SASSA Old-Age Grant Recipients: March 2025 Payment Dates and Updates

SASSA old age grants for March 2025 have arrived, with new updates and more.

The South African Social Security Agency finds itself in its most tumultuous times in its history. Beneficiaries of SASSA Old-Age Grants for the month of March 2025 are left blindfolded amid a string of fiscal and managerial crises. The delayed budget reveal to the never-ending Postbank card replacement nightmare, millions of vulnerable citizens can only wonder whether they will continue receiving their benefit payments.
Here’s all you need to know about the last SASSA Old-Age Grants for March 2025, payment dates, eligibility, and impending issues for April and later.

Here’s all you need to know about the last SASSA Old-Age Grants for March 2025, payment dates, eligibility, and impending issues for April and later.

March 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grant Payments

In spite of the unrest, SASSA will make payments of Old-Age Grants on Tuesday, 4 March 2025. Payment levels don’t change this month:

• 60- to 74-year-olds: R2,190
• 75-year-olds and above: R2,210
• They will be final payments at present rates. Still, SASSA has yet to indicate whether or not the hikes will begin from April 2025.

Delayed budget speech and the card swap fiasco

Millions of South Africans held their breath in anticipation of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s February budget speech, holding out for grant increases to be confirmed. Instead, the delay left beneficiaries in limbo, with further uncertainty.

Compounding the crisis, Social Development Minister Tolashe described the Postbank card replacement as a ‘crisis.’ More than three million gold card beneficiaries were afforded less than a month to change their cards, and this resulted in long queues, harsh weather, and the absence of basic amenities for disabled and elderly beneficiaries. The new extended deadline of Thursday, 20 March 2025, will not make the situation any better.

Legal Battles and Future Grant Uncertainty

A High Court decision earlier this year determined that millions had been ‘unlawfully’ disqualified from Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants. If the ruling is upheld by the government, it may have an effect on current ‘core’ grants, such as for the elderly, disabled, war veterans, and parents.

In the meantime, the Government of National Unity (GNU) thwarted the Finance Minister’s suggested VAT hike from 15% to 17%, a step economists opined was to finance a Basic Income Grant (BIG). This widening of the SRD grant would cost an estimated R36 billion, and there are fears of possible shortages in funding for pensioners.

Who is Eligible for SASSA Old-Age Grants?

To qualify for a SASSA Old-Age Grant in March 2025, applicants should:

• Be 60 years or older
• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Pass the means test, including income and asset limits:
• Single applicants: Income less than R8,070/month (R96,840/year); assets less than R1,372,800
• Married applicants: Combined income less than R16,140/month (R193,680/year); assets less than R2,745,600

How to Apply for a SASSA Old-Age Grant

SASSA does not provide online application. Applicants are required to attend a SASSA office in person with the following documents:

• Valid identification (green booklet or smart card)
• Proof of residence (utility bill in your name, for example)
• Three months’ bank statements
• Proof of income or pension fund statement
• UIF membership book or discharge certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of a will and liquidation/distribution accounts if the spouse died in the past five years
• A family member or friend can assist with the application if a doctor’s letter confirms you’re unable to apply in person. Documents must be certified at a police station by a commissioner of oaths.