South Africa’s older persons South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant, a vital support for citizens aged 60+, faces unprecedented uncertainty ahead of March 2025.
With critical payment dates confirmed and a looming Postbank card-swap deadline, beneficiaries must act swiftly to secure their funds. Below is a breakdown of key dates, payment details, and urgent updates.
Critical dates for March 2025
- Tuesday, March 4: Final SASSA old-age grants at the current rate will be paid.
- R2,190 for pensioners aged 60–74.
- R2,210 for beneficiaries aged 75+.
- Thursday, March 20, 2025: Deadline to switch to the Postbank Black Card or update bank account details.
- Wednesday, March 12: Postponed budget speech to address grant increases and funding crises.
Note: These March payments mark the last disbursement at current rates, with no official confirmation yet on April amounts or adjustments.
Payment Options: Act Before March 2025
1. Postbank Black Card Switch
Over 716,900 beneficiaries have transitioned to the new card, but millions remain at risk. Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has labeled the process a “crisis,” citing inadequate facilities, long queues, and logistical challenges.
Key steps:
- All grants beneficiaries, including Childcare Support and SRD, must collect your card at Checkers, Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay, Usave, Boxer, or 200 SPAR stores.
- Required: Valid SA ID or temporary ID (no paperwork or fees).
- Dial 1202183# to locate the nearest collection point.
Consequences of missing the deadline:
- Old SASSA Gold Cards expire on March 20.
- No withdrawals, balance checks, or grant access until switching.
2. Direct Bank Account Payments
Submit the following March 20, 2025:
- Proof of personal bank account (third-party accounts excluded).
- ID copy.
- Completed Consent Form for Bank Change Payment and Declaration and Consent Form (download links provided).
Uncertainty and Challenges
- Postponed Budget Speech: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delayed confirmation of 2025 grant increases, leaving beneficiaries in limbo.
- Card-Swap Crisis: Elderly and disabled beneficiaries endure queues without shelter or sanitation. Postbank added tellers and mobile offices, but rural access remains limited.
- Legal Battles: A High Court ruling on unlawful exclusion from Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants threatens funding for core grants. National Treasury plans to appeal, risking further delays.
Eligibility and Application
Who qualifies?
- SA citizens, permanent residents, or refugees aged 60+.
- Income and asset thresholds (conflicting figures from sources):
▪️Source 1: R86,280/year (single) or R172,560/year (married); assets under R1.2M (single) or R2.4M (married).
▪️Source 2: R8,070/month (single) or R16,140/month (married); assets under R1.37M (single) or R2.74M (married).
- No concurrent social grants or state institutional care.
Application process:
- Visit SASSA offices with ID, proof of income, assets, and residency.
- Biometric verification underway: in late February, SASSA confirmed thw biometric verification process Know Your Customer (KYC) is down, while the roll out of biometric kiosks at SASSA local offices for beneficiaries who do not have smart phones to do fingerprint and facial verifications underway. As the Democratic Alliance (DA) highlighted, the lack of identity verification was the fundamental design flaw of the SRD system, and it has yet to be corrected.
- Appeals for rejected applications must be filed within 90 days.
Urgent Calls to Action
1. Collect grants on March 4 as final payments at current rates.
2. Switch to Postbank Black Card by March 20 to avoid disruptions.
3. Prepare for delays: April grant amounts and payment dates remain unconfirmed.
Minister Tolashe’s Warning:
The GNU’s rejection of VAT hikes and Treasury’s budget appeal could cripple grant sustainability. Beneficiaries must secure their March funds now.”
Contact Information
- SASSA: 0800 60 10 11 | grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Postbank: 0800 53 54 55
- SRD Appeals: Applicants can lodge an appeal or check the status HERE.
Applicants who feel aggrieved by the outcome of their applications can lodge their appeals on the SRD website by selecting “Lodging an appeal option” and click on “DSD Appeals” website.
