Where to begin with April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants? Firstly, Postbank clients who have not yet completed their chaotic Gold-to-Black card swap now have until Saturday 31 May 2025. This was announced last week by Postbank CEO Nikki Mbangashe, following the on-going migration debacle. Ironically, even at the current rate of card migration, all 3-million remaining Postbank clients are unlikely to be served in time.
Nevertheless, almost secondary to this was news of South African Social Security Agency grants increasing this month. Following a delayed 2025 Budget Speech by the Finance Minister, above-inflation increases (5.9% vs. 4.9% in 2024) to protect the nation’s elderly was higher than anticipated. The government has a responsibility to provide for residents over the age of 60 who no longer have the financial means to support themselves.
APRIL 2025 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS
Likewise, the agency is battling with maladministration that sees 75Â 000 deceases beneficiaries receive millions in grants each month. Nevertheless, the agency has at least published official payment dates for April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants and beyond (see below). Therefore, 60-to-74-year olds will receive R2 310 this week. And over 75s will receive R2Â 330 on Tuesday 2 April 2025. For those on disability, they will receive R2 310, and our last remaining War Veterans get the higher R2Â 330 stipend from this month onwards.
New applicants should not forget that April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are asset and means tested. This system is to ensure that only those old-age pensioners who are not independently wealthy receive the grant. And don’t take precious taxpayer money away from those who actually need it. Therefore, you must prove to the agency that you do qualify. We will go through the qualifying criteria below …
INCREASES DUE THIS WEEK
Applications take upwards of three months to process. However, the good news is even if you wait three months and are successful, you will receive backdated funds from the time of your initial application (three months in one go). To stave off maladministration, SASSA, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and various banking institutions must painstakingly cross-reference all data before approval. Controversially, social welfare accounts for the second highest portion of national budget, hence the proposal to increase VAT by 1% over two years. More is spent on SASSA grants in South Africa than national healthcare and basic education. Â
So, who is eligible for April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, and how do you apply? First, rather obviously, only residents who are 60 years of age or older can apply. If this is you, your application must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official overseeing the process. There is no online application. But there is a SASSA online services portal that allows you to make the appointment online first. However, fair warning, it is often offline …  Â
BRING THESE WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
To complete your SASSA applications, bring the following documents with you in-person before agency captures your biometric data:
- South African ID – smart card or green booklet.
- Documents proving your marital status.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it, not older than three months’).
- Confirmation of your proof of income and/or financial dividends.
- Any relevant information regarding your assets, valuation of property you own.
- Declaration of private pension in your name (if applicable).
- Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (also no older than three months’).
- 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.
HOW TO ACE THE MEANS AND ASSET TEST
All of the above is required so the agency to confirm your income and verify your identity. Furthermore, SASSA officials are compelled to enforce the following income and asset limits below. If you’re deemed to be of sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, you will not be granted April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants:
- Cannot earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840per year) if single.
- An income limit of R16 140 per month (R193 680per year) if married.
- Total value of assets declared must not exceed R1 372 800 (if single).
- Your combined assets cannot be valued higher than R2 745 600 (if married).
OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE ALLOWED
Getting to a SASSA office can be difficult if you’re old, sick or live in a remote area. So, SASSA does allow you to get a family member or loved one to help with your application. You will need to produce a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply yourself. Moreover, all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are denied to you, there is a 90-day to appeal process. Click HERE to complete the paperwork.
Moreover, due to the on-going Postbank card migration debacle, SASSA is notoriously difficult to get hold of right now. But you can try your luck through the following means:
- SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Or email: president@presidency.gov.za
PAYMENT DATES FOR THE NEXT QUARTER
- Tuesday 2 April 2025.
- Tuesday 6 May 2025.
- Tuesday 3 June 2025.
*Payments may take 2-3 days to reflect in your bank account.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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