Older Person Grants in May Face Delays – SASSA’s Payment Crisis Grows

SASSA’s Payment Crisis : With May 2025 approaching, millions of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries must take specific precautions to avoid delays in their monthly payments. Whether you receive an Old Age Grant, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, or any other form of assistance, missing a step could result in non-payment. This article outlines the top 5 critical actions you must take now to ensure your grant lands in your account on time without complications.

Confirm Your Banking Details Before May 2025

One of the most common reasons SASSA payments are delayed is due to incorrect or outdated bank account information. Beneficiaries must double-check that their account is still active and that SASSA has the correct banking details on file.

Steps to Confirm Bank Details:

• Log in to the official SASSA website
• Navigate to the Banking Details Update section
• Enter your ID number and verify via OTP
• Ensure your bank name, account number, and branch code are correct
• Submit the form and wait for confirmation via SMS

Important: If you recently changed banks or closed your old account, update this information immediately to avoid payment failure.

Revalidate ID and Biometric Information

SASSA has implemented enhanced ID verification and biometric revalidation for all beneficiaries. Failure to comply can result in payment being placed on hold.

Key ID Verification Tips:

• Visit your nearest SASSA office or Post Office to complete a biometric revalidation
• Bring your green barcoded ID or smart card
• Ensure your fingerprints and facial data are successfully scanned
• If your ID has been lost, apply for a replacement through Home Affairs as soon as possible

SASSA has warned that any incomplete or outdated ID records will be flagged and could pause your May 2025 payment.

Understand the Updated May 2025 Payment Schedule

To help you track your grant, here’s the updated May 2025 SASSA payment schedule:

Grant Type	May 2025 Payment Date	Bank Processing Time	Cash Collection Option
Old Age Pension	Friday, 3 May 2025	Within 24 hours	Yes
Disability Grant	Monday, 6 May 2025	1-2 working days	Yes
Child Support Grant	Wednesday, 8 May 2025	1-3 working days	Yes
Foster Child Grant	Wednesday, 8 May 2025	1-3 working days	Yes
Care Dependency Grant	Monday, 6 May 2025	1-2 working days	Yes
War Veteran’s Grant	Friday, 3 May 2025	24 hours	Yes
SRD R370 Grant (Online)	9–17 May 2025 (rolling)	2-3 working days	No cash collection
SRD R370 (Bank Account)	Rolling basis	2-5 working days	Not applicable

Note: Make sure to check your payment status on the official SASSA portal before heading to the Post Office or merchant outlet.

Avoid Common Mistakes That Delay Payments

Several small oversights could cause a grant interruption. Be cautious of these:

• Using expired IDs or providing mismatched names during registration
• Failing to submit proof of life if you’re an elderly or overseas recipient
• Ignoring SMS notifications or verification alerts from SASSA
• Changing contact details without informing SASSA
• Not reporting a change in employment or financial status

If your circumstances have changed recently, update your records using the SASSA Change of Circumstances Form to avoid suspension.

Double-Check Your SRD Grant Status Online

If you’re receiving the R370 SRD grant, you must check your application status monthly.

Steps to Check SRD Status:

• Visit the SRD Grant Status Page
• Enter your ID number and cellphone number
• Click on “Check Status”
• Review the payment date, approval stage, or rejection reason

If rejected, use the “Lodge Appeal” option within 30 days. Failure to appeal on time means you forfeit that month’s payment.

SASSA Contact Details for Assistance

Should you need to speak with a SASSA representative, use the following departmental contact points:

Department	Contact Number	Email Address	Availability
SASSA National Call Centre	0800 60 10 11	Not applicable	Mon–Fri, 8am to 4pm
SRD Grant Helpline	0800 601 011	[email protected]	Mon–Fri, 8am to 4pm
Banking Issues	0860 111 888 (Bank)	[email protected]	Within 3–5 working days
Disability or Foster Grant	Visit local office	Not available via email	Office hours only
ID Verification Help	012 400 2322	[email protected]	Mon–Fri, 9am to 3pm

SASSA’s Payment Crisis FAQs

Q1: What should I do if I missed my biometric verification?
Visit your nearest SASSA office immediately. Bring your ID and request an emergency verification process.

Q2: Can I receive my grant without a bank account?
Yes. You can still collect payments at Post Offices, Pick n Pay, or Shoprite using your SASSA card.

Q3: I haven’t received my SRD grant. What now?
Log into the SRD portal and check for payment status, bank rejections, or verification issues. Lodge an appeal if needed.

Q4: Can someone else collect my payment?
Only if they are registered as an official procurator or have legal documentation. Visit your SASSA office to register them.

Q5: How do I change my phone number linked to SASSA?
Submit a phone number update request at your nearest office or log into the SRD website to initiate a change.

SASSA’s Payment Crisis Outcome

Missing out on your May 2025 SASSA grant payment can cause serious disruptions, especially for elderly and vulnerable beneficiaries. But with the right actions—like verifying your banking and ID details, monitoring your payment status, and keeping your contact details up-to-date—you can ensure smooth and timely access to your funds. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Follow the steps outlined above, and stay in touch with official SASSA communication channels to stay informed.