Latest news with #SASSAOld-AgeGrants
The South African
18-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
LATEST adjustments for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025
It's all change for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025. Just yesterday, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe tabled her social welfare budget vote in Parliament for the 2025/26 financial year. And the impact of the agency's outlined cost-cutting commitments will surely be felt on SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025. Specifically, when it comes to beneficiary income verification and the fourth payment date added to the SASSA cycle. Here's what you need to know … All the latest on SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025, including the new fourth payment date for those under review. Image: File This week, South African Social Security Agency CEO Temba Matlou confirmed the introduction of a new fourth payment date for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025. Interestingly, this pertains to SASSA recipients who have had their monthly grants withheld, pending income verification with the agency. Previously, SASSA had to provide beneficiaries three months' notice in writing before a grant review could take place. However, since above-inflation grant increases back in April 2025, the National Treasury has been on a mission to cut costs, reduce wastage and generally tighten its belt. Now those under review merely receive an SMS … The Social Development Minister presented her budget vote in Parliament this week. Image: File As such, the agency revealed that nearly a quarter of a million social welfare grants have been withheld since May 2025. However, SASSA insists that SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 will not be suspended erroneously. In fact, beneficiaries under review have three months to come forward and prove their income and assets are above board before payment is suspended. However, the challenge SASSA finds using this new approach is that its offices/branches are now overwhelmed with people under review. Plus, SASSA admits that as many as 140 000 SMSes sent to clients were not delivered. This is because SASSA applications are often made on a friend/family members' phone. These numbers change and/or the clients move without updating SASSA. The elderly are being put under severe strain due to increasing electricity, grocery and general living costs. Image: File As The South African reported previously, if you are selected for review, you will be asked to bring a recent bank statement, work payslip and copy your ID (plus your child's ID if applicable). Moreover, if it is proven you over-stepped the income threshold, you can must pay back the money owed in full. SASSA can provide you a custom repayment system. Unfortunately, the 'lay-away option' for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 will accrue interest and end up costing more over the long term. The new fourth payment date – which typically will fall on the first Friday of each month – is for beneficiaries who have resolved their income review. Three repayment options include doing so in-person at any SASSA branch office. Making a bank transfer to a SASSA regional bank account. Or arranging a debit order that goes off each month through your bank. The DA has warned that no new alternative for SASSA clients with Postbank has been arranged after their contract ends in October 2025. Image: File Nevertheless, if your financial affairs are above board, you don't need to worry about your SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 being reviewed. New applicants can follow the below list of requirements: You must be over 60 to qualify SASSA Old-Age Grants 2025. to qualify SASSA Old-Age Grants 2025. Bring an official RSA identity document (ID). Provide all documents proving your marital status. Supply a proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it). Show all proof of income and/or financial dividends. Bring any information regarding assets, valuation of property. You must declare any private pension in your name. Provide a valid three months' statement certified by your bank (no older than three months'). Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer. A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. We still wait to see if the National Treasury will announce another SASSA grant increase – as is typically the case – in October 2025. Image: File Crucial to securing SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 is proving to the agency that you are sufficiently under privileged. Therefore, your assets and income cannot exceed the following: Earn less than R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) if single. per month ( per year) if single. Earn less than R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) if married. per month ( per year) if married. Total assets must not be less than R1 372 800 if single. if single. Total assets must be less than R2 745 600 if married. If you are denied access to SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025, note that you do have 90 days to lodge an appeal with the Department of Social Development (DSD) HERE. Be sure to diarise the remaining Older Person payment dates for the rest of 2025. Image: File Moreover, while it is a slightly longer gap to the pay date for SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025, thankfully the four-week cycle returns next month: AUGUST – Tuesday 5 August 2025 SEPTEMBER – Tuesday 2 September 2025 OCTOBER – Thursday 2 October 2025 NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4 November 2025 DECEMBER – Tuesday 2 December 2025 Those who have SASSA Old-Age Grants in August 2025 under review, can try these provincial contacts for urgent assistance: Toll-free number: 080 060 1011 WhatsApp number: +27 82 046 8553 Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 Gauteng: 011 241 8320 Mpumalanga: 013 754 9446 Limpopo: 015 291 7509 North West: 018 388 4006 Free State: 051 410 8339 North West: 053 802 4919 KwaZulu-Natal: 033 846 3324 Western Cape: 021 469 0235 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
01-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
SIX things to know about SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025
Recipients of SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 can look forward to their monies tomorrow (Wednesday 2 July 2025). While the payment cycle for SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 would typically fall on the first Tuesday of the month, this July it's been pushed back by a day. As such, the first social welfare payout for the second half of the year sees over 75s get R2 330. And beneficiaries aged between 60-74 receive R2 310 for SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025. But there's more happening behind the scenes than many at the agency may be comfortable with clients knowing … SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 do not fall on the first Tuesday of the month but rather one day later. Image: File For example, the South African Social Security Agency is on a drive to cut costs and reduce unnecessary wastage in 2025. Central to its approach to streamline SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 is to verify the identity and income of all recipients. As such, the agency has embraced a new tactic for anyone flirting with its asset and income limits. If SASSA believes you've exceeded eligibility requirements, your grant will be withheld until you report to an agency office and present supporting documents. This flies in the face of previous SASSA edicts that all beneficiaries would receive three months' notice of an upcoming review. Therefore, let's get you up to speed on how to secure your SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 … It's all change behind closed doors at the agency, as the three month review system appears to be largely ignored. Image: File It all started back in January of this year when the High Court ruled that SASSA may not exclude eligible applicants purely because of budget constraints. However, even legal action hasn't stopped the agency from taking leave to appeal the decision and push on with its stricter biometric verification processes. Unsurprisingly, civil justice organisations have been up in arms since May, when smartphone authentication for SASSA profiles began with little warning. Quite rightly, they argue you cannot expect SASSA recipients living close to the poverty line to have smartphones and internet access. Also, it's unfair that residents without a South African smart ID card (and digital photo on file) are being discriminated against. As the cost of living continues to increase, SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 struggle to keep pace. Image: File Nevertheless, despite endless arguments over budgets, the 2025/26 financial year's R280-billion allocation remains unchanged. So, here's how you can apply for SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025: You must be over 60 to qualify SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025. to qualify SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025. Bring your official RSA identity document (ID). Provide all documents proving marital status. Show your proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it). Any confirmation of proof of income and/or financial dividends. Up-to-date information regarding assets, valuation of property. Declaration of any private pension in your name. Valid three months' statement certified by your bank (no older than three months'). Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer. A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. Due to improve cross-referencing, anyone with extra income or a new job will have to answer to the agency. Image: File SASSA will only support those with government money who do not have sufficient means through a private pension, income, savings and/or personal assets. Therefore, to secure SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 you must adhere strictly to the following income and asset limits: Earn less than R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) if single. per month ( per year) if single. Earn less than R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) if married. per month ( per year) if married. Total assets must not be less than R1 372 800 if single. if single. Total assets must be less than R2 745 600 if married. Recipients queue outside a SASSA office hoping to have their grant issues resolved. Image: File Unsurprisingly, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is becoming increasingly strict on these mandatory requirements. In fact, parliament has enforced several additional mandated checks between SASSA, Home Affairs, Correctional Services, and Unemployment Insurance Fund. We understand from recent reports that as many as 200 000 SASSA clients have had to verify their details since these stricter verifications came online in May of this year. However, don't forget that if you are application for SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 is unsuccessful, you do still have 90 days to appeal. Simply click the link HERE and complete all relevant documents before presenting them at a SASSA office in-person. Older Person Grant payment dates for the rest of the financial year. Image: SASSA Beyond this week's SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025, make a note of the year's remaining Older Person Grant payment dates. Barring October, the rest of the year's payments fall on the first Tuesday of each month: JULY – Wednesday 2 July 2025 (this week) (this week) AUGUST – Tuesday 5 August 2025 SEPTEMBER – Tuesday 2 September 2025 OCTOBER – Thursday 2 October 2025 NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4 November 2025 DECEMBER – Tuesday 2 December 2025 Be sure to leave a comment down below if you need any assistance with SASSA. Image: File Finally, if you cannot reach the agency through its toll-free number or WhatsApp, be sure to try the provincial contacts below: SASSA Toll-free number: 080 060 1011 SASSA WhatsApp number: +27 82 046 8553 SASSA Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 SASSA Gauteng: 011 241 8320 SASSA Mpumalanga: 013 754 9446 SASSA Limpopo: 015 291 7509 SASSA North West: 018 388 4006 SASSA Free State: 051 410 8339 SASSA North West: 053 802 4919 SASSA KwaZulu-Natal: 033 846 3324 SASSA Western Cape: 021 469 0235 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Updated OUTLOOK for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants
After last week's payout, July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will remain unchanged for next month. As it stands, over 75s who receive July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will be benefiting from the highest-paying grant in the country. And it is for this reason that October 2025 increases are uncertain. Nevertheless, the first social welfare payout in the second half of the year will go ahead in just three-weeks from now, on Wednesday 2 July 2025. As mentioned, over 75s can expect R2 330 deposited into their bank accounts. While beneficiaries aged 60-74 can bank on R2 310 to help make ends meet. Although by only a few days, July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are paid slightly earlier than usual next month. Image: File As we've been tracking throughout the year, the South African Social Security Agency has rarely been out of the spotlight. It started in January when the High Court ruled that SASSA cannot excluded applicants purely to satisfy budget constraints. Then February was overwhelmed by the National Treasury's inability to nail down an official budget for the year. While this happened, SASSA went ahead with annual increases in April 2025. The Finance Minister confirmed these would be higher than inflation, but that was posited on government's proposed VAT increases. Therefore, in May and June, when a second fiscal budget was overturned, there was plenty of consternation over whether 2025 SASSA grant increases may be reversed. However, the social welfare budget for 2025/26 (R280 billion) thankfully remains, so July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants can go ahead as usual. It's still unconfirmed whether SASSA Old-Age Grants will increase again in October 2025, like they have done previously? Image: File If you're over 60, applicants secure their July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants by visiting a branch during office hours (Monday to Friday 08h00 to 17h00). Be sure to bring the following along with you: South African identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet. Documents proving marital status. Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it qualifies). Confirmation of proof of income and/or financial dividends. Any information regarding your assets, including a valuation of property. Declaration of any 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 employer. A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. It is imperative that you keep your SASSA profile up to date (especially if you move) so you don't trigger a verification process against you. Image: File The Department of Social Development (DSD) has instigated strict mandatory checks to ensure no one is stealing taxpayer money. These involve double-checking your details with Home Affairs, Correctional Services, and Unemployment Insurance Fund. Likewise, there is a strict identity (via biometrics), means and asset test for all new grant applicants. As many as 200 000 clients have had to verify their details at a SASSA branch and had their grants withheld without review. Critically, the agency only wants those who do not have sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, to apply for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants. As such, SASSA officials will enforce the following income and asset limits on your application: You must earn less than R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) if single. per month ( per year) if single. Earn less than R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) if married. per month ( per year) if married. Your total assets must not be less than R1 372 800 if single. if single. If married, your total assets must be less than R2 745 600. If you are unsuccessful in applying for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, you have 90 days to appeal by clicking HERE and completing all relevant documents. Can you believe we're already into the second half of the year? Check out these all-important payment dates below. Image: File Be sure to diarise the remaining payment dates for July 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants and beyond: JULY – Wednesday 2 July 2025 AUGUST – Tuesday 5 August 2025 SEPTEMBER – Tuesday 2 September 2025 OCTOBER – Thursday 2 October 2025 NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4 November 2025 DECEMBER – Tuesday 2 December 2025 Likewise, take note of these important SASSA contact details for your region if you cannot get assistance through the main SASSA numbers: SASSA toll-free number: 080 060 1011 SASSA WhatsApp number: +27 82 046 8553 SASSA Eastern Cape: 043 707 6300 SASSA Gauteng: 011 241 8320 SASSA Mpumalanga: 013 754 9446 SASSA Limpopo: 015 291 7509 SASSA North West: 018 388 4006 SASSA Free State: 051 410 8339 SASSA North West: 053 802 4919 SASSA KwaZulu-Natal: 033 846 3324 SASSA Western Cape: 021 469 0235 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
12-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
LATEST outlook for June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants
Before we get to June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, let's quickly run through the eligibility requirements of Older Person benefits in 2025. By law, the South African Social Security Agency is entrusted to protect all vulnerable residents over the age of 60 who no longer have sufficient financial means to support themselves. However, while the agency has been mired in controversy so far this year, June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants will be one of the only inflation-beating stipends paid out to residents. Mercifully, despite chaos from the National Treasury about the proposed budget, Older Person grants increased by 5.9% back in April … However, anyone keen on applying for June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants must remember they are still asset and means tested. This is to ensure that not anyone who applies for support will receive government support. In fact, you must prove to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) that you are sufficiently underprivileged to qualify. With that in mind, let's go through the qualifying criteria, how much the government pays pensioners each month and the good news for future SASSA grants in 2025. Unlike May 2025, thankfully, beneficiaries of June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants don't have to wait much longer for the next payout date. Slated for Tuesday 3 June 2025, beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 receive R2 310 and recipients aged 75 and older will be paid R2 330. As we heard from the department last week, calls to increase the Older Person grant again will not happen because it's already the highest paying grant nationally (going to 4-million recipients). Be sure to diarise for June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants and beyond. Image: SASSA If you're hoping to apply, you should note that applications take upwards of three months to process. The reason for this seemingly long amount of time is because SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs cross-reference all their date before approval. However, if you're successful, you will receive backdated funds to the time of your application. So, who is eligible for June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, and how do you apply? Firstly, only residents 60 years of age can apply. Your application must be done at a SASSA office or branch with an official present to oversee and assist you. However, a new SASSA online services portal does allow you to make an appointment online HERE first. Present the following documents and biometric data in-person. Official bar-coded identity document (ID) – smart card or booklet. Documents proving your marital status. A proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it qualifies). Confirmation of your proof of income and/or financial dividends. Any relevant information regarding your assets, including a valuation of any property you own. Declaration of any 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 employer. A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years. All of the above is required so the agency to confirm your income and validity of a pension. You will not be granted a June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant is you have a private pension paying out more than the following: R8 070 per month ( R96 840 per year) if single. per month ( per year) if single. R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) if married. per month ( per year) if married. Total value assets must not exceed R1 372 800 if single. if single. If married, assets must not exceed R2 745 600. June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are only weeks away. Image: File Getting to a SASSA office can be difficult if you're too old, sick or live in a remote area. So, will SASSA allow you to get a family member or loved one to help with your application? Of course, however, they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor's note 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. The person assisting you can complete all the relevant application forms in the company of a SASSA officer. Finally, if your June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants is denied, remember that you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the Department of Social Development. SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011 Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322 Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@ Or email: president@ Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
TRIPLE trouble for SASSA Old-Age Grants in May 2025
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. 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 1st 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. 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 330 payment. 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. 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. 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 840 per year) income if single. per month ( per year) income if single. R16 140 per month ( R193 680 per year) income if married. per month ( per year) income if married. Total assets of R1 372 800 if single. 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: SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011 Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322 Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@ Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
