South Africa’s elderly citizens are being urged to brace for an unusually delayed SASSA Older Person Grant payout in May 2025, as well as confusion around card usage.
The grant, normally distributed in the first few days of each month, will instead be paid on Tuesday, May 6, 2025—a full week later than usual—due to a rare alignment of public holidays and weekends.
Five-week wait between payouts
April’s grants were paid out on Wednesday, 2 April, which means recipients must stretch their funds over five weeks—an increasingly difficult ask amid rising food and transport prices. Easter (April 18–21), Freedom Day (April 28), and Worker’s Day (May 1) all create long weekends that disrupt shopping, travel, and access to banking services.
These calendar quirks come just as beneficiaries face growing pressure on their modest incomes. Many grant recipients support extended families, often without any additional income sources.
ALSO READ: 2025 Social Grant Scam Alert: SASSA warns older persons (elderly) about circulating online hoax
R130 increase vs VAT hike
On a positive note, the April 2025 disbursement included the first above-inflation increase in years. Grants rose by R130 per month, meaning those aged 60 to 74 now receive R2 310, while those 75 and older receive R2 330. War veterans also receive the higher R2 330 amount – except for rhe SRD grant which remains unchanged until further notice.
However, the celebration for the elderly SASSA recipients may be short-lived. From May, an approved VAT hike threatens to erode these gains, cancelling out much of the increase.
Card chaos: gold vs black cards
In another blow to beneficiaries, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has instructed Postbank to suspend the issuing of the new black SASSA cards, which were meant to replace the aging gold cards. The result: confusion and frustration for those still waiting for black cards.
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development is now urging recipients to open a bank account with a commercial bank of their choice to avoid being caught in the middle of the card migration mess.
Committee Chairperson Bridget Masango confirmed that gold card users will still be able to receive their grants – all 8 eligible SASSA grants – through May 2025, but warned that the cards will soon be phased out. “The suspension of the issuing of the Postbank black cards poses a disadvantage to the many beneficiaries who are yet to receive their cards,” said Masango. “We encourage affected beneficiaries to take steps now to avoid disruption.”
She emphasized that while Postbank and SASSA were instructed to minimize disruptions, beneficiaries must act quickly to ensure continuity of payments.
New to SASSA? Here’s What You Need to Know
New applicants for the Older Person Grant cannot apply online and must complete the process in person at a local SASSA office. However, appointments can be booked online via the SASSA Services Portal.
Bring the following documentation to your appointment:
- Original barcoded South African ID (smart card or green booklet)
- Proof of residence (utility bill)
- Marital status documents
- Proof of income, dividends, assets, or property
- Bank-stamped 3-month bank statement
- UIF documentation or discharge certificate
- Private pension declaration (if applicable)
- Estate documentation if a spouse passed in the last five years
If you’re frail or ill, a trusted individual may apply on your behalf with a doctor’s note. All documents must be certified by a commissioner of oaths at a police station.
Eligibility: asset and income means test
To qualify for the Older Person Grant:
- Single applicants must earn under R8 070/month and have assets below R1 372 800
- Married couples must earn under R16 140/month combined and have assets below R2 745 600
Applicants exceeding these thresholds—especially those with savings, property, or private pensions—will likely be declined.
How long does approval take?
Processing can take up to three months, but approved applicants will receive backdated payments to the application date. If denied, you have 90 days to appeal through the Department of Social Development.
No need to reapply—but you can be reviewed
Once approved, you don’t need to reapply for the Older Persons Grant. However, SASSA may review your case at any time, especially if there’s suspicion of misrepresentation or significant financial change. They must give three months’ written notice before conducting a review.
SASSA contact info
Need help or clarification? Here’s how to reach SASSA:
- Toll-Free Line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Alternative email: president@presidency.gov.za
Final reminder: May 2025 payment date
Set a reminder: the May 2025 SASSA Older Person Grant will be paid out on May 6, not the usual early-month window.
Plan your budget, groceries, and transport needs accordingly—and consider switching to a commercial bank account if you’re still relying on a gold SASSA card.
