SASSA Old Age Grant May 2025 Payment Delayed, New Schedule Here, VAT Cancels Out R130 Boost
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has recently announced a delay in the May 2025 payment of the Old Age Grant. This delay has caused concern among many elderly beneficiaries who rely on this monthly support for basic living expenses. On top of this, the promised R130 boost has now been effectively cancelled out by the increase in VAT (Value Added Tax), which affects the prices of food, electricity, and other essentials.
Here’s everything you need to know in simple language, including the new payment schedule, reasons for the delay, and how VAT changes are impacting the real value of the grant.
SASSA Confirms R350 Grant Dates for May 2025 — Check When You’ll Get Paid!
Overview Table: SASSA Old Age Grant May 2025
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Type | SASSA Old Age Grant |
| Scheduled Payment Date | 3 May 2025 (original) |
| New Payment Date | 7 May 2025 (updated) |
| Monthly Grant Amount | R2,090 (with R130 increase) |
| Effective Value After VAT | Close to R1,980 |
| Reason for Delay | Technical system upgrade and banking issue |
| VAT Increase | From 15% to 16% |
| Affected Beneficiaries | Over 4 million senior citizens |
Why the Delay Happened
SASSA explained that the delay in the May 2025 Old Age Grant payments is mainly due to a technical system upgrade. This upgrade is being rolled out in partnership with major banks to improve payment security and avoid fraud. However, during the transition period, a few issues have come up that required a short postponement.
The original payment date was set for Friday, 3 May 2025. But now, due to public holiday adjustments and banking system constraints, the payments will start reflecting in accounts from Wednesday, 7 May 2025.
Many elderly grant recipients may not be used to such delays, and SASSA is urging them to be patient and not rush to ATMs or retail pay points before the new date.
The R130 Increase — What Happened to It?
Earlier this year, the government announced a R130 increase to the Old Age Grant, bringing the monthly total from R1,960 to R2,090. While this news was welcomed at first, it quickly lost its positive impact due to the VAT hike.
VAT (Value Added Tax) has now gone up from 15% to 16%, increasing the cost of basic goods and services. This means that even though people are receiving more money, they’re also spending more. For many seniors, the extra R130 is being spent just to buy the same groceries and pay the same bills they always have.
So, in effect, the R130 increase is being cancelled out — it looks good on paper, but it doesn’t make life easier in reality.
SASSA Confirms R350 Grant Dates for May 2025 — Check When You’ll Get Paid!
What SASSA Says About the Situation
SASSA has acknowledged the inconvenience this delay has caused. They have issued a public statement asking for calm and reminding the public that funds will be available from 7 May onwards. They have also said that there is no need to withdraw the full amount at once and that the grant money will remain in the account until the recipient chooses to use it.
SASSA also confirmed that they are working on resolving the VAT impact, possibly through increasing the zero-rated list of basic items. However, no firm commitment has been made so far.
How the VAT Increase is Affecting the Elderly
For many senior citizens, the impact of the VAT hike is being felt more than the benefit of the R130 grant increase. Prices for bread, milk, vegetables, cooking oil, electricity, and even transportation have risen. This leaves little to no room for savings or emergencies.
As a result, many elderly South Africans say they feel as though they’ve gained nothing from the increase — and in some cases, they actually feel worse off.
This has led to growing calls for the government to reconsider the VAT hike or increase the grant again to make up for the difference.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Grant
If you’re a SASSA Old Age Grant recipient and haven’t received your money by 7 May 2025:
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Check your bank account balance first before going to the ATM.
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Contact your local SASSA office or call the toll-free number if the money still isn’t there.
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Avoid rushing to pay points on the first day, as this can lead to long lines and confusion.
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Don’t fall for scams — SASSA will never ask for your PIN or card details.
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Stay updated through local community radio or SASSA’s official channels.
FAQs About the SASSA Old Age Grant May 2025 Delay
1. Why is my SASSA grant late this month?
Your May 2025 Old Age Grant is late due to a system upgrade and some banking delays. Payments will now start from 7 May instead of 3 May.
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2. Has the R130 increase been cancelled?
No, the R130 has been added. However, due to the VAT increase, most beneficiaries feel like the extra money is being lost to higher prices.
3. Do I need to reapply or register again to get my grant this month?
No, you don’t need to reapply. If you already receive the Old Age Grant, it will automatically be paid to you on the new date.
4. Will the grant payment dates change again in the future?
SASSA has not announced any further delays for now. But future changes can happen, especially around public holidays or technical issues.
5. Can I still use my SASSA card if I don’t withdraw the money immediately?
Yes, your SASSA card will still work. Your grant money stays in your account until you decide to use it.
Final Thoughts
The May 2025 delay of the SASSA Old Age Grant is a reminder of how important these monthly payments are to millions of South Africans. While a R130 increase sounds good, rising VAT and the cost of living are making it harder for pensioners to see any real benefit.
SASSA has promised to do better in the coming months, but for now, recipients are urged to be patient, stay alert for scams, and spend wisely.
SASSA Confirms R350 Grant Dates for May 2025 — Check When You’ll Get Paid!