The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released its May 2025 payment schedule, with disbursements starting on Tuesday, 6 May.
More than 19 million beneficiaries will receive their grants over three days, covering all eight critical social grants.
Successful transition to new Postbank Black Cards
SASSA has officially begun migrating from the SASSA Gold Card to the new Postbank Black Card, with the process showing early success.
“We’re proud to announce that April payments were processed smoothly following the card transition. Thank you to all beneficiaries for their cooperation as we continue working to improve service delivery,” said Mr. Matlou (SASSA ACEO) on Wednesday, April 16 while addressing the media in Limpopo.
SASSA grant payment dates for May 2025
- Older Persons Grant (60-74 years & 75+) – Tuesday, 6 May 2025
- Disability Grant – Wednesday, 7 May 2025
- Grant-in-Aid – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 (same day as Disability Grants)
- Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency) – Thursday, 8 May 2025
- War Veterans Grant – Tuesday, 6 May 2025 (aligned with Older Persons Grant)
Full breakdown of 2025/26 SASSA grant increases
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced above-inflation increases for all eight grants in the 2025/26 budget, with adjustments taking effect in April 2025. Below is the full payment breakdown:
| No. | Grant Name | Increase | Previous Amount | New Amount (May 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Old Age Grant: (60+ & 75+) | R130 / R135 | R2,185 / R2,200 | R2,315 / R2,335 |
| 2 | War Veteran Grant | R130 | R2,205 | R2,335 |
| 3 | Disability Grant | R130 | R2,185 | R2,315 |
| 4 | Childcare Grant | R30 | R530 | R560 |
| 5 | Foster Care Grant | R70 | R1,130 | R1,200 |
| 6 | Care Dependency Grant | R130 | R2,185 | R2,315 |
| 7 | Grant-in-Aid | R30 | R530 | R560 |
| 8 | Social Relief of Distres (SRD) Grant | Under review | R370 | R370 |
Note: Despite expectations of an increase, the SRD Grant remains unchanged at R370 per month. However, it has been extended by one year, now running until March 2026.
SASSA Gold Card deadline extended until May 2025
Initially set for 20 March 2025, the SASSA gold card deadline has been extended following an instruction from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe confirmed:
“The instruction by the SA Reserve Bank is to ensure that gold card beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the Postbank black cards continue to receive their grants.”
Key updates:
- Gold cards remain valid until further notice.
- Black card distribution suspended indefinitely due to ongoing discussions between SARB and Postbank.
- Beneficiaries can still withdraw at major retailers and ATMs.
ALSO READ: Gold card expired: 3 options to access SASSA grant payment from today
How to check your SASSA payment status
Beneficiaries can verify their payment status through the following channels:
- SASSA WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Online Portal: www.sassa.gov.za
SASSA has reassured beneficiaries that May payments will proceed as scheduled, and recipients are free to choose to withdraw funds from any bank of their choice. For unresolved issues, please your nearest SASSA office. Click here to find the closest SASSA office and contact details.
