SASSA Confirms Older Age Grant – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially announced a delay in the Older Age Grant payments for May 2025, sparking concern among millions of pensioners who rely on these monthly payouts. The delay has been attributed to ongoing mandatory reverification processes and administrative backlogs. A new grant payment schedule is expected to be released next week, but until then, beneficiaries are urged to complete all required updates to avoid payment suspensions.
Why the May 2025 SASSA Confirms Older Age Grant Is Delayed
This delay primarily affects beneficiaries of the Older Persons Grant, many of whom are over the age of 60 and depend heavily on this monthly support for essential expenses. According to SASSA, the issue stems from a large number of beneficiaries failing to comply with the recent reverification requirements, which have been rolled out as part of the agency’s fraud prevention and digital database update initiative.
Main Reasons for Payment Hold-Up
- Ongoing biometric and document reverification campaigns
- Delay in submission of updated proof of life documents
- Incomplete banking verification or account updates
- System upgrades at SASSA regional offices and Postbank
- National backlog from April payment processing
What Pensioners Should Do Immediately
If you are one of the affected pensioners, it is essential to act quickly to avoid further delays. Below are steps to ensure your Older Persons Grant resumes without issues:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID document and proof of residence
- Complete the biometric reverification process
- Update banking details if your account has changed
- Ensure your mobile number is active for SMS confirmations
- Submit any missing or expired documentation
Expected Payment Dates for May 2025
While SASSA has yet to announce final dates, here’s a tentative schedule based on previous delays and official sources:
| Beneficiary Type | Original Payment Date | Expected New Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons (60+) | 13 May 2025 | Between 19 – 23 May 2025 | Delayed |
| Disability Grant | 16 May 2025 | Between 14 – 17 May 2025 | Pending Confirmation |
| Child Support Grant | 17 May 2025 | Between 18 – 22 May 2025 | Pending |
| War Veterans Grant | 13 May 2025 | Between 9 – 13 May 2025 | Delayed |
| Foster Care Grant | 17 May 2025 | Between 18 – 22 May 2025 | Pending |
| Social Relief of Distress | 16 May 2025 | As Per Approval | Subject to Review |
| Care Dependency Grant | 16 May 2025 | Between 14 – 17 May 2025 | Pending |
How to Reverify for the Older Age Grant
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Green barcoded ID or Smart ID card | Identity verification |
| Proof of Residence (3 months max) | Confirming residential status |
| Proof of Banking | Verifying account is valid |
| Medical Records (if requested) | Applicable to certain cases only |
| Completed SASSA forms | Verification of eligibility |
| Phone with SMS access | Needed for PIN/code confirmation |
| Power of Attorney (if applicable) | For caregivers/assistants |
FAQs – SASSA Confirms Older Age Grant
Q1: Why do I need to reverify if I’ve been receiving the grant for years?
A: SASSA now requires annual reverification to ensure that beneficiaries are still eligible and to prevent fraud or duplication.
Q2: Can I still receive the May payment if I verify now?
A: Yes, if you complete verification before the final list is submitted to Postbank, you may still receive your May payment in the revised payout cycle.
Q3: What if my bank account is closed or inactive?
A: You must immediately provide new banking details to your local SASSA office to ensure your funds are transferred successfully.
Q4: Can someone else verify on my behalf?
A: In some cases, yes. Legal representatives or caregivers with a power of attorney may assist but must bring valid documents.
Q5: Will June 2025 payments be affected too?
A: SASSA has not confirmed this. However, failure to reverify may result in your June grant being suspended until compliance is met.
Departmental Contact Information
For urgent queries and assistance with your SASSA Older Persons Grant, contact the following:
- SASSA Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- Email for Reverification Queries: [email protected]
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Nearest Regional Office: Check via www.services.gov.za for a branch near you
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
How to Track Your SASSA Payment Status
You can track your grant payment status through:
- SASSA website: www.sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp: Send “SASSA” to 082 046 8553
- USSD Code: Dial 1203210# from your registered mobile number
- Bank SMS Notifications (if linked)
What Happens If You Miss the Reverification Deadline?
| Scenario | Impact on Payment |
|---|---|
| No reverification by mid-May | Payment paused for May |
| Still unverified by end of May | June payment also suspended |
| Verified late but before June 15 | Backdated payments possible |
| Verified with incorrect documents | Further delays or rejection |
The May 2025 delay in SASSA Older Persons Grant payments is a serious concern for many South African pensioners. While the reverification process is mandatory and necessary for fraud prevention, it has resulted in temporary inconvenience. Beneficiaries are strongly urged to act quickly, follow up on documentation, and monitor payment updates through official SASSA channels. Completing reverification ensures you remain eligible for future payments and avoid grant suspension.
