Affidavit Guide for SASSA Old Age Grant Application

Applying for the SASSA Old Age Grant may require applicants or caregivers to prepare additional supporting documents, including an affidavit.

A SASSA old age grant affidavit can help clarify personal, financial, or legal circumstances that are not reflected in official documents.

This guide explains what the affidavit is used for, how to structure it, and what to include to ensure it supports a successful SASSA pension application.

Table of Contents

What Is an Affidavit for the SASSA Old Age Grant?

An affidavit is a sworn legal statement written by the applicant or caregiver and verified before a Commissioner of Oaths.

For SASSA pension applications, this document is used when an applicant needs to explain circumstances related to income, residency, identity, caregiving arrangements, or missing documentation.

Common related terms include “sworn statement for SASSA,” “affidavit for SASSA pension,” “SASSA affidavit guide,” and “old age grant affidavit.”

Affidavits are often used to support the Old Age Grant when:

• Identity or personal details need clarification
• Proof of income or financial condition must be explained
• Residency documentation is incomplete
• The applicant receives informal care or financial assistance
• Bank account complications prevent direct deposit
• Supporting documents are missing, delayed, or disputed

Why SASSA May Request an Affidavit for the Pension Grant

While not required for all pension applications, SASSA may ask for an affidavit during the means test or document verification stage.

The affidavit can assist officials in confirming eligibility under the Old Age Grant criteria.

Situations where affidavits are commonly requested include:

• Informal income sources or no income at all
• Applicant living with relatives without rental agreements
• Applicant relying on family caregivers
• Loss or absence of identity documents
• Financial support from children or dependents
• No proof of residency due to informal housing
These scenarios align with SASSA supporting documents requirements for pension processing.

How to Write a SASSA Old Age Grant Affidavit (Step-by-Step Guide)

To ensure the affidavit meets SASSA requirements, structure it clearly and include essential information. Below is a recommended format.

1. Title and Heading

Example:
Affidavit for SASSA Old Age Grant Application

2. Personal Information

Include:
• Full name
• ID number
• Residential address
• Contact number

3. Oath Declaration

Use standard legal language such as:
“I hereby declare under oath that the information stated below is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.”

4. Explanation of Circumstances

State the reason for the affidavit, for example:
• No income due to retirement
• Informal financial assistance from family
• Incomplete or missing documents
• Inability to provide bank statements
• No fixed property or assets

Keep statements factual and concise. This assists SASSA during income assessment and eligibility checks.

5. Mention Supporting Proof

List any additional supporting documents such as:
• Medical certificates (if relevant)
• Proof of informal care
• Home affairs documentation
• Identity confirmation documents
• Bank verification paperwork

6. Signature and Commissioning

The affidavit must:
• Be signed by the applicant or caregiver
• Be stamped and certified by a Commissioner of Oaths
Commissioners can be found at SAPS stations, SASSA offices, attorneys, and municipal offices.

Example Phrases to Include in an Old Age Grant Affidavit

• “I am not employed and do not receive private pension income.”
• “My children provide informal financial support but do not reside with me.”
• “I reside in an informal dwelling and have no rental agreement.”
• “I do not own any assets or property.”

These phrases align with the semantic context of income verification, means testing, and eligibility assessment.

Where to Submit the Affidavit

Submit the affidavit at your nearest SASSA office alongside required documents such as:
• Identity Document (ID)
• Banking information
• Means test documents
• Proof of residence (if available)
• Supporting medical or social documentation (optional)
Some areas accept affidavits during mobile or outreach campaigns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To prevent delays, applicants should avoid:
• Forgetting to sign before the Commissioner of Oaths
• Submitting without supporting identification
• Using vague statements without clarity
• Overcomplicating financial explanations
• Leaving income fields blank on SASSA forms