TRIPLE trouble for SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025

1 Views

Recipients of SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 are in for triple trouble next month.

Firstly, SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025, traditionally paid on the first Tuesday of every month, will be disbursed on the last allowable day on the calendar – Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

Secondly, the South African Social Security Agency is not out of the woods yet as far as Postbank card migrations go.

The debacle may be out of the headlines following an inevitable extension to the end of May 2025, but affected clients are still expected to queue for long periods to meet the deadline.

And, thirdly, SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 will come face-to-face with South Africa’s VAT increase and Eskom tariff hikes for the first time.

Economists predict that above-inflation (5.9%) SASSA grant increases in April 2025 have already been nullified by the sharp rise in living costs.

SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS IN MAY 2025

Understandably, the unusual five-week gap to SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 has many of our readers up in arms.

They’ve written in asking why SASSA can’t simply move social-welfare payments to the 1^st of the month like before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Likewise, ‘core’ SASSA grant recipients are expected to struggle to make ends meet due to the big payment gap bookending the April holidays. The Easter long weekend concluded yesterday, Monday 21 April 2025. However, Freedom Day is observed on Monday 28 April 2025 and Worker’s Day on Thursday 1 May 2025 will see many extend their rest period into a third successive long weekend.

As a result, SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 will have to endure an extra burden covering household finances. Don’t forget, the majority of SASSA ‘core’ beneficiaries don’t just support themselves. Multiple family members rely on these modest stipends.

2025 INCREASES ALREADY ERODED

SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 will be heavily eroded by VAT and Eskom tariff hikes. Image: File

At least last month’s (April 2025) SASSA grant increases from the National Treasury were commensurate with inflation. However, economists warn that the R130 increase will effectively be eroded away by the VAT increase that comes into effect on Thursday 1 May 2025.

That said, SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 sees 60 to 74s receive R2 310. And over 75s the higher R2 330payment. Old-Age Grants paid by the state account for roughly 4-million SASSA payments each month.

A reminder to any new applicants that SASSA processing takes three months. However, if and when you are successful, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your first application.

SASSA ASSET AND MEANS TEST IN 2025

Furthermore, don’t forget that SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 are asset and means tested. Therefore, when you apply, the agency must see you’re sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. Here’s how first-timers can apply:

There is no online application. All applications for SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 must be made in-person at a SASSA office.
Try the SASSA online services portal to book an appointment online first – click HERE.
Bring a bar-coded ID – smart card or green booklet.
Documents proving your marital status.
Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it, not more than three months old).
Confirmation of your proof of income and/or financial dividends.
Any relevant information regarding your assets, valuation of property.
Declaration of private pension in your name (if applicable).
Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (not more than three months old).
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous job.
Copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR SASSA OLD-AGE BENEFITS?

SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 — Be sure to diarise the payments dates released by the agency for the rest of 2025. Image: SASSA

Anyone with a private pension, savings and personal assets that exceeds the means test will not be approved. SASSA is compelled by the National Treasury to enforce the following income and asset limits:

R8 070 per month (R96 840per year) income if single.
R16 140 per month (R193 680per year) income if married.
Total assets of R1 372 800 if single.
Total assets of R2 745 600 if married.

A family member or friend may help with your application if you’re too old or sick to travel. You need a letter from a doctor. And all of the above documentation certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if your SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025 are denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the DSD by clicking HERE and follow the prompts.

Also note that the agency can choose to review your SASSA grant status at any time. This is to check you have not misrepresented yourself in your application. And to check that your means have not suddenly improved since you applied. However, SASSA must give three-months’ notice in writing beforehand.

SASSA is overworked, understaffed and difficult to get hold of in light of the Postbank card migration. However, for any queries you can try: