The April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant comes with changes. Let’s delve in and fine out.
South Africa’s elderly citizens face a crucial month with the April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant updates. If you’re still holding on to your old gold Postbank card, you’re running out of time. Postbank CEO Nikki Mbangashe confirmed, “clients have until Saturday 31 May 2025” to complete the card migration process to the new black card system. With 3 million people still needing to switch, delays remain likely.
SASSA Grants increased in April 2025
Amid ongoing administrative headaches, SASSA grant recipients got a silver lining in April: a surprise increase in monthly payouts. Following the Finance Minister’s delayed Budget Speech, government approved a 5.9% increase — beating the 2024 inflation rate of 4.9%.
This boost aims to shield the nation’s most vulnerable from economic hardship. If you’re 60–74 years old, you now receive R2 310, and if you’re over 75, your grant rises to R2 330. Disability grants also sit at R2 310, while our few remaining War Veterans now earn R2 330 monthly.
As the government explains, this support ensures dignity for South Africans who no longer earn an income.
Here’s who qualifies for the April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant
To apply, you must be 60 years or older and a South African resident. And yes — the SASSA Old-Age Grant is means and asset tested, meaning only those who truly need the help will qualify.
You must apply in person at a SASSA branch — there’s no online application. However, you can use the SASSA Online Services Portal to book your appointment (when it’s working).
What you need to apply
Bring the following documents to your nearest SASSA office:
- Smart ID card or green barcoded ID book
- Proof of marital status
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Proof of income or financial dividends
- Details of property or assets you own
- Declaration of any private pension
- Certified 3-month bank statement
- UIF records or a discharge certificate from your last job
- Copy of your will and estate documents (if your spouse passed away within 5 years)
SASSA will use this information to confirm your financial eligibility and verify your identity through biometric scanning.
Income and asset limits
Make sure your income and assets fall below these thresholds:
| Status | Max Monthly Income | Max Annual Income | Max Asset Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | R8 070 | R96 840 | R1 372 800 |
| Married | R16 140 | R193 680 | R2 745 600 |
If you exceed these limits, SASSA will reject your application — even if you’re over 60.
Expect your application to take upwards of 3 months to process. But don’t worry — once approved, SASSA will backpay you from the date of your application. That means a lump sum of up to three months’ worth of grants could land in your account all at once.
Why the wait? Because SASSA, Home Affairs, and banking institutions must cross-check your data thoroughly. That’s part of an ongoing effort to stop fraudulent payments, especially after reports that 75,000 deceased beneficiaries still receive grants each month.
Can’t get to a SASSA office?
If you’re too ill, elderly, or live far away, a family member can apply on your behalf. You’ll need:
- A doctor’s letter explaining why you can’t apply in person
- All the required documents
- Police certification (via a commissioner of oaths)
If SASSA rejects your application, you have 90 days to appeal.
Postbank card swap chaos continues
SASSA clients who haven’t yet upgraded from the gold Postbank card to the new black card face serious issues. While the deadline was extended to 31 May 2025, long queues, confusion, and system downtime continue to plague the rollout.
As Mbangashe noted, “even at the current rate of card migration, all 3-million remaining Postbank clients are unlikely to be served in time.”
April–June 2025 SASSA payment dates
Mark your calendars — your grant will arrive on these dates:
- Tuesday 2 April 2025
- Tuesday 6 May 2025
- Tuesday 3 June 2025
Note: Payments may take 2–3 business days to reflect in your bank account.
How to contact SASSA for help
Need support? Here’s how to reach SASSA (if you’re lucky enough to get through):
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 601 011
- Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email: [email protected]
- Presidency Contact: [email protected]
SASSA Old-Age Grants remain one of South Africa’s most vital lifelines — but getting through the red tape isn’t easy. With billions at stake, high application volumes, and fraud prevention efforts tightening, getting your paperwork in order is more important than ever.
Make sure you act before May 31 if you still need to switch your Postbank card, and start your application early if you’re turning 60 this year.
Stay tuned with The South African as the April 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant comes with changes.
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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