South Africa’s elderly will receive their grants earlier this January, as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced the schedule for January 2025. Payments will start on Friday, January 3, 2025, offering much-needed support after the festive season.
Payment Dates for Grants
SASSA has outlined the January 2025 payment dates:
- Older Persons Grant: Payments will be available on Friday, January 3, 2025.
- Disability and Children’s Grants: Payments will begin on Monday, January 7, and Tuesday, January 8, 2025, respectively.
- COVID-19 SRD Grant: Payments for approved beneficiaries will take place from January 25 to January 31, 2025.
These early payment dates aim to provide timely financial relief for grant recipients recovering from holiday expenses.
Reasons for Early Payments
The earlier-than-usual payment schedule is made possible by this year’s calendar arrangement. This change brings relief to elderly citizens who rely on these funds.
The grant amounts remain the same:
- R2,190 for beneficiaries aged 60–74.
- R2,210 for beneficiaries aged 75 and older.
Operational Challenges in 2024
Although January 2025 starts on a positive note, SASSA faced major challenges in 2024:
- Leadership Issues:
- SASSA’s CEO, Busisiwe Memela-Khambula, was suspended following a probe into her appointment.
- Themba Matlou took over as acting CEO in December 2024.
- Account Closures:
- Over 150,000 accounts were closed due to issues with eligibility verification.
- Fraud Allegations:
- Allegations of fraud linked to the R370 COVID-19 SRD grant surfaced, involving more than 17 million recipients.
- Stellenbosch University researchers uncovered cases of identity theft, prompting the National Treasury to mandate stricter applicant verification with the Department of Home Affairs.
Guidance for Beneficiaries
Despite the challenges, the early payment schedule for January 2025 offers relief to grant recipients. Beneficiaries are encouraged to:
- Verify Documentation: Ensure all required documents are updated.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm they meet the eligibility requirements.
To apply or get assistance, visit the nearest SASSA office or use the online services portal at sassacheck.co.za.
Looking Ahead
SASSA’s commitment to improving its operations continues in 2025. The early payments offer a positive start to the year and aim to provide reliable financial support to South Africa’s vulnerable citizens.
