The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced major changes to the Older Persons Grant for 2025. According to the announcement, the monthly payments were set to increase from April 2025 to amounts of R2,315 for the age group 60–74 and R2,335 for the 75-and-older age group. The grant, a vital source of sustenance for over 7.8 million pensioners, is used towards buying food, paying for healthcare, and utilities amidst the ever-increasing costs of living.
Inflation stood at 5.2% and food inflation had reached 6.1% in 2024, while these changes were made in an attempt to maintain the purchase power of the elderly. The article will give some details about the changes, eligibility, and how to apply.
Grant Increase and Payment Schedule
Starting from April 2025, the payment of the Older Persons Grant shall increase from R2,190 to R2,315 for the 60–74 age group. Likewise, for persons aged 75 and over, it shall increase from R2,210 to R2,335, each one having a pay rise of R125. The payment for the increased R125 amount will be made on 2 August 2025, ahead of any other rollout in order to avoid payment delay. Beneficiaries will be required to update their details before 31 July 2025, to assure easy release of their payments. The cash will be accessible via bank accounts, SASSA Black Cards, or retail points such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite.
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant must be classified as a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a registered refugee who is 60 years and older, residing in South Africa. Applicants may not be currently receiving other SASSA grants, and the income may not exceed R86,280.00 if an individual, and R172,560.00 if the applicant is married. Valid 13-digit ID numbers alongside income and residence particulars are required. Be aware that the consequence of providing false information can range from outright disqualification to criminal prosecution.
Application Process
Applications are quite and can be made at the SASSA branches or through the website www.services.sassa.gov.za. Applicants shall produce bar-coded identity or smart identity, proof of income, and proof of residence. In the absence of valid identity documentation, temporary remedies like affidavits from reputable sources will be considered, but formal applications need to be initiated within three months. There is a processing time of up to 90 days, and granted applications will be backdated.
Avoiding payment delays
Beneficiaries must update their contact and banking details before 31 July 2025 in order to avoid delayed payments. They can do this by using the SASSA portal, helpline on 0800 60 10 11, or WhatsApp at 082 046 8553. By June 2025, payments and 210,000 grants had been suspended due to non-compliance to the verification requirement. Initiated payments require regular updates, and the public is warned about scams to keep the payments flowing smoothly.
Also Read: R370 SASSA Grant Update 2025: Revised Application Process Announced