SASSA confirms May 2025 grant payment dates amid uncertainty over the sustainability of recent increases following the VAT hike reversal.
SASSA Grant Payment Dates: SASSA has announced the payment dates for May 2025. However, the recent reversal of the proposed VAT increase has raised questions about the sustainability of the recent grant increases.
May 2025 Payment Schedule
Beneficiaries can expect their grants on the following dates:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 6 May 2025
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, 7 May 2025
- Child Support Grant and others: Thursday, 8 May 2025
Payments can be collected at participating retailers, including Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave merchants, Checkers, and Shoprite. Beneficiaries have the option to receive their funds via SASSA card, CashSend, or direct bank transfer.
READ: Temporary SASSA Disability Grant: Duration, Renewal Process, and Conditions for Lapse
Impact of VAT Hike Reversal on Grant Increases
In April 2025, SASSA implemented above-inflation increases to social grants to cushion the poor against the anticipated VAT hike. However, on 24 April 2025, the National Treasury announced the reversal of the proposed VAT increase from 15% to 15.5%, citing political opposition and coalition disagreements.
This reversal creates a R75 billion shortfall in the national budget, prompting concerns about the sustainability of the recent grant increases. While the grants for April have already been disbursed, the Treasury has indicated that expenditure adjustments are necessary to maintain fiscal stability.
Validity of SASSA Gold Cards
SASSA has confirmed that the gold cards remain valid following a directive from the South African Reserve Bank. The issuance of Postbank black cards has been suspended indefinitely, and card replacement sites are no longer operational. Beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the black cards can continue using their gold cards to receive grants.
Also read: SASSA Grant: Affordable Grocery List Items You Can Buy at Boxer
