SASSA Grants Delayed – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a sudden delay in the disbursement of social grants scheduled from May 15, 2025. The delay is directly linked to an urgent identity verification requirement that primarily affects senior citizens and child grant beneficiaries. This move is intended to curb rising fraudulent claims but has sparked concern among legitimate beneficiaries awaiting their payments.
This article covers everything you need to know, from the reason behind the delays to the steps you must take to complete identity verification and receive your SASSA payments without further interruptions.
Why Are SASSA Grants Delayed From May 15?
SASSA has identified multiple discrepancies in grant applications and payment systems, particularly involving duplicate identities and invalid credentials. To ensure that only legitimate beneficiaries receive payments, SASSA has introduced a new biometric and document-based verification process for certain categories, especially:
- Older Persons Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
The verification process is mandatory and must be completed before funds can be disbursed.
Who Needs to Complete Identity Verification?
The current requirement affects specific beneficiaries. Here’s a breakdown of who needs to take immediate action:
- Beneficiaries flagged during SASSA’s recent audit
- Seniors aged 60 years and above who did not update documents in the last 3 years
- Parents or guardians receiving the Child Support Grant for more than 2 children
- Individuals whose grants were paid into new bank accounts recently
- Beneficiaries who were recently transferred to new regions
Failing to verify identity will result in a complete hold on SASSA grant payments.
How to Complete the SASSA Identity Verification Process
Required Documents
To complete the process, ensure you have the following:
- Valid South African ID (Green Book, Smart ID, or Temporary Certificate)
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Birth certificate (for child grants)
- SASSA card or recent grant payment slip
- Bank statement (if using personal bank account for payments)
Verification Methods
SASSA is offering multiple ways to complete the verification:
- In-person at the nearest SASSA office
- Mobile biometric units available in rural areas
- Online portal verification (for selected applicants) at www.sassa.gov.za
- Assistance through local municipal help desks
Note: Online verification is currently available only to those who received an SMS from SASSA with a link and a reference number.
Verification Deadlines and Cut-Offs
Below is a table detailing key deadlines for each grant category:
| Grant Type | Last Verification Date | Payment Resumes | Verification Mode | SMS Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | May 20, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | In-person & Mobile Van | No |
| Child Support Grant | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 | Online & In-person | Yes (for online) |
| Foster Child Grant | May 25, 2025 | May 30, 2025 | In-person only | No |
| Disability Grant | No delay | On Schedule | Not Applicable | No |
| Care Dependency Grant | May 23, 2025 | May 29, 2025 | In-person & Mobile Van | No |
| Grant-in-Aid | May 20, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | In-person only | No |
| War Veterans Grant | May 20, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | In-person | No |
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
If identity verification is not completed by the cut-off date:
- Your grant payment will be suspended
- Re-verification will be needed at a regional office
- It may take up to 30 days for reactivation after late verification
- Back-payments will only be processed upon full clearance
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you’re confused about your status or need help with documentation, contact SASSA directly:
SASSA National Call Centre:
Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sassa.gov.za
Regional SASSA Offices:
Visit https://services.sassa.gov.za for a full list of provincial and local offices with directions and opening hours.
FAQs – SASSA Grants Delayed
Q1: I didn’t receive an SMS. Do I still need to verify?
If you’re receiving the Old Age or Child Support Grant and have not updated your ID or address in over 3 years, visit the office to confirm.
Q2: Will I lose my grant permanently if I miss this?
No, but your SASSA grant will be paused until identity is verified. Payments will resume after successful verification.
Q3: Can someone verify on my behalf?
Only in cases of medical incapacity, and with certified medical proof. The person must carry an affidavit, their own ID, and yours.
Q4: Is this applicable to the R350 SRD Grant?
No. The R350 SRD grant is not affected by this verification round.
Q5: Can I verify at a bank or post office?
Currently, only SASSA offices and designated mobile units can process identity checks.
How to Track Your Verification and Payment Status
SASSA has enabled real-time tracking options:
- SMS your ID number to 32555
- Use the SASSA Status Checker on www.sassa.gov.za
- Call the helpline for personalized assistance
Steps to Ensure You Don’t Miss Future Payments
To avoid being flagged in future audits:
- Keep your ID and proof of address updated every 2 years
- Avoid switching bank accounts frequently
- Report any changes in family status (e.g., number of dependents)
Impact of the Delay on Beneficiaries
This delay is already affecting more than 1.3 million grant holders, many of whom depend solely on SASSA payments for survival. NGOs and social workers are urging beneficiaries to respond quickly to avoid further payment disruption.
Community Outreach and Mobile Units
SASSA will deploy over 180 mobile units across provinces like Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape to reach rural and elderly beneficiaries. Check with local radio and municipal boards for schedules.
Conclusion of SASSA Grants Delayed
The delay in SASSA grant payments from May 15 is temporary and can be resolved through prompt identity verification. Beneficiaries are strongly advised not to panic but to act immediately by visiting the nearest SASSA office or using the available mobile units. This step is crucial to ensuring that your monthly payments resume without further issues.
