SASSA Older Person Grants for August 2025 to be paid this week

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay August 2025 Older Person Grants to four million beneficiaries starting tomorrow, Tuesday, 5 August 2025.

To cut costs, SASSA has introduced stricter income and identity verification measures for this month’s payments. As a result, the agency has added a fourth payment date for beneficiaries who need to update or confirm their details.

Recipients whose grants have been reviewed and corrected will receive their payments on Friday, 8 August 2025.

AUGUST 2025 SASSA OLDER PERSON GRANTS

Traditionally, SASSA gave three months’ notice in writing before a grant review took place. However, following above-inflation grant increases back in April 2025, and the appointment of a new CEO, Temba Matlou, the department has started withholding grants first, and asking questions later.

The agency has reportedly withheld over a quarter of a million social grants since May 2025 and tightened the asset and means test criteria for eligibility.

While the agency maintains that it hasn’t suspended any grants, it says payments are only being withheld until verification is completed. So, how does the process work?

THREE MONTHS TO COMPLY

Affected beneficiaries have three months to come forward to SASSA and prove their personal income/assets are in order. The new limitations for ‘core’ grants (since April 2025) are as follows:

*figures are annual, so divide by 12 for a per-month figure

TERRIBLE CONDITIONS IN QUEUES

Anyone heading to a SASSA office to verify their August 2025 Older Person Grant is likely to face major frustration. Reports indicate that SASSA branches are overwhelmed with beneficiaries trying to resolve their grant reviews, leaving little to no capacity for other services.

In response, the SASSA CEO has urged all senior staff to step in and assist beneficiaries throughout the week.

If you’re selected for income and/or asset review, you’ll need the following:

• A recent/valid three-month bank statement.
• Valid work payslip.
• Copy of your ID (plus your child’s ID if applicable).
• Proof of residence (no older than three months).

PAY BACK THE MONEY

Note that the agency cross-references all your income details and can therefore calculate the exact month, and by how much, you’re overstepping its income criteria. Therefore, if you cannot prove your innocence, you will have to pay back the money in full to the government.

You can settle the amount either by paying it in a single lump sum or by setting up a monthly debit order through your bank. The agency also provides a lay-away option, but be aware that it accrues interest and will cost you more in the long run.

APPLYING FOR OLDER PERSON BENEFITS

Even though it’s too late for this week’s August 2025 SASSA Older Person Grants, here’s how you can apply for future months:

• Only over 60s qualify for SASSA Older Person Grants.
• Bring an official RSA identity document (ID).
• Provide all documents proving your marital status.
• Supply a proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it).
• Show all proof of income and/or financial dividends.
• Bring any information regarding assets, valuation of property.
• You must declare any private pension in your name.
• Provide a valid three months’ statement certified by your bank (no older than three months’).
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
• A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.

If you are denied August 2025 SASSA Older Person Grants, you do have 90 days to lodge an appeal with the Department of Social Development (DSD) by clicking HERE.

PAYMENT DATES FOR 2025

Be sure to note the remaining pay dates for the year:

• AUGUST – Tuesday 5 August 2025 (this week)
• SEPTEMBER – Tuesday 2 September 2025
• OCTOBER – Thursday 2 October 2025 (potential increase unconfirmed)
• NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4 November 2025
• DECEMBER – Tuesday 2 December 2025