SASSA Old Age Pensioners – Thousands of SASSA old age pensioners across South Africa have been left frustrated in May 2025 due to widespread payment issues affecting their monthly grants. Reports from multiple provinces confirm delayed disbursements, incorrect amounts, and difficulties in accessing funds via Postbank and retail outlets. This has raised significant concern among the elderly who rely on these payments for their basic needs.
Causes Behind the SASSA Old Age Pensioners Payment Errors and Delays
Several key factors have contributed to the recent disruption in SASSA pension disbursements:
- System errors in Postbank’s internal processing
- Unsuccessful biometric verification for some elderly recipients
- Banking details mismatch during automatic verification
- Network outages affecting retailers and ATMs
- Delayed file submissions from SASSA to banks
- Capacity overload on payment dates
- Manual verification backlogs at SASSA offices
Also Read – June 2025 SASSA Grants & Student Aid Payment Dates Revealed
Regions Affected and Scope of the Problem
Based on field reports and official updates, the payment disruptions have had a national impact. Some of the worst-hit areas include:
- Gauteng (especially Johannesburg and Soweto)
- KwaZulu-Natal (notably Durban townships)
- Eastern Cape (Mthatha, East London)
- Limpopo and North West rural areas
The delays have ranged from 2 to 7 days, with some pensioners receiving partial payments or being told to return later.
Most Common Errors Reported by Beneficiaries
Error Types and Impact
| Error Code / Type | Description | Affected Beneficiaries | Resolution Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERR01 – Invalid Bank Match | Pensioner’s bank details not verified | Over 25,000 | 3-5 working days |
| ERR05 – System Timeout | Payment not processed due to network failure | 10,000+ | Within 48 hours |
| INACTIVE – Account Frozen | Postbank account marked inactive | 7,500 | Needs branch verification |
| FILE-MISSING | SASSA file not transferred to Postbank | National scale | Resolved within 24 hours |
| AMOUNT-DISCREPANCY | Paid less than approved grant value | Widespread | Under review |
| VERIFICATION-PENDING | ID or fingerprint mismatch in SASSA system | 13,000 | Must verify at SASSA office |
| STATUS-PROCESSING | Payment marked ‘in process’ with no release | Various | Ongoing |
| RETAIL-CARD-DECLINE | Card failed at Pick n Pay/Boxer till | 9,000 | Resolved within 72 hours |
Also Read – SASSA Announces UBIG Scheme as SRD Grant Replacement
What SASSA Pensioners Can Do Now
Key Steps for Affected Seniors
- Check your payment status on the official SASSA website or through the GovChat app
- Visit the nearest SASSA office if your payment status is “verification pending”
- Contact Postbank customer care at 0800 53 54 55 for card or account issues
- Call the SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to report delays or wrong amounts
- Request reissue of payments via form if your grant shows ‘paid’ but wasn’t received
- Avoid withdrawing from unverified retailers if card errors persist
Breakdown of May 2025 Old Age Grant Payments
Pension Payment Details – May 2025
| Component | Amount (ZAR) | Scheduled Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Basic Pension | R2,180 | May 13, 2025 | Delayed in most areas |
| Older Persons Additional Top-Up | R20 | May 13, 2025 | Paid to some recipients |
| Arrears from April (if any) | Variable | May 13–15, 2025 | Some underpaid |
| Retroactive Correction | R50–R200 | May 16 onward | Pending SASSA approval |
| Foster Care Related Grants | R1,180 | May 16, 2025 | Released on time |
| Disability Grants (related cases) | R2,180 | May 17, 2025 | Minor issues |
| Postbank Direct Deposits | R2,180 | May 13–16, 2025 | Network-dependent |
| Cash Payment at Pay Points | R2,180 | May 17–20, 2025 | Ongoing |
Department Contact Details for Assistance
Where to Report and Get Help
| Department | Contact Number | Working Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA National Office | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm |
| Postbank Call Centre | 0800 53 54 55 | [email protected] | 24/7 |
| Department of Social Dev | 012 312 7500 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm |
| GovChat Technical Support | Via GovChat App | [email protected] | 7am–7pm |
| Retail Payment Helpline | 0860 111 502 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm |
FAQs – SASSA Old Age Pensioners
How do I know if my SASSA payment is delayed?
You can check your grant status online via www.sassa.gov.za or call the toll-free line 0800 60 10 11.
Can I still receive payment if my card failed at a retailer?
Yes. You should retry at an ATM or a different retailer. If problems persist, contact Postbank or SASSA directly.
What should I do if my grant shows “paid” but I didn’t receive it?
Report the issue at your nearest SASSA office and submit a “Non-Payment Affidavit” to request a reissue.
Will I get back the money I missed due to the error?
Yes, SASSA has assured that all legitimate underpayments will be corrected and disbursed retroactively.
Are biometric verifications mandatory for all pensioners?
Only for cases flagged as “Verification Pending.” Most routine payments do not need re-verification.
Conclusion of SASSA Old Age Pensioners
The May 2025 pension grant issues have underscored the critical need for consistent service delivery and system reliability. While SASSA and Postbank are working to resolve the backlog, elderly recipients are urged to follow up using official channels and avoid misinformation. Delays are expected to be resolved by mid-May, with corrective payments likely to follow shortly after. Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay informed through official SASSA platforms and contact centers.
