With April’s SASSA payments for Older Persons and Children’s Grants nearly complete, marking the successful first rollout of the 2025/26 financial year and its accompanying grant increases, the focus now shifts to May’s payment schedule.
As beneficiaries prepare for the next cycle, it is critical to ensure compliance with deadlines like the May 31, 2025, Postbank card transition, while new applicants must familiarise themselves with application procedures, dos and don’ts, and eligibility requirements to avoid delays or rejections. Below is a detailed breakdown of updated grant amounts, May payment dates, and essential guidance for applicants.
1. Breakdown of updated SASSA grant amounts for 2025
For the 2025/26 financial year, seven grants have been increased to align with inflation and rising living costs. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant remains unchanged at R370.
| Grant Type | New Amount (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1. Old Age Grant (60–74 years / 75+ years) | R2,315 / R2,330* |
| 2. War Veterans Grant | R2,330 |
| 3. Disability Grant | R2,315 |
| 4. Care Dependency Grant | R2,315 |
| 5. Foster Care Grant | R1,250 |
| 6. Child Support Grant | R560 |
| 7. Grant-in-Aid | R560 |
| 8. SRD Grant | R370 |
*Beneficiaries aged 75+ receive an additional R15 boost!
ALSO READ: SASSA SRD Grant April 2025/26 application: 4 costly mistakes to avoid
2. April 2025 payment schedule
Payments will be staggered to reduce overcrowding:
- Wednesday, April 2: Older Persons Grant (60+).
- Thursday, April 3: Disability Grants.
- Friday, April 4: Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care).
Key Note:
- SASSA gold cards remain valid for April transactions but must be replaced by May 31, 2025.
- Important reminder: Beneficiaries are not required to withdraw their entire April grant amount immediately. Funds can be accessed gradually via ATMs, retailers, or bank transfers. However, unwithdrawn funds will become inaccessible after the gold card expires. Plan withdrawals wisely to avoid losing access to remaining balances.
3. May 2025 payment schedule
- Friday, May 2: Older Persons Grant.
- Monday, May 5: Disability Grants.
- Tuesday, May 6: All other grants (Children’s, Foster Care, Grant-in-Aid, SRD).
4. Postbank card transition: act before May 31, 2025
SASSA gold cards will expire after May 31. Beneficiaries must:
- Visit Postbank swap sites (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Spar, etc.) or dial 120*355# for locations.
- Alternative: Link grants to a personal bank account by submitting proof of account, ID, and bank statements at SASSA offices.
Critical tip:
If you still have funds in your SASSA gold card account, withdraw them before May 31 or transfer them to your new Postbank black card. After the deadline, expired gold cards will no longer permit transactions.
5. How to apply for SASSA grants
Eligibility: Means-tested income and asset thresholds apply (e.g., single applicants earning ≤R8,070/month).
Required Documents:
- South African ID or birth certificate (for children).
- Proof of residence (≤3 months old).
- Bank statements and income/asset proof.
- Medical assessment (Disability/Care Dependency Grants).
Application Process:
- Visit the nearest SASSA office (no online applications).
- Submit documents for verification.
- Await SMS confirmation (processing takes ~3 months).
Appeals: Rejected applicants have 90 days to appeal via SASSA’s toll-free line: 0800 60 10 11.
6. Additional updates
- Budget allocation: R284.7 billion is allocated to social grants in 2025, supporting 19 million beneficiaries.
- Fraud prevention: SASSA now cross-references data with Home Affairs to curb payouts to deceased beneficiaries.
- SRD grant status: Check via SASSA’s website or GovChat.
Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA Spokesperson, warned:
“Do not wait until May to switch your card. Delays risk payment interruptions for millions. Use the remaining time to withdraw or transfer funds from your gold card to avoid losing access.”
Stay Informed: Follow SASSA’s WhatsApp channel or visit their website for real-time updates.
Contact SASSA: 0800 60 10 11 | grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za.
