SASSA grant: Elderly beneficiaries for August 2025 to be paid this week

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is set to begin disbursing the August 2025 Older Person Grants from Tuesday, 5 August 2025, with payments scheduled for nearly four million elderly beneficiaries. In a move to improve accountability and reduce expenditure, the agency has implemented stricter income and identity verification measures for this month’s payments.

Verification First, Payment Later

Unlike in previous years where reviews were preceded by three months’ notice, the current SASSA administration—under new CEO Temba Matlou—has reversed the process. Grants are now withheld first, and only released after beneficiaries complete verification. This follows above-inflation increases to core grants introduced in April 2025.

To accommodate the influx of affected beneficiaries, SASSA has introduced a fourth payment date for those whose grants were under review. Beneficiaries who have successfully updated or corrected their details will receive their payment on Friday, 8 August 2025.

Stricter Eligibility, Delayed Payments

Since May 2025, over 250,000 grants have been withheld as the agency tightened its asset and means test criteria. While SASSA maintains that no grants have been permanently suspended, it acknowledges that payments are being paused until income and asset verification is completed.

Beneficiaries selected for review are granted three months to comply by providing relevant documentation. Required documents include:

• A valid three-month bank statement

• Recent payslip (if employed)

  
  
  

• A copy of the beneficiary’s ID (and child’s ID if applicable)

• Proof of residence not older than three months

SASSA offices, however, have become overwhelmed, with long queues and service delays reported nationwide. In response, CEO Matlou has called on senior staff across the agency to assist affected individuals directly this week.

Repayment Obligations for Overpayments

If a beneficiary is found to have exceeded the income threshold and cannot prove eligibility, they will be required to repay the grant. SASSA can calculate the exact excess and enforce repayment through one of the following methods:

• Lump sum payment

  
  
  

• Monthly debit order

• Lay-away plan (Note: this option attracts interest)

Key Payment Dates for SASSA Older Person Grants (2025)

• August: Tuesday, 5 August 2025

• September: Tuesday, 2 September 2025

  
  
  

• October: Thursday, 2 October 2025 (potential increase pending)

• November: Tuesday, 4 November 2025

• December: Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Applying for Older Person Grants

Though it’s too late to apply for the August disbursement, interested persons aged 60 and above can apply for future payments by presenting the following:

• RSA ID

• Marital status documentation

• Proof of residence (utility bill with your name)

• Proof of income, dividends, and private pension

• Three-month certified bank statement

• UIF membership book or employer discharge certificate

• If widowed in the past five years: a will and liquidation/distribution account

If your application is denied, you have 90 days to file an appeal with the Department of Social Development (DSD).