JOHANNESBURG – July 3, 2025 – Widespread SASSA payment delays affecting thousands of older grant recipients have sparked a national outcry, with pensioners and political leaders slamming the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for what they describe as “reckless and heartless” actions during a critical time of economic strain.
While the Older Persons Grant was officially scheduled to be paid on Wednesday, July 2, many pensioners were shocked to discover that no money had been deposited. For most, it was not just a delay—it was a devastating blow to their only source of income.
ALSO READ: SASSA confirms July grant payment review – 60 days to comply or face permanent removal
Why payments were delayed
According to SASSA, around 210,000 beneficiaries were placed under mandatory income and eligibility reviews, following concerns about undisclosed alternative income sources. These reviews aim to ensure that grants only go to those who meet the legal criteria under the Social Assistance Act.
“As we begin the payment cycle for July, SASSA would like to advise that the review of social grants for targeted beneficiaries will continue,”
— Andile Tshona, SASSA spokesperson.
“If you are a SASSA beneficiary and you did not receive your payment this month or the previous months, we appeal to you to visit your nearest SASSA local office to update your personal details.”
Pensioners caught off guard
The response from affected elderly citizens has been one of confusion, anger, and desperation.
“These are some of the most vulnerable members of our society… It is completely reckless and heartless for the government to cancel grants simply because their children deposited money to help with groceries,”
— Niel Patchapen, African Democratic Change councillor
Patchapen said the system must recognize the difference between fraud and family support, noting that many pensioners sell vegetables or receive once-off deposits just to stay afloat.
‘This is not fraud, it’s survival’ — DA councillor
Alicia Kissoon, a DA ward councillor, echoed the sentiment, saying:
“I have received numerous complaints from elderly residents who are in distress after their grants were suspended… These are not fraudulent beneficiaries but desperate South Africans trying to survive under impossible economic conditions.”
She called for a more compassionate and transparent review system, and for public education to reduce miscommunication.
RELATED: 5 key actions to take to avoid SASSW grant payment delays
Legal concerns and calls for reform
Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, leader of the Minority Front, warned the suspensions may be unconstitutional:
“I do not believe the suspension is fair given the current World Bank daily poverty threshold… yet the SASSA old age grant is only R2,310.”
She urged government to fully implement the Older Persons Act of 2006 and the Comprehensive Social Security Framework.
Parliamentarians slam policy as punitive
Visvin Reddy, an MP for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, said:
“Penalising [pensioners] for small family support is not only unfair but also deeply unjust… These contributions are occasional gestures of love and support, and should never disqualify a senior from receiving their rightful grant.”
He also called attention to fraud elsewhere in the system:
“Around 65,000 ‘ghost’ grant recipients are draining approximately R125 million… This is the real crisis—not small family gifts to our elders.”
SASSA’s response
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi confirmed that no grants had yet been officially suspended, but delayed payments were issued to those under review. He explained:
“Beneficiaries who failed to comply with this process risked having their grants suspended. Continued non-compliance may lead to the permanent lapsing of their grants.”
Those under review now have 60 days to update their details or provide documentation. Once suspended, a recipient has only one month to appeal, after which the grant will be cancelled and potentially investigated for fraud.
Advice from SASSA
SASSA has urged all beneficiaries to:
- Keep contact details up to date
- Respond to review requests immediately
- Avoid depositing other income into their SASSA-linked accounts
- Use separate bank accounts for family gifts or side income
“Even small deposits from family or side jobs can cause confusion… That’s why we advise beneficiaries to keep their SASSA grant account clean and separate,” said Tshona.
What pensioners should do now
- Visit your local SASSA office for assistance
- Call 0800 60 1011 or check your grant status or simply visit the SASSA Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Respond within 60 days if contacted for a review
Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the Child Support, Foster Care, and Care Dependency grants are scheduled to receive their payments on Friday, July 4 as planned, while the SRD grant will be paid during the last week of July. You can view the full schedule of July 2025 SASSA grant payment dates here.
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