Latest update on June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants

We now know the fate of the June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants, scheduled for disbursement on Tuesday, 6 June 2025.

Uncertainty surrounded Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s third attempt at a national budget. Although SASSA grant increases took effect in April 2025, they were based on VAT hikes and other tax measures that the government has since rejected.

Accordingly, the Department of Social Development (DSD) will receive R285 billion for social grants in the 2025/26 fiscal year—no more and no less—under budget 3.0. However, after June 2025, the allocation for SASSA Old-Age Grants will decrease to R260 billion in 2026/27.

JUNE 2025 SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS

But over 60s who are beneficiaries of June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants needn’t worry. Because this R25-billion adjustment next year pertains to Social Relief of Distress (SRD) and not ‘core’ grants. Specifically, South African Social Security Agency wants to rejig SRD into something attune to a universal basic income grant. Potentially freeing up even more money for ‘core’ grant recipients. 

Therefore, South Africa’s elderly do not have to worry, and can continue to enjoy the above-inflation increases from earlier this year. In fact, South Africa’s pensioners over 75 enjoy the highest grant paid out nationally – R2 330. While over 60s receive R2 310 monthly. Let’s remind you who is eligible for such a grant and how you can apply …

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN OLD-AGE GRANT IN SOUTH AFRICA

Roughly 28-million residents receive some form of SASSA grant each month (45% of the population). The vast majority of these are R370 SRD grants and child support, however, the most critical are more than 4-million elderly, needy pensioners. If you are over 60 and meet the financial eligibility requirements, you should definitely apply for the June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants. Keep in mind that processing applications usually takes about three months.

All applications must be done at a SASSA office or branch in person with an official present to oversee and assist you. Be sure to present the following documents and biometric data:

• Official bar-coded identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet.
• Documents proving marital status.
• Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it qualifies).
• Confirmation of proof of income and/or financial dividends.
• Any information regarding your assets, including a valuation of property.
• Declaration of any private pension in your name (if applicable).
• Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (not more than three months old).
• Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
• A copy of your will, and first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.

PASS THE ASSET AND MEANS TEST

All of the above is required so the agency can confirm your income and assets. Those who have sufficient means through a private pension, savings and personal assets, you will not be granted June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants.

Moreover, it was announced in Parliament recently that SASSA must conduct stricter monthly checks on beneficiaries in a bid to keep fraud down. This takes the form of monthly checks on applicants’ bank accounts. And this is not just for June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants but also SRD, child support, disability and care dependency. So, the lesson here is keep your finances in order …

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL LIMITS?

As such, SASSA officials will enforce the following income and asset limits:

• You cannot earn more than R8 070 per month (R96 840 per year) if single.
• The income limit is R16 140 per month (R193 680 per year) if married.
• Total value of your assets declared must not exceed R1 372 800 if single.
• And your assets cannot be valued higher than R2 745 600 if married.

Thankfully, these asset and means limits have not changed in several years, while June 2025 SASSA Old-Age Grants are higher than they’ve ever been. Also, the agency does allow you to get a family member or loved one to help you apply. However, they will need a letter from you and/or a doctor’s note explaining why you cannot apply yourself. And remember, if your grant application is denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision with the Department of Social Development.

STRICT IDENTITY CHECKS

Furthermore, SASSA must start mandatory data cross-checking with Home Affairs, Correctional Services, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund for grant applicants. Likewise, SASSA began biometric verification for grant beneficiaries using alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African ID number.

These checks will only increase as SASSA is expected to deliver quarterly reports on progress to the DSD. This is all in the name of ensuring grants are reviewed and cancelled in good time to save money per grant type and not waste taxpayer money.