The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially announced its August 2025 grant payment schedule, assuring recipients that disbursements will proceed without interruption. However, the agency has simultaneously issued a warning: non-compliance with its digital review processes may lead to suspended or permanently lapsed grants.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou, speaking at a media briefing on July 14, emphasized that grant reviews and automated verification systems are being tightened to ensure only eligible individuals continue to receive financial assistance.
August Grant Dates and Payment Amounts
According to SASSA, grant payments for August 2025 will be made on the following dates:
- Older persons grant – Tuesday, August 5
- Disability grant – Wednesday, August 6
- Children’s grants – Thursday, August 7
The latest payment amounts are:
- Old age (60–74) and disability grants: R2,315
- Old age (75+) grant: R2,335
- War veterans and care dependency grants: R2,315
- Child support grant: R560
- Foster care grant: R1,250
- COVID-19 SRD grant: R370
SASSA processes over 19 million monthly grants, a massive national task that now includes stricter data checks and automated cross-referencing with various government departments.
Digital Reviews and Grant Lapsing Warnings
SASSA has implemented a real-time automated verification system, checking beneficiaries’ eligibility through regular database comparisons. These measures aim to detect unreported income or asset changes. Individuals who fail to update personal information or ignore review notices risk having their grants suspended or permanently lapsed.
In June 2025, the agency identified around 210,000 cases where recipients failed to report new sources of income, violating the Social Assistance Act. Matlou stressed that SASSA is obligated to issue three months’ notice before suspending any grant, but repeated non-compliance will lead to disqualification.
Revised Eligibility Thresholds from April 2025
Effective April 1, 2025, updated eligibility criteria are now in place:
Asset Limits:
- Single applicant: R1,524,600
- Married applicant: R3,049,200
Annual Income Limits:
- Older persons/disability/war veterans (Single): R107,880
- (Married): R215,760
- Child support grant (Single): R67,200
- (Married): R134,400
Care dependency grant:
- Single caregiver: Subject to means test
- Married caregiver: R277,200
SRD Grant:
- Monthly income must not exceed R624
These thresholds aim to prevent abuse of the system while directing funds to the most vulnerable.
SASSA Under Pressure for Transparency
In addition to routine payment duties, SASSA is under growing pressure to submit quarterly review reports to the National Treasury. These reports must detail irregularities, beneficiary reviews, and any corrective actions taken. This administrative burden further underscores the importance of beneficiary compliance.
Matlou urged all recipients to check their contact details, respond to all SASSA communications, and act quickly if flagged for review to avoid disruption.
