Latest adjustments for SASSA old-Age grants in August 2025
It’s a period of major transition for SASSA Old-Age Grants. On the heels of the 2025/26 social welfare budget vote tabled by Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, SASSA has officially confirmed a new fourth payment date, introduced alongside expanded income verification efforts.
“Clients under review will only be paid on the fourth day. This ensures they receive their grant timeously after completing the review,” said SASSA CEO Themba Matlou during a press briefing this week.
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August payment dates for older persons
- Tuesday, August 5 – Standard payment date for eligible beneficiaries
- Friday, August 8 – NEW fourth payment date for beneficiaries under review
This fourth date applies to recipients whose grants have been withheld temporarily due to unverified income or identity discrepancies.
Why the change? Treasury pressure & digital reviews
SASSA previously had to give three months’ written notice before initiating grant reviews. But since the April 2025 grant increases, the National Treasury has demanded stricter cost containment—leading to quicker, SMS-based reviews.
This month, Minister Tolashe revealed that nearly a quarter million social grants have already been withheld since May 2025.
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Overwhelmed offices, undelivered notifications
A major obstacle in the review rollout is communication failure. SASSA confirmed that at least 140,000 SMS notifications were undelivered—largely because applications are often submitted using borrowed or outdated phone numbers.
This backlog has overwhelmed branch offices, especially in high-demand areas.
What to do if you’re under review
If you’ve been flagged, you must visit a SASSA office and bring:
- A certified RSA ID
- 3-month bank statement
- Proof of income or payslip
- Any applicable child ID (for caregivers)
- Documents showing marital status, residence, or assets
If you’re found non-compliant, you’ll need to repay over-claimed funds. Repayment options:
- In-person at a SASSA branch
- EFT to SASSA’s regional bank account
- Monthly debit order (Note: repayment plans accrue interest)
How to apply for SASSA older person grants
If your affairs are in order, you don’t need to worry about reviews. New applicants must:
- Be 60 years or older
- Hold a valid RSA ID
- Show proof of residence (e.g., utility bill)
- Declare income, assets, and private pensions
- Provide a certified 3-month bank statement
- Submit UIF records or discharge certificate (if applicable)
- Include legal docs like marriage, will, or liquidation accounts if a spouse has passed
Start here:
👉 Apply for the Older Persons Grant
2025 income & asset thresholds for old-age grants
To qualify, you must remain below the following limits:
| Category | Monthly Income | Annual Income | Asset Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | R8 070 | R96 840 | R1,372,800 |
| Married | R16 140 | R193,680 | R2,745,600 |
If denied, you have 90 days to appeal with the Department of Social Development.
Upcoming older payment dates (2025)
| Month | Day |
|---|---|
| August 5 and 8 | Tuesday and Friday |
| September 2 | Tuesday |
| October 2 | Thursday |
| November 4 | Tuesday |
| December 2 | Tuesday |
What about Postbank?
The DA has warned that SASSA clients relying on Postbank could face uncertainty after the provider’s contract ends in October 2025, with no replacement yet announced. Beneficiaries should monitor updates closely.
SASSA contact details
Need help with verification or payment issues?
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
