The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pays the Older Persons Grant in an amount of R2,315 for August 2025, thus giving support to seniors 60–74 years old, while persons above 75 are paid slightly more—a sum of R2,335. A R125 increase from R2,190 in July was effected on August 5, 2025, to respond to rising living costs (5.2% inflation in 2024). This write-up presents information about payments, eligibility, and how to ensure timely receipt for the 7.8 million pensioners.
General Payment Dates for August 2025
The advantage of having a staggered schedule for payment disbursements is the smooth flow of funds for:
- Older Persons Grant: August 5, 2025. Ages 60 and up (R2,315; R2,335 for 75+).
- Disability Grant: August 6, 2025 (R2,315).
- Child Grants: August 7, 2025, for Child Support (R560), Foster Child (R1,250), and Care Dependency (R2,315).
- SRD Grant: R370 payments rollout from August 25–30, 2025, with dates notified via SMS. Another new date that will cover grants that are under review is August 8, ensuring no delays for beneficiaries that are verified. Funds can be collected via bank accounts, SASSA Gold Cards, or cash points, including Shoprite.
Why the Grant Is Important
With food inflation at 6.1% and an overall inflation rate of 5.2%, this R2,315 grant should cover essentials to some extent for a senior person, such as groceries, utilities, and medical bills. It works toward poverty reduction (55.5% in South Africa) and local economic stimulation through spending, ensuring support for some 7.8 million older persons. The increase in the grant, along with two statutory adjustments made by SASSA to keep the grant at a certain value, along with another statutory variation, is said to provide further financial stability to vulnerable households.
Eligibility Criteria
Conditions to Receive the R2,315 for an Older Persons Grant:
- Age: Must be 60 years or older (R2,335 given to persons over 75 years).
- Citizenship: South African or permanent resident citizen, registered refugee.
- Residency: Must reside in South Africa and should not be out of the country for more than 90 days per annum.
- Income Limits: Income is less than R8,070 per month (R96,840/year) for a single applicant; R16,140 (R193,680/year) for a couple.
- Asset Limits: All assets should be less than R1,372,800 (single) and R2,745,600 (married).
- Other Grants: Should not be simultaneously receiving any other grant such as a Disability grant or SRD. Means testing is done through SASSA, with 210,000 grants suspended.
How to Access Your Grant
Payments can be made to:
- Bank Accounts: Deposits directly, provided the bank details are updated.
- SASSA Gold Card: Withdrawals at ATMs or at retailers like Pick n Pay.
- Cash Points: Withdrawals at post offices or other stores using OTP.For smooth withdrawals:
- Update your details by 31 July 2025 on sassa.gov.za or at SASSA offices.
- Check your ID for compliance by 15 August 2025 (smart ID).
- Check your Status on srd.sassa.gov.za, WhatsApp (082 046 8553), or by USSD (1347737#).
Avoiding Payment Delays
Outdated details or unverified IDs can deny payments. If listed for it, you must supply evidence of income or residence within thirty days. The SASSA helpline is at 0800 60 10 11. Avoid scammers by using only the legitimate channels, such as sassa.gov.za and @OfficialSASSA on X.
Also Read: SASSA R12,500 Youth Grant Applications Open 15 August 2025: Apply Now