Why SASSA grants in May 2025 could be delayed … And what to do about it

The agency has warned that SASSA grants in May 2025 could be delayed for certain individuals if all their personal details are not in order. According to a release on the agency’s website, SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi encouraged any affected beneficiaries to report to a branch/office immediately to rectify non-payment.

Basically, the agency looks like it is finally cracking down on fraudulent SASSA accounts. With nearly 45% of the population receiving some form of social grant, it’s going to take time to root out all corruption. Nevertheless, it’s taking action with SASSA grants in May 2025, and expects inevitable payment delays as a result.

DELAYS TO SASSA GRANTS IN MAY 2025

The South African Social Security Agency says its new security initiative: “Aims to confirm financial circumstances and address any potential inclusion errors in the current social grant system.”

While recipients of SASSA grants in May 2025 usually wait three-months for an official account review, this month they will happen without warning. If you do not receive your SASSA Older Person Grant on Tuesday 6 May, or your Childcare Grant on Thursday 7 May, you will have to report immediately to a SASSA branch/office to have the issue rectified.

WHY THE SUDDEN CONCERN?

Furthermore, SASSA confirms this initiative for SASSA grants in May 2025 will focus primarily on clients without valid 13-digit South African ID numbers. During an audit the agency found numerous accounts with mismatching ID numbers between SASSA and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

As such, if you experience a delay receiving SASSA grants in May 2025, you must consolidate your ID number with the agency. After a positive review, your grant will go ahead. However, if you do not bring yourself forward, your grant may be suspended.

Meanwhile, social justice organisations have weighed in, saying this sudden action may have something to do with Treasury’s VAT increase being overturned last month. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana approved above-inflation SASSA increases (5.9%) in his now-abandoned budget. It’s still unclear whether these increases, which came into effect last month, will be overturned. But after debt servicing, social welfare commands the highest spend of budget.

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES

Moreover, SASSA also seeks targeted verification of: “Those identified in the bulk means test process. We want to check the income that flows into other bank accounts undisclosed to SASSA. We will intensify our measures to ensure eligibility by regularly identifying clients. They will have to come to our offices to verify personal details,” confirmed Letsatsi.

The agency concluded that it is also ‘looking inwards’ to identify any possible collusion by SASSA staff, too. It hopes to improve its systems and prevent any fraudulent activity going forward.

ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH DELAYED SASSA GRANT PAYMENT IN MAY?

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.