SASSA Older Person Grant – Millions of South Africans who depend on SASSA grants for survival are facing unexpected distress in May 2025. A combination of delayed Older Person Grant payments and a reversal in the expected increase has left many pensioners confused and financially strained. With beneficiaries relying on these funds for essentials like food, medicine, and transport, the situation has triggered widespread concern.
Reason Behind the May Payment Delays
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed that technical system upgrades and policy adjustments are contributing to delays in May payments for some beneficiaries. While not everyone will be affected, those relying on Older Person Grants, Disability Grants, and War Veterans Grants are advised to double-check their payment status.
Key Causes of Delay:
- System integration with Home Affairs for ID verification
- Reversal of recent budget allocations
- Miscommunication between treasury and SASSA branches
- Increased application volume due to economic distress
Groups Most Affected:
- Older persons expecting raised payments
- First-time grant applicants
- Beneficiaries with expired bank details
- People using temporary/postal banking channels
Older Person Grant Increase Reversed – What This Means
Initially, it was announced that Older Person Grants would increase by R100 from May 2025. However, this increase has now been halted and reversed, citing budget readjustments at national level. This reversal is particularly devastating for pensioners who had already budgeted their month based on the higher amount.
Originally Planned vs. Revised Payments
| Grant Type | Previous Amount | Planned May Increase | Current Confirmed Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Person (Under 75) | R2,180 | R2,280 | R2,180 |
| Older Person (Over 75) | R2,200 | R2,300 | R2,200 |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | R2,280 | R2,180 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,200 | R2,300 | R2,200 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | No change | R1,180 |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | R550 | R530 |
| SRD R350 Grant | R350 | No change | R350 |
What Beneficiaries Should Do If Payments Are Delayed
If you haven’t received your May SASSA payment, here are immediate actions you can take:
- Check your SASSA status via the official website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and grant reference number
- Contact SASSA’s toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11
- Re-verify your banking details via the portal
- If using postbank or retail outlets, confirm that your account is still active
Hints for Smoother Processing:
- Avoid submitting duplicate applications
- Use the same ID and phone number across all documents
- Make sure your phone number is registered in your name
Contact Information for Quick Resolution
| Department | Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Helpline | Phone | 0800 60 10 11 |
| SASSA Email Support | [email protected] | |
| Website | Online Portal | https://sassa.gov.za |
| SRD Grant Inquiries | SRD Online Services | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Postbank Queries | Customer Support Hotline | 0800 53 54 55 |
| Home Affairs (for ID) | National Call Centre | 0800 60 11 90 |
Will the Reversal Be Permanent or Temporary?
Although the increase has been reversed for May, SASSA has not confirmed whether this decision will extend into June 2025. Treasury sources suggest it’s a temporary rollback, pending a mid-year budget review.
What SASSA Officials Said:
- “We’re trying to stabilize payouts before rolling out any further increases.”
- “Older persons will not lose any previously owed amounts if the increase is re-approved.”
Implications of the Reversal:
- Reduced monthly budgeting capacity for pensioners
- More reliance on food parcels or NGO aid
- Drop in retail purchases in low-income areas
Government’s Plan to Rectify the Issue
The Department of Social Development is working with the National Treasury to find a feasible solution. Key strategies being explored:
- Reallocation of unused emergency funds
- Gradual phasing of increases over the next few months
- Introducing a means test filter to prioritise the most vulnerable
Budget Adjustments Under Discussion
| Proposed Fix | Status | Implementation Month |
|---|---|---|
| Use of contingency funds | In Progress | June 2025 |
| 50% phased increase | Under Review | July 2025 |
| Targeted increase by age | Pending | August 2025 |
| SRD reduction offsetting | Denied | Not Applicable |
FAQs – Common Questions Answered
Q1: Will I still get paid in May even with the reversal?
A1: Yes, payments will still go out, but without the R100 increase initially promised.
Q2: How long is the payment delay expected to last?
A2: SASSA expects all delays to be resolved within 7–10 working days.
Q3: Do I need to reapply for my grant due to the change?
A3: No reapplication is needed. Continue monitoring your status online.
Q4: Can I change my payment method if mine is blocked?
A4: Yes, log in to the SASSA portal and update your banking information.
Q5: Who can I contact for help if my status says ‘pending’?
A5: Call 0800 60 10 11 or email [email protected] with your ID and reference number.
The May 2025 SASSA grant delays and Older Person Grant reversal have created understandable concern among beneficiaries. While the core grant amounts are still being paid, the delayed increase may affect budgeting plans for thousands. SASSA is actively working to resolve these issues, and beneficiaries are urged to stay informed, verify their grant statuses, and reach out for support when needed. Any updates will be communicated directly via SASSA’s official channels.
