Pensioners take advantage of the new pension legislation

By Cindy Witten
11 August 2008


The South African Social Security Agency has processed 5000 applications for pensions from men aged 63 and 64, since the new Social Assistance Amendment came into effect last month. The law is aimed at equalising access to the old age grant at 60. In previous years, men only qualified at the age of 65.

Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya says that before, men in need who could not obtain a pension grant, would instead apply for a disability grant. He added that over 36 000 cases have been converted from the disability to the old aged grant. He expects a further 120 000 men to apply for an old age grant by the end of the year. Skweyiya believes that by making a minor change to the qualifying age, substantial contributions would be made to fight against poverty.

In terms of the new law, men who are aged 63 and 64 qualify from this year. Those aged 62 ad 61 years will be eligible in 2009, and men and women will apply for the grant from the age of 60.