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Retirees Face Delays in May Social Security Payments: Check Why!

Retirees are facing delays in May 2025 SASSA Older Persons Grant payments due to identity and income verification checks. This guide explains the causes, outlines who’s affected, and provides clear steps for resolving the issue. Includes tips, FAQs, and official SASSA links to help retirees protect their benefits and avoid grant suspension.

by Pankaj Yadav

Published On: May 11, 2025

Retirees Face Delays in May Social Security Payments: If you’re a retiree in South Africa relying on SASSA’s Older Persons Grant, you may have already heard troubling news: some May 2025 social security payments are delayed. These delays, though temporary, are causing significant concern for older citizens who depend on timely payments to cover their basic living expenses.

In this article, we unpack the reasons behind the delays, explain who is affected, and walk you through what steps to take to make sure you get your payment. We also offer professional insights and guidance to help you manage the situation confidently and responsibly.

Retirees Face Delays in May Social Security Payments

Key Information	Details
Affected Group	Retirees and other SASSA Older Persons Grant beneficiaries
Reason for Delay	Identity verification mismatches and unreported income triggers during routine SASSA audits
Revised Payment Date	6 May 2025 (may vary based on verification completion)
Required Action	Visit nearest SASSA office with your valid 13-digit SA ID and supporting documents
Penalty for Non-compliance	Suspension or cancellation of grant
Official SASSA Website	www.sassa.gov.za

The delays in May 2025 SASSA grants may be temporary, but their impact is real. By acting quickly, verifying your documents, and staying informed, you can ensure that your social security payments continue without interruption.

If you know someone who may not have access to this information, consider helping them reach out to SASSA or visit a local office. Let’s keep the system fair, secure, and working for everyone.

Understanding the Root of the Delays

Why Now?

According to SASSA and the Department of Social Development, a new wave of fraud prevention and eligibility verification began in early 2025. This process is designed to ensure that the social grants system only serves eligible individuals.

Unfortunately, during the verification audits, thousands of retirees were flagged for having incomplete or inconsistent identity documentation. Many were registered using temporary permits, asylum seeker IDs, or outdated personal data. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) reported that some of these individuals actually hold valid 13-digit SA ID numbers, but their SASSA records don’t reflect this correctly.

At the same time, financial audits uncovered cases of unreported income, which may disqualify some from receiving grants. Even small deposits from informal jobs or family transfers have triggered reviews.

How Serious Is This Issue?

More than 150,000 older persons were initially flagged in May 2025’s prepayment audit, according to IOL News. Of those, over 65,000 were required to verify their ID in person. The rest were identified for financial review.

While this might seem like a large number, it’s worth noting that over 3.8 million Older Persons Grants are paid each month. Still, the delays could impact thousands who depend on timely disbursements.

Retirees Face Delays in May Social Security Payments Guide: What to Do If You Haven’t Been Paid

Check for Notifications: SASSA typically notifies flagged beneficiaries via SMS, email, or a letter. If you’ve received one of these, follow the instructions precisely.
Gather These Documents: Make sure you have the following:
- Your 13-digit South African ID
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.)
- SASSA card (if applicable)
- Bank statements from the last 3 months
Visit Your Nearest SASSA Office: Head to your local branch during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8 AM to 4 PM). Use the SASSA Office Locator if you’re unsure where to go.
Update or Verify Your Records: Speak to a representative about the delay. You may need to:
- Correct your ID records
- Submit income verification
- Sign an affidavit if your ID was misused
Request a Reference Number: This is important. Always get a case reference number to track your verification status.
Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back in 7 to 10 working days, call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or email [email protected].

Who Is Most Affected?

You are most likely to be affected if:

Your ID was issued recently, changed, or never updated in the SASSA system
You have deposits into your bank account not previously disclosed
You registered using alternative ID forms (asylum, refugee documents)
You receive the SRD R370 grant in addition to your older person grant

In some cases, a relative or third-party acting on your behalf might have submitted conflicting information.

Retirees Face Delays in May Social Security Payments Prevent Future Issues

Here are a few best practices to keep your grant active and avoid delays:

Update personal information annually
Disclose all income sources, including help from relatives
Keep bank records clean
Use your official ID only for SASSA registrations
Report suspected fraud to SASSA

Being proactive can save you a lot of time and stress.

Professional Insight: Why Verification Matters

From a public service perspective, verifying eligibility is critical to protecting the long-term sustainability of the grant system. With over R200 billion allocated annually to social grants, any misuse impacts the entire nation.

While the process may seem inconvenient, it’s a necessary step in ensuring that funds reach the most vulnerable.

As someone who has worked alongside both government and NGO sectors, I can confirm that transparency, communication, and proper recordkeeping are your best allies when navigating systems like SASSA.