your SASSA Status online, fill out the form given above or do the following:

Dial *120*3210#.
Press 1 for the balance check.
Put your ID number.
Follow the prompts.

Can I Apply For the Sassa War Veterans Grant Online?

Yes, you can apply for the SASSA War Veterans Grant online by following the application process provided on our website.

Final Words

The SASSA War Veterans Grant is a vital initiative to support military veterans. The grant is a way of giving honor to the poor war veterans who served the country during World War 2 and the Korean War. If you are eligible, you can apply by visiting a SASSA office or filling out the form online.