SASSA Sets the Record Straight On the Payment of Old Age Grants
SASSA Sets the Record Straight On the Payment of Old Age Grants. In response to widespread panic among elderly citizens, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has stepped forward to clarify and reassure its beneficiaries. Recent social media misinformation falsely claimed that Old Age Grant payments would be halted if beneficiaries did not update their documents by April 30, 2025. These claims have been firmly denied by the agency.
Let’s explore the facts and provide clarity for SASSA recipients who rely on these monthly grants.
What Is the SASSA Old Age Grant?
The Old Age Grant is a form of social assistance provided by SASSA to South African citizens or permanent residents who are 60 years or older and have no or limited income. This monthly payment plays a critical role in supporting the elderly, especially those without pension funds or alternative income sources.
To qualify for the Old Age Grant, applicants must meet certain criteria such as:
- Being a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Residing in South Africa
- Being 60 years or older
- Passing a means test (not earning above a certain amount)
- Not receiving any other social grant for themselves
Misinformation That Sparked Panic
In April, social media posts went viral suggesting that if Old Age Grant beneficiaries failed to update specific documents by April 30, 2025, their grants would be terminated. The misleading message circulated rapidly, causing anxiety and confusion among thousands of elderly South Africans who feared losing their financial lifeline.
These false claims not only created chaos but also disrupted the emotional well-being of the elderly community who depend on these grants for survival.
SASSA Responds With Official Statement
In a firm and clear response, SASSA issued a public statement confirming that Old Age Grant payments will continue in May 2025 and beyond. The agency labelled the viral social media message as “incorrect and fake,” urging all beneficiaries not to panic or worry about losing their grants.
“As SASSA, we would like to confirm that the message is incorrect and fake. This message is mischievous, and we urge our beneficiaries not to panic, as no grant will be cancelled,” the agency stated.
Only Certain Grants Undergo Periodic Review
According to SASSA, only specific types of social grants are subject to regular reviews—and even then, the agency directly notifies the relevant individuals before any changes are made.
This means that if a grant is due for a review, SASSA will personally contact the beneficiary. No one needs to update documents or take any action unless they are explicitly instructed by the agency.
“SASSA only reviews grants that need to be reviewed at a particular time, and that is communicated to the beneficiaries whose grant is to be reviewed before any action is taken,” the agency confirmed.
The Danger of Fake News on Social Media
One of the key issues highlighted in SASSA’s response is the spread of fake news on social media platforms. False information regarding grant cancellations or changes in requirements can lead to unnecessary stress, confusion, and even missed payments if people try to act on incorrect advice.
Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s spokesperson, emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it:
“We appeal to our beneficiaries to only rely on credible sources of information on our official social media pages. Before anyone can share any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid disseminating false information that may cause anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries.”
Where to Find Credible SASSA Information
Beneficiaries are encouraged to only trust information that comes from official SASSA communication channels. These include:
| Official SASSA Platforms | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
| Twitter (X) | @OfficialSASSA |
| SASSA News | |
| WhatsApp Channel (e.g. IOL News) | Check for verified WhatsApp news channels |
| Regional SASSA Offices | Visit your nearest SASSA office for updates and queries |
If a message is not on one of these platforms, treat it with caution.
What Should Beneficiaries Do Now?
Here are some simple steps that Old Age Grant beneficiaries can take to protect themselves from scams and stay informed:
Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
Despite alarming posts online, your grant is not at risk unless you are contacted directly by SASSA. No grant will be stopped due to unverified documentation issues.
Follow Only Verified SASSA Pages
Ensure you’re following the correct official SASSA pages and enable notifications so you don’t miss updates.
Report Fake Messages
If you come across suspicious messages or posts, report them to SASSA or relevant authorities to help stop the spread of fake news.
Don’t Share Personal Information
Never share your ID number, SASSA card number, or any sensitive information in response to messages from unverified sources.
Upcoming Old Age Grant Payment Dates
For those planning their finances, here’s a handy overview of the upcoming Old Age Grant payment dates for the remainder of the year:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| May 2025 | Friday, 2 May 2025 |
| June 2025 | Monday, 2 June 2025 |
| July 2025 | Wednesday, 2 July 2025 |
| August 2025 | Friday, 1 August 2025 |
| September 2025 | Tuesday, 2 September 2025 |
| October 2025 | Thursday, 2 October 2025 |
Note: Try to withdraw funds after the payment date to avoid long queues and system delays.
Conclusion
The SASSA Old Age Grant is a vital support system for millions of South Africans. Unfortunately, in today’s digital age, misinformation spreads fast and can create unnecessary panic. SASSA has made it crystal clear—no one’s grant will be cancelled based on the false social media posts about document updates.
