No SASSA Grant in May Without Office Visits
Thousands of South Africans may not receive their May 2025 social grants. An official announcement confirms that no SASSA grant will be paid in May without office visits, as biometric ID verification efforts continue.
It is reminded that only targeted grant beneficiaries will be affected by this initiative, which aims to tighten security through in-person visits to resolve identity record mismatches with the Home Affairs database.
No SASSA Grant in May Without Office Visits
SASSA has announced a delay in May 2025 payments for certain grant beneficiaries to encourage them to verify their personal information at the nearest SASSA offices.
Starting 5 May 2025, SASSA biometric ID verification process is targeted beneficiaries who used alternative forms of identification instead of the required 13-digit South African ID, and those with changed personal circumstances, such as changed phone number, incorrect banking details, undeclared income, or mismatched identity records.
The Department of Social Development is intensifying efforts to protect the integrity of the SASSA grant system, which supports over 19 million South Africans. Through biometric verification and electronic identity checks for SRD grant and social grants, the aim is to prevent fraud, eliminate duplicate applications, and ensure grants are paid only to rightful beneficiaries.
According to SASSA, this verification applies only to a select group of targeted beneficiaries. South African ID holders with accurate personal details, valid contact information, and correct banking details will not be affected.
However, those identified for verification must urgently visit a SASSA office or risk missing their May 2025 grant payment being declined. This is being enforced by SASSA to ensure grants are paid only to rightful and verified recipients.
How to Complete the SASSA Verification Process at Your Nearest Office
All affected beneficiaries who received an ‘Identity Verification’ notice must visit the SASSA office and bring their original South African ID document. Failure to complete biometric ID verification will result in no grant payment for May 2025.
If you are unsure whether you are impacted, check your SASSA status for confirmed grant payments online at the official website or visit your local SASSA office as soon as possible.
SASSA is confident this will prevent fraud and ensure grants go to the correct recipients. However, advocacy groups warn that this process may unfairly penalize vulnerable individuals who lack transport or were not properly informed. It’s important to spread awareness so that all affected beneficiaries can verify in time.
Important: SASSA urges grant holders to switch banks amid black card suspension and ongoing Postbank troubles.
Beneficiaries who have not received their May grant payments can complaint SASSA toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 and inquire about the reason, whether it’s due to pending identity verification or a other payment issue.
