South African seniors who rely on the SASSA Old Age Grant face an unexpected challenge this month. The May 2025 payment has been postponed to Tuesday, May 6, creating an unusual five-week gap between payments that could strain household budgets. This delay coincides with a new VAT increase that threatens to nullify the recent R130 grant boost.
Why Is the May 2025 Payment Delayed?
The delay isn’t due to administrative problems but rather a calendar quirk where several public holidays and weekends occur in close succession, disrupting normal banking operations.
The payment schedule has been affected by:
- Easter Weekend (April 18-21, 2025): Four-day banking disruption
- Freedom Day (April 28, 2025): Limited banking operations
- Workers’ Day (May 1, 2025): Bank holiday during the normal payment window
For many recipients who received their April payment on April 2, the extended wait until May 6 creates significant financial pressure, especially since the Old Age Grant often supports multiple household members.
Official May 2025 Payment Schedule
SASSA has released the following revised payment schedule for May:
| Grant Type | Regular Schedule | May 2025 Schedule | Reason for Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Person’s Grant | 1st-3rd of each month | Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | Public holidays & banking disruptions |
| Disability Grant | 1st-3rd of each month | Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | Public holidays & banking disruptions |
| Child Support Grant | 3rd-5th of each month | Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Follows after other grants |
| Foster Care Grant | 3rd-5th of each month | Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Follows after other grants |
Beneficiaries can verify this schedule via the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za) or by using SASSA’s WhatsApp service at 082 046 8553.
Grant Increase vs. VAT Impact: What Recipients Get
While the April 2025 increase of R130 to the SASSA Old Age Grant May 2025 Payment Delayed, New Schedule Here, VAT Cancels Out R130 Boost was initially welcomed, the upcoming VAT increase threatens to cancel out these gains.
Current Grant Amounts After April 2025 Increase
| Age Group/Category | Previous Amount | New Monthly Amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 60-74 | R2,180 | R2,310 | R130 |
| Ages 75 and older | R2,200 | R2,330 | R130 |
| War Veterans | R2,200 | R2,330 | R130 |
VAT Increase: Erasing the Benefit
Economic analysts project that the May 2025 VAT increase will significantly impact essential items that comprise most seniors’ monthly expenses:
| Expenditure Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Projected Increase Due to VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Food and groceries | R1,200 | R60-R80 |
| Electricity and utilities | R400 | R20-R30 |
| Transport | R300 | R15-R25 |
| Healthcare expenses | R250 | R12-R18 |
| Total Impact | R2,150 | R107-R153 |
As this analysis suggests, the VAT increase could potentially absorb most—if not all—of the R130 grant increase, effectively neutralizing the intended financial relief for vulnerable seniors.
SASSA Card Issues: What Recipients Should Know
Adding to the challenges is ongoing confusion surrounding SASSA’s payment card transition. Many beneficiaries previously instructed to switch from gold SASSA cards to new black Postbank cards now face uncertainty following the South African Reserve Bank’s directive to pause this transition.
Current Card Status
| Card Type | Status | Valid Until |
|---|---|---|
| Gold SASSA Card | Still operational | At least through May 2025 |
| New Black Postbank Card | Rollout paused | To be determined |
| Personal Bank Accounts | Recommended alternative | Ongoing |
To avoid future payment disruptions, SASSA encourages recipients to open personal bank accounts with commercial banks rather than relying on SASSA-issued cards.
How to Apply for the Old Age Grant
For new applicants to the Older Person’s Grant, the following requirements must be met:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Reside in South Africa
- Be 60 years or older
- Not be maintained in a state institution
- Not receive another social grant
- Have a valid South African ID document
- Meet the means test requirements
Means Test Thresholds (2025)
| Category | Single Person | Married Person |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Income | Less than R92,400 | Less than R184,800 (combined) |
| Asset Value | Less than R1,346,400 | Less than R2,692,800 (combined) |
Managing the Extended Payment Gap
With the unusual SASSA Old Age Grant May 2025 Payment Delayed, New Schedule Here, VAT Cancels Out R130 Boost situation, financial planning becomes crucial.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Recipients can verify their payment status through these official channels:
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- SASSA Toll-Free Call Center: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- SASSA Social Media: Official Facebook Page and Twitter Account
Financial Planning Tips
To manage during the longer wait between April and May payments, consider these strategies:
- Prioritize essential expenses like medication, food, and utilities
- Contact community organizations that provide food support
- Speak with service providers about delayed payment arrangements
- Budget your April grant carefully across the five weeks
- Utilize available electricity subsidies and healthcare fee exemptions
Government Response
The Department of Social Development has acknowledged the potential hardship but emphasized that the payment calendar is determined by banking system constraints rather than policy decisions.
The department is exploring future solutions to minimize such disruptions, including:
- Alternative payment mechanisms are less dependent on banking holidays
- Emergency advances for vulnerable recipients during extended gaps
- Improved communication systems for advanced notice of schedule changes
Key Takeaways
The May 2025 payment delay presents a genuine challenge for South Africa’s elderly grant recipients, particularly when combined with the offsetting effect of the VAT increase and ongoing payment card confusion.
By understanding the exact payment date, planning carefully for the extended gap, and utilizing official channels for information, seniors can take practical steps to manage this difficult period. While these circumstances create financial pressure, staying informed and proactive can help recipients navigate the situation until normal payment schedules resume in June.
Katherine Johnson is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.