With May 2025 approaching, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the full grant payment schedule and issued essential steps beneficiaries must take to receive their grants without issues.
The announcement comes as SASSA extends the validity of Gold Cards, temporarily pauses the rollout of new Postbank Black Cards, and begins introducing biometric verification for clients using alternative forms of identification.
These Are the May 2025 Payment Dates for all 8 SASSA Grants Covered for 2025/2026
SASSA administers eight key grant types, each targeting a different vulnerable population group in South Africa. The confirmed May 2025 grant payment dates are as follows:
| Grant Type | May 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant (60–74 years & 75+) | Tuesday, May 6 |
| War Veterans Grant | Tuesday, May 6 |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, May 7 |
| Grant-in-Aid | Wednesday, May 7 |
| Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency) | Thursday, May 8 |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD R370 Grant) | April 25–30, 2025 / May dates to be confirmed |
Note: SRD Grant dates apply to clients approved for April 2025. Confirm exact date via the SRD website.
What Grant Recipients Must Do to Avoid Payment Problems
To ensure you receive your grant payment without delay or disruption, follow these important steps:
1. Continue Using Your SASSA Gold Card
No immediate switch is required. Postbank has confirmed that Gold Cards will remain valid “until further notice”. They are fully functional for:
- ATM withdrawals
- Purchases at retailers
- POS devices and Postbank partner outlets
“Gold Cards will continue to work until every beneficiary is transitioned to the new Black Card,” said Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe.
Avoid panic and ignore rumours — you do not need to change banks or switch cards in May.
2. Check Your Specific May 2025 Payment Date
Knowing the correct May 2025 payment dates (read more) for your grant helps you:
- Avoid long queues
- Prevent missing your payout
- Plan ahead based on your needs
Double-check your payment type above and confirm your SRD grant status online if applicable.
3. Be Cautious of Fraud and Misleading Information
Postbank strongly warns against misinformation:
“Beneficiaries should not believe what is being said unless it comes directly from Postbank.”
Only respond to official communication from SASSA or Postbank. Do not share your card, PIN, or personal info with anyone.
4. Visit Postbank Sites Only If Necessary
Though the distribution of new Black Cards is on hold, Postbank service sites remain open for:
- PIN resets
- Replacing lost/stolen Black Cards
- Signing up for cardless payment options
If you have a valid Gold or Black Card, there’s no need to visit unless you require support.
5. Prepare for Biometric Enrolment (If You Don’t Have a 13-Digit ID)
Starting May 5, 2025, SASSA will implement mandatory biometric verification for:
- Clients without a standard SA ID
- Those undergoing personal information changes
“This initiative… is a proactive measure aimed at enhancing security, improving the integrity of our systems, and preventing potentially fraudulent activities,” said SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.
Biometric registration will be supported by trained staff nationwide.
ALSO READ: New SASSA ID rules begin May 5: which grant beneficiaries are affected?
6. Engage with SASSA Public Awareness Drive
A national education campaign is rolling out across South Africa. Mobile SASSA units are visiting communities to:
- Provide guidance on grant payments
- Assist with SRD queries
- Educate on biometric and banking changes
Community members describe the initiative as “very informative and necessary.”
Other partners on-site include IEC and major banks, reinforcing trust and support for the process.
Stay Informed, Stay Empowered
With May 2025 payment dates confirmed and important updates underway, SASSA grant recipients are strongly encouraged to take the following steps to avoid any disruptions:
- Continue using your current Gold SASSA Card — it remains valid until further notice.
- Verify your specific grant payment date to plan ahead and avoid missed payouts.
- Respond only to official sources to avoid scams and misinformation.
- Prepare for biometric verification if you use a non-standard ID or are updating personal details.
Get real-time updates and support:
- Visit the Postbank website for updates on Black Cards and Gold Card usage.
- Check all grant information on the official SASSA Services Portal.
- Follow SASSA on Facebook: @SASSANewsZA
- Follow SASSA on X (formerly Twitter): @OfficialSASSA
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, beneficiaries can confidently and securely access their grants without delays or disruptions.
