Millions of South Africans rely on social grants every month. As May 2025 rolls in, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the disbursement schedule for all seven primary grants, having started Tuesday, May. 6 — with the elderly.
However, beneficiaries are urged to stay alert, as some payments may be delayed due to a nationwide verification campaign targeting recipients with incomplete or irregular ID information. Read full warning here.
SASSA Grant Payment Dates: May 2025
SASSA will release funds across three key dates this week:
- 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
- Child Support Grant – Thursday, May 8
- Foster Care Grant – Thursday, May 8
- Care Dependency Grant – Thursday, May 8
More on May 2025 SASSA Older Persons Grant delays and increase reversal
“Thank You to All Beneficiaries”
In a media briefing held in Limpopo on April 16, SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Matlou said:
“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.”
This follows the agency’s suspended migration from the SASSA Gold Card to the new Postbank Black Card. Learn how to get your SASSA grant paid via approved retailers here
New Grant Increases Effective April 2025
As per Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025 Budget Speech , all grants—except the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant—received an inflation-linked boost from April 2025:
| Grant | Previous Amount | New Amount (May 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age (60–74) | R2,185 | R2,315 | R130 |
| Old Age (75+) | R2,200 | R2,335 | R135 |
| War Veterans | R2,205 | R2,335 | R130 |
| Disability | R2,185 | R2,315 | R130 |
| Care Dependency | R2,185 | R2,315 | R130 |
| Foster Care | R1,130 | R1,200 | R70 |
| Child Support | R530 | R560 | R30 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R530 | R560 | R30 |
| SRD Grant | R370 | R370 | Unchanged |
Note: The SRD Grant remains unchanged but has been extended until March 2026.
Identity Verification: What’s Causing the Delays?
SASSA has launched a targeted verification campaign for recipients who use alternative identification rather than the standard 13-digit South African ID number.
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi clarified: “We’re asking beneficiaries not to panic. This is an ongoing process, and only a specific group will experience delays.”
Affected beneficiaries are advised to visit their nearest SASSA office with their valid ID to update their records. Check what to do now if you’re affected
Delays in doing so could result in temporary grant suspension—or, if unresolved, full termination.
Fraud Prevention and Monthly Audits
The new verification initiative is part of a broader crackdown on grant fraud. SASSA has begun using bulk means testing to flag recipients whose bank accounts reflect unreported income.
“Social grants can be reviewed at any time if there’s reason to believe a beneficiary’s circumstances have changed,” a SASSA official confirmed.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
If you’ve been flagged for verification:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office. Find contact details for your nearest regional office on the SASSA Contact Us.
- Bring your 13-digit South African ID.
- Update personal and financial information as needed.
Check your status: Visit the SASSA SRD portal here to confirm your exact payment date.
Alternatively: Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number on your phone: 082 046 8553. You can label it as “SASSA Status” for easy access and real-time assistance.
These steps are critical to avoid any interruption in payments.
ALSO READ: 7 reasons your SASSA Child Support Grant is denied or delayed – and how to fix them
Reason Behind The ID Checks
Although some may see the verification campaign as a burden, it represents a necessary step to preserve the integrity of South Africa’s social security system. As Mr. Matlou noted, “We continue working to improve service delivery.”
In the face of rising costs and increasing reliance on public support, ensuring that these grants reach the correct recipients remains a national priority.
NOWinSA: Stories Shaping South Africa Today
