Old Age Homes For SASSA Pensioners (Cheap Accommodation)

Old Age Homes For SASSA Pensioners – Old age homes, also known as retirement homes, are homes or care services that provide accommodation and care services for old people, including pensioners.

They differ in terms of the level of care provided, cost and three types of living environment. These facilities offer various support from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing care, depending on the residents’ needs. They aim to provide a safe and comfortable, and engaging environment for seniors to maintain their quality of life as they grow.

Sassa pensioners refer to individuals who receive a social grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) as part of an older person’s grant.

This grant is specifically designed to provide financial aid to South African Citizens, permanent residents or refugees who are 60 years of age or older and meet the qualifications.

List Of Old Age Homes For SASSA Pensioners

Here is a list of old age homes that may accept SASSA pensioners;

City Old Age Home: Located in a specific city, this home is known to accept SASSA pensioners.
ACVV Heideof: Located in Caledon. It is also another option for SASSA pensioners.
ACVV Robertson Huis Le Roux: This is a facility located in Robertson that caters to the elderly, potentially including SASSA pensioners.
Albertina Versorgings Dientse: This service in Albertina may also be an option for SASSA beneficiaries.
Beaconvale Frail Care Community Centre: This is located in Mitchells Plain, and they provide care and may accept SASSA.
Benevolent Park Home For The Aged: This home is a potential option for SASSA beneficiaries.
Goue Aar Old Age Home: This home might also be an option for SASSA.
Khidmat Old Age Home: Known for providing social services, and might be an option for SASSA.
Leoriefhof Old Age Home, Knysna: This home is in Knysna. It is also a potential option.
Acc Piketberg Huis Aj Liebenberg: This facility in Piketberg may be available to SASSA pensioners
Happy Homes Old Age Home: This facility is a home with a general name that would be a potential option.
Helderberg Society for the Aged: This society is located in Somerset West and might also be an option.
AA Tomlinson: Located in Overberg, this is another potential option for SASSA beneficiaries.
Highlands House and Nazareth House: Located in Vredehoek, may accept SASSA.
Sri Amma Old Age Home: Another option to consider when looking for an old age home that accepts SASSA.
Sia Darshan Old Age Home: Might also be an option that accepts SASSA pensioners.
Moksha Vridh Ashram: This facility might also be a better option when searching for old age homes that accept SASSA.

Requirements To Apply For Old Age Home For SASSA Pensioners

Before an old and elderly person can be accepted at an old age home, there are some eligibility criteria that the person must meet before he or she can be accepted at the facility.

Some of the requirements include the old person’s age, citizenship or a valid ID, medical history, etc.

Here is a comprehensive overview of the requirements and process for SASSA Pensioners to apply for placement in an old-age home (24-hour care facility) under the Department of Social Development (DSD) :

Eligibility Criteria & Required Documents

Age & Citizenship: The person must be 60 years and above and must also be a South African citizen with a valid ID.

SASSA Old-Age Grant: Must be currently receiving the SASSA old age grant (not the disability grant)

Need for full-time care: Requires 24-hour care due to physical or mental frailty.

Residency: You must reside in South Africa.

SASSA Grant: You should be receiving the SASSA Older Persons Grant (Old Age Pension).

Not in a State Institution: You cannot be residing in a state-funded institution like a prison or rehabilitation centre.

Authentic Information: Make sure all information provided is accurate and verifiable, as applications are subject to screening.

Documents For the Application Process

To apply for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) older person’s grant, you will need your South African ID, Proof of marital status, proof of residence, proof of Income, assets and your three-month bank statements. Also, you will need to complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer. Below is a more detailed breakdown.

Certified copy of your South African ID: Must be valid and certified, and should be within 3 months.
By soils Proof of SASSA: This includes information about any income you receive from employment or private pension, and also the value of any assets you own, like properties, etc.
Three-month bank statement: This shows your financial transactions and helps SASSA assess your income and assets.
Detailed Medical Report: A doctor or a hospital must complete explaining your physical and mental health. A recent (not older than 3 months) report from a doctor or a clinic confirming your physical or mental condition and the need for 24-hour care.
Proof of Income or No Income: If you receive other income or have dependents, this may be required by means-testing. It can include a bank statement or an affidavit declaring no income.
Medication list: A list of medications currently taken, especially for chronic conditions.
Court Order: This is only needed if the applicant cannot legally authorise due to cognitive conditions.
Social Worker Assessment Report: A referral or home visit report may be requested from the Department of Social Development.

How And Where To Apply

To apply for an old age home as a SASSA pensioner, you can visit your local Department of Social Development office or directly contact the old age homes you are interested in.

Applications are usually done by completing a form and providing the necessary documentation, which includes ID and a medical report. A screening process will determine eligibility for admission and potentially a subsidy.

Where To Apply

Department of Social Development (DSD) Office: Visit your nearest local or provincial DSD office to get the application. To assess your situation, a social worker will be there to assist you.
SASSA Office: Some SASSA branches can help you with the application or will refer you to the DSD.
Directly at the Old Age Home: Some government-funded or subsidised homes accept direct application. They will still require referral documents like medical or social workers’ reports.
Through a Hospital or Clinic: Medical professionals may help refer weak elderly patients to old-age homes with DSD assistance.

How To Apply

Visit the DSD or SASSA Office: Ask for the application form for admission to an old-age home.
Complete the Application Form: Fill in your personal information and attach all
required documents such as ID, medical report, grant proof, etc.
Medical Assessment: You will need to undergo a medical evaluation showing that you need 24-hour care.
Home or Social Worker Visit: A social worker may visit your current residence to assess your conditions.
Submit Your Application: Return the completed form to the DSD office or the old age home together with your supporting documents.
Screening and Decision: The application is reviewed. If approved and there is a space available, you will be placed. But if there is no place, you will be waitlisted.
Notification: You will be contacted with the outcome. The outcome can be either approved, waitlisted, or denied. If denied, you have the right to appeal.

How Much Does It Cost To Stay At An Old Age Home In South Africa?

The cost of staying at an old-age home in South Africa can differ significantly, depending on the level of care and the type of facility. Basic care facilities may cost around R15,000 to R25,000, while more specialised or luxurious facilities cost more. The cost is also based on whether the home is government-subsidised or private. Here is a breakdown:

Government or State Subsidised Old Age Homes: These facilities are partially funded by the Department of Social Development, and the most affordable option for SASSA pensioners.

Monthly Cost ;

Usually between R2,000 and R4,000 per month.
The cost may be lower if you receive a SASSA old age grant.
Some facilities adjust the fee based on your income and grant amount.

From the 4th month, SASSA reduces your grant to 25%(R500 per month in 2025) and the state pays the balance of your care cost.

Private Old Age Homes: These facilities are privately run and often offer more luxurious accommodations or services.

Monthly Cost:

Range R7,000 to R25,000+ per month.

The price depends on

Type of room(share or Private)
Location (urban homes cost more)
Services offered(frail care, meals, medical staff, etc.)

Frail Care Facilities (24 hours)

This level of care is for residents who are bedridden or need full-time medical attention.
Can cost from about R10,000 to R20,000+ per month, even in subsidised homes.

How Do I Apply For An Old Age Home In South Africa?

Step by Step Guide: How to apply for an Old Age Home.

Check if you are qualified; Must be 60 years and above, a South African Citizen or a permanent resident, must be receiving the SASSA Old Age Grant and also must require frail care or assistance.
Start with a Social worker: Visit your nearest Department of Social Development(DSD) office or SASSA office. Request to speak to a social worker. They are essential for government-funded homes. The social workers will assess your needs, help with forms and refer you to a suitable old age home.
Gather Required Documents: You will need a copy of your certified ID, Proof of income (SASSA slip or bank statement), a medical report from your clinic or doctor, proof of residence, a Social worker’s report and Next-of-kin contact details.
Choose the Type of Home: You will have to choose the type of home you want:

Government old age home- affordable, requires a social worker’s referral
Private old age home: More expensive, but you can apply directly.
NGO/Church-run-homes: Often offer affordable options and also accept SASSA pensioners.

Submit Your Application: Submit your documents to the selected old-age home. Attend an interview or health assessment if required. Wait for acceptance. It can take some time if there is a waiting list.
Fees:

Government home: R1,200- R2,000 per month. Usually, 75% of your SASSA grant.

Private home: From R7,000 upwards, depending on location and service

Who Qualifies For An Old Age Home In South Africa?

Not everyone is automatically qualified for an old-age home in South Africa. You must meet specific criteria depending on the type of home (government-funded, private, NGO-run). Below is a detailed breakdown.

Age Requirement: You must be 60 years or older.
Residency Status: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Financial Need (government homes/subsidised): You must have a limited or no income. Most resident SASSA pensioners. Your income should fall below a certain threshold, which usually qualifies you for the Old Age Grant.
Health or Care Needs: You must require assistance with daily living, e.g. cooking, bathing, mobility, or be unable to live alone safely. A medical or social worker’s report to confirm this.
No Family Support: If you have no family or anyone willing to take care of you, it strengthens your eligibility.

Private Old Age Homes accept anyone who can afford the fees with no need for a social worker referral, but Government or NGO homes have stricter rules and usually require a social worker referral, especially for subsidised placement.

Selecting The Best Old Home In South Africa

Usually, selecting the best old age home in South Africa depends on several factors like your budget, location, level of care needed, and whether the home is government subsidised, private or run by a non-profit organisation. Below is how to select the best old age home in South Africa.

1. Decide on the Type of Home:

Government Subsidised homes: Affordable, but require and have waiting lists.
Private homes: Mostly expensive, but usually offer faster admission and more facilities.
NGO/Church run homes: Often a balance between affordability and quality care.

2. Consider Your Needs

Do you need independent living, assisted living or frail care?
Do you need medical care or dementia support?
Whether religious or cultural alignment important?

3. Check the cost

Government home: R1,200-R2,000 per month, usually 75%-90 %+ of your SASSA grant.
Private homes: R7,000- R20,000+ per month, depending on the location and service.
Always ask what the fee covers: meals, laundry, medication, 24-hour care

4. Visit and inspect the home

Cleanliness and safety
Friendliness of Staff
Quality of food and rooms
Activities and social programs
Reviews from residents and families.

5. Ask Questions

Are staff available 24/7?
Can the family visit regularly?
Ask about the medical service provided?
What is the staff to resident ratio?

Conclusion

Concluding on everything written above, old age homes in South Africa play a very vital role in taking care of the elderly especially those who no longer live independently due to age , illness and lack of support. The old age homes also help to reduce loneliness which can lead to depression especially for elderly people with children. It also helps to relieve the burden on families, especially low income families that cannot afford private caregivers.