SASSA Old Age Grant Delayed – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed an unexpected delay in the May 2025 Old Age Grant payments, leaving thousands of pensioners concerned. While the monthly disbursement is usually processed at the beginning of each month, technical and administrative issues have pushed the release further. SASSA has assured that new payout dates will be announced next week, and no beneficiary will lose their entitlement due to the delay.
Reason Behind the May SASSA Old Age Grant Delayed
The delay in the SASSA Old Age Grant for May 2025 has been attributed to internal system updates and pending verification protocols. This disruption has impacted several beneficiaries, particularly senior citizens who rely heavily on timely financial support.
Key Factors Leading to the Delay
- Internal IT system upgrades at SASSA offices.
- Pending re-verification of beneficiary documents.
- Banking system disruptions in select provinces.
- Increased number of new applications requiring manual approval.
- Compliance checks to reduce fraudulent claims.
Who Is Affected by the Delay and What to Expect Next
The payment delay affects all Old Age Grant recipients, including those who usually receive money via bank deposit, SASSA Gold Cards, and retail partners like Pick n Pay and Shoprite. The new payment schedule will be made available on SASSA’s official platforms.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
- Keep your mobile number updated to receive SMS alerts from SASSA.
- Do not visit offices unless specifically requested.
- Refrain from reapplying—current applications are still valid.
- Regularly check https://www.sassa.gov.za for official announcements.
Expected Announcement Timeline
- New payment dates will be released during the third week of May 2025.
- Payments are likely to resume by end of May or early June, depending on final clearance.
Temporary Measures for Pensioners
SASSA is coordinating with Postbank and major retail outlets to ensure:
- Cash flow is stabilized for emergency cases.
- Retailers are informed not to penalize card users due to delays.
- Queries can be escalated to SASSA call centres for urgent intervention.
Estimated Revised Payment Schedule (Expected)
| Grant Type | Original Date | Revised Date (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 3 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 6 May 2025 | 27 May 2025 |
| Child Support Grant | 8 May 2025 | 29 May 2025 |
| War Veteran Grant | 3 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 |
| Foster Care Grant | 8 May 2025 | 29 May 2025 |
| Care Dependency | 6 May 2025 | 27 May 2025 |
| Grant-In-Aid | 8 May 2025 | 29 May 2025 |
Understanding the Old Age Grant and Monthly Amounts
| Age Category | Monthly Amount | Payment Method Options |
|---|---|---|
| 60–74 years | R2,180 | Bank Transfer / SASSA Card / Retail Outlets |
| 75+ years | R2,200 | Same as above |
| War Veterans (60+) | R2,280 | Same as above |
| Grant-in-Aid | R530 | Same as above |
SASSA Old Age Grant Eligibility Checklist
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be 60 years or older.
- Income and asset limits apply.
- Cannot be receiving another social grant.
- Must not be maintained or cared for in a state institution.
How to Stay Updated on New Payout Dates
- Visit the official SASSA website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
- Follow their verified pages on Facebook and Twitter (X).
- Sign up for SMS alerts via your mobile network.
- Use the Moya App to track grant status and news (data-free).
Important Contacts and Helplines
| Department / Region | Contact Number | |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Toll-Free | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] |
| Gauteng Regional Office | 011 241 8320 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape Office | 021 469 0235 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal Office | 033 846 3400 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape Office | 043 707 6300 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo Office | 015 291 7499 | [email protected] |
FAQs of SASSA Old Age Grant Delayed
Q1. Will I lose my May 2025 payment due to the delay?
No, the grant is only delayed, not cancelled. All verified beneficiaries will receive their full payments once the revised dates are implemented.
Q2. Can I collect money before the revised payment date if I use a SASSA card?
No, SASSA systems will only release funds once the official revised date arrives.
Q3. What should I do if I didn’t get an SMS or official notice?
Double-check your mobile number on file with SASSA. Visit a local SASSA office or call their toll-free line for verification.
Q4. Can I switch to a bank account to avoid retail payment delays?
Yes, you can request payment via bank transfer, but processing might take up to 30 days.
Q5. Is the delay expected to happen again in June 2025?
At this time, SASSA has not indicated further delays, but they will monitor the situation closely.
The May 2025 Old Age Grant payment delay has caused uncertainty for many South African seniors. However, SASSA has reassured beneficiaries that updated payment dates will be announced soon, and no one will be left without their rightful grant. Beneficiaries are advised to avoid misinformation, stay calm, and regularly monitor official SASSA channels for the latest updates.