The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially announced the payment schedule for social grants in May 2025, providing clarity for beneficiaries across the nation.
How Social Grants Are Distributed
SASSA provides financial assistance to millions of South Africans in need, offering multiple methods for accessing payments.
Beneficiaries can collect their funds from participating retail stores like Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave, Checkers, and Shoprite. Payments can be accessed via a SASSA card, CashSend, or direct deposit into a bank account.
SASSA Payment Schedule for May 2025
The following dates have been set for various social grant disbursements:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 6 May 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 7 May 2025 |
| Child Support Grant | 9 May 2025 |
| Other Social Grants | 9 May 2025 |
Possible Reversal of Social Grant Increases
In his delayed Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana proposed an allocation of R284.7 billion for social grants in the 2025-2026 financial year, aimed at assisting lower-income households in the wake of an expected VAT increase.
The increase was meant to soften the blow of the proposed VAT hike from 15% to 15.5%, which was set to begin on 1 April 2025. However, on 25 April 2025, the National Treasury confirmed that the VAT increase would be reversed.
This decision raises questions about the social grant increases previously announced. Since the VAT hike will no longer take place, the government has stated that the compensatory measures designed to shield low-income households will be withdrawn.
Additionally, the government will reconsider other expenditure decisions. It’s expected that any extra revenue collected by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) could be repurposed for alternative funding measures going forward.
Validity of SASSA Gold Cards
Despite changes in the payment systems, SASSA gold cards will continue to be valid. This decision follows a directive from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
On the other hand, the issuance of the Postbank black cards has been suspended indefinitely. Furthermore, the card replacement services across South Africa have been halted, affecting beneficiaries who had not yet transitioned to the new system.
Although the deadline for switching from the SASSA gold cards was initially set for 31 December 2023, it was extended multiple times. The new deadline was set for 28 February 2025, but it has now been further extended until 31 May 2025 to ensure that all beneficiaries have time to complete the switch.
Bridget Masango, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, emphasized that the SARB had directed Postbank to assist beneficiaries in migrating to the new cards. In the meantime, those who have not yet migrated can continue using their gold cards without disruption, ensuring that they can still receive their grants.
The SASSA payment dates for May 2025 provide essential information for grant recipients to plan accordingly. Beneficiaries are encouraged to utilize the available collection methods and be mindful of the ongoing validity of SASSA gold cards.
With the reversal of the VAT increase, further adjustments to the social grant increases are expected, and the government will explore alternative funding strategies to support low-income households.
FAQs
When will the SASSA social grants be paid in May 2025?
- Old Age Grant: 6 May 2025
- Disability Grant: 7 May 2025
- Child Support Grant: 9 May 2025
- Other Grants: 9 May 2025
Are the SASSA gold cards still valid?
Yes, the SASSA gold cards remain valid as per the South African Reserve Bank’s directive. Beneficiaries who have not yet transitioned to the new Postbank black cards can still use their gold cards for receiving grants.
What happened to the VAT increase and social grant adjustments?
The proposed VAT increase from 15% to 15.5% has been reversed, meaning the social grant increases will no longer take place as planned. The National Treasury is revisiting its budget allocations.