The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced delays in grant payments for May 2025 affecting certain categories of beneficiaries.
The delays are linked to an ongoing identity verification and eligibility review process being implemented nationwide.
Verification Process Underway
According to SASSA, the delay is part of a broader initiative to verify beneficiary information and enhance the integrity of the social grants system.
The agency stated that the process is intended to prevent fraud, identify ineligible recipients, and ensure only qualified individuals receive support.
SASSA said the affected beneficiaries are those who:
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Do not use the standard 13-digit South African ID number;
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Possess valid 13-digit ID numbers not properly linked within the agency’s database;
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Have been flagged through the bulk means test for potentially undisclosed income or financial discrepancies.
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“SASSA engaged with the Department of Home Affairs and found that many of the affected beneficiaries do, in fact, have valid 13-digit South African ID numbers registered in the Home Affairs database,” explained SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.
However, he noted that these ID numbers are missing from SASSA’s internal grant system,”
Grants are scheduled to be paid from today, 6 May, but affected beneficiaries will need to verify their identities before SASSA pays them. “Once a beneficiary has been successfully verified, we do not anticipate it to take more than a week for them to receive their grant money,” said SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.
He said SASSA had sent out SMS messages to notify affected people, using the contact numbers stored in its system. “Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that everyone will receive the message since some of our beneficiaries do not always come and update their numbers,” he said.
Affected Beneficiaries Required to Take Action
Beneficiaries impacted by this delay are required to visit their nearest SASSA office to verify personal information.
SASSA has emphasized that failure to comply with the verification process may result in the suspension or eventual lapsing of grants.
The agency also noted that these steps are necessary to eliminate possible errors and detect any manipulation within the system.
Payment Dates for May 2025
For recipients whose details are already verified and not affected by the ongoing process, SASSA has confirmed the following payment schedule:
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Older Persons Grant – Tuesday, 6 May 2025
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Disability Grant – Wednesday, 7 May 2025
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Child Support and Other Grants – Thursday, 8 May 2025
Beneficiaries are advised to wait for SMS notifications before attempting to collect payments and to ensure their personal and banking details are up to date.
Agency Urges Patience and Cooperation
In a public statement, SASSA acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the delays but reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the credibility of the social assistance system.
The agency said it is committed to finalizing the verification process as quickly as possible to restore full payment services.
Beneficiaries can contact their nearest SASSA office or visit the official website for more information and updates regarding the verification process and future payments.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a government entity established in 2005 to administer social grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development.
Its mandate includes the distribution of various grants such as the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, and others aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals and households.
SASSA plays a critical role in reducing poverty and promoting social welfare across South Africa.
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