SASSA Older Age Grant – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed a delay in the payment of the Older Persons Grant for May 2025. Beneficiaries who were expecting funds earlier this month will now need to wait a bit longer, as new payment dates are set to be announced next week. The delay has left many elderly citizens concerned, especially those who rely on this grant as their primary source of income.
In this article, we break down the reasons for the delay, what SASSA has said so far, what to do if you’re affected, and how to stay informed about the upcoming payment schedule.
Why the May 2025 SASSA Older Age Grant is Delayed
According to SASSA officials, the delay was caused by technical issues in the social grant payment processing system. These challenges have disrupted the normal payout flow, specifically affecting older persons who were scheduled to receive their money earlier this week.
Here are some key highlights regarding the delay:
- The delay only affects Older Persons Grant recipients for May 2025.
- SASSA has stated that new dates will be released by next week.
- All other grants (e.g., Child Support, Disability) are not affected.
- SASSA urges all beneficiaries not to visit post offices or ATMs until the new dates are confirmed.
Official Statement from SASSA and What Beneficiaries Should Know
SASSA has urged beneficiaries to remain patient and not panic. They emphasized that all affected grants will still be paid out in full, just on new dates. In their media release, the agency clarified the following:
- No beneficiaries will lose their payment due to the delay.
- SMS notifications or SASSA’s online platforms will be updated once new dates are available.
- Delayed payments will be made retroactively with no deductions or penalties.
Affected Grant Type: Older Persons Grant
Month Affected: May 2025
Delay Duration: Expected 5–7 working days
New Date Announcement: Expected next week
Mode of Notification: SMS, official website, SASSA local offices
Expected Payment Schedule – What’s Likely to Happen
Although the new dates have not been officially released yet, it’s likely that the Older Persons Grant payments will resume by the second or third week of May. Below is a projected schedule based on past trends.
Projected SASSA Payment Dates – May 2025
| Grant Type | Original Date | Expected New Date Range | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 6 May 2025 | 9 – 13 May 2025 | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| Disability Grant | 7 May 2025 | No Delay | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| Child Support Grant | 8 May 2025 | No Delay | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| Foster Child Grant | 8 May 2025 | No Delay | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| War Veterans Grant | 5 May 2025 | 9 – 13 May 2025 | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| Care Dependency Grant | 6 May 2025 | No Delay | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| Grant-in-Aid | 6 May 2025 | No Delay | Bank Deposit/Post Office |
| SRD R370 Grant | Rolling Basis | No Delay | Bank/Wallets/Post Office |
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your May Payment
If you’re an Older Persons Grant recipient and your money hasn’t reflected yet, here’s what you should do:
- Check your bank balance regularly, but avoid unnecessary travel to ATMs.
- Do not reapply for the grant; delays do not require fresh applications.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office only if you don’t receive payment after new dates are announced.
- Stay tuned to official SASSA channels (website, SMS, social media) for verified updates.
SASSA’s Communication Channels and Contact Details
For updates, clarifications, or complaints regarding the grant delay, here are SASSA’s official support options:
SASSA Contact Information
| Department | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Number | 0800 60 10 11 |
| WhatsApp Support | 082 046 8553 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
| Twitter/X | @OfficialSASSA |
| Facebook Page | @SASSANewsZA |
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM
Languages Available: English, Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and more
Impact on Grant-Dependent Households
This delay is particularly worrying for elderly citizens who rely entirely on this monthly SASSA grant to pay for essentials such as groceries, medicine, and electricity. Advocacy groups are urging the agency to fast-track its payment fix.
Potential hardships caused by the delay include:
- Missed medication due to lack of funds
- Unpaid rent or municipal bills
- Increased pressure on family members to assist financially
- Anxiety and distress among vulnerable citizens
How to Stay Updated About SASSA Grant Payments
You can monitor these sources for the latest announcements:
- SASSA’s official website for media releases
- SMS alerts sent directly to beneficiaries
- Local municipal offices with SASSA kiosks
- Community radio stations often broadcast SASSA updates
FAQs – SASSA Older Age Grant
Q1: Will I lose my May grant money because of the delay?
A1: No. SASSA has confirmed that all delayed grants will still be paid in full.
Q2: Do I need to reapply or update my details?
A2: No reapplication is needed. Just ensure your banking details are correct.
Q3: Can I go to the post office now to collect my money?
A3: Not yet. Wait for SASSA to confirm the new dates before visiting.
Q4: Are other grants also affected?
A4: No. The delay is specific to the Older Persons Grant.
Q5: How will I know when the new dates are confirmed?
A5: You’ll get an SMS notification, or you can check SASSA’s official website.
The May 2025 Older Persons Grant delay is unfortunate, but SASSA has committed to resolving the issue and ensuring all eligible payments are made soon. Beneficiaries are encouraged to remain calm, avoid unnecessary travel, and check only official sources for accurate information. The agency is expected to release the new payment schedule next week, and no citizen will be excluded from receiving what they’re owed.
When can recipients expect the delayed May month older age grant?
New dates will be released next week.
