Every month, millions of South Africans depend on their SASSA grants to buy food, pay bills, and support their families. But in May 2025, a small but common mistake is causing big problems. Many people are not receiving their SASSA payments on time—and it all comes down to one thing: incorrect banking details.
In this article, we’ll explain what’s going wrong, who’s affected, and how you can fix the problem to make sure you get your money without delays.
The Big Problem: Wrong or Mismatched Bank Details
SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) says the biggest reason people are not getting their grants this May is due to incorrect bank information.
This could include:
- Using an old or closed bank account
- A spelling mistake in your name
- A bank account that doesn’t match your ID number
Even a small mistake—like one wrong number—can stop your payment from going through. This mistake can delay your money for days or even weeks.
Who Is Affected by This?
This issue affects all types of SASSA grants, including:
- Older Persons Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 Grant
Whether you receive your money through a bank account, cash send, or SASSA card, your personal and banking information must match exactly with what your bank and SASSA have on file.
Why It’s a Big Deal in May 2025
May is an important month because it’s the start of winter in South Africa. Many families are trying to stock up on food, electricity, and heating. A delay in your SASSA payment can make life very difficult.
This month, thousands of people are facing delays just because their bank details are wrong. That’s why SASSA is reminding everyone to check their information right away.
How You Can Fix It
If you think your payment is late or might get delayed, here’s what you can do:
1. Update Your Bank Details Online
Go to the official SASSA SRD website and log in using your ID and phone number. Follow the steps to change or confirm your banking information.
2. Check That Your Info Matches
Make sure your full name and ID number match exactly with your bank records. If even one detail is wrong, your payment may not go through.
3. Don’t Create a New Application
If you already have an approved grant, don’t apply again. Just update your existing profile. Multiple applications can confuse the system and cause delays.
4. Track Your Payment
Use the SRD portal or SASSA’s WhatsApp service to check your payment status. If it still says “pending” after 7 days, contact SASSA.
What Is SASSA Doing to Help?
SASSA knows how important these payments are. They are working to:
- Speed up the process of checking and approving banking details
- Add more staff to call centers and local offices to help people faster
But remember, SASSA has over 18 million people to serve. That’s why it’s better to fix problems online, where it’s quicker and easier.
Don’t Let a Small Mistake Cost You Your Grant
SASSA’s payment system works well—if your information is correct. A simple error like a wrong digit or forgetting to update your bank account can delay your money.
With the next round of payments coming soon, now is the best time to:
- Log in to your SASSA profile
- Check your name and ID
- Make sure your bank info is 100% correct
Help Others Stay Informed
If you help someone like an older person or someone with a disability manage their SASSA grant, remind them to check their records too. One small mistake could mean they don’t get their money on time.
To stay updated, follow SASSA on:
- Or visit the official website: www.sassa.gov.za
Final Thoughts
Getting your SASSA payment on time is important—especially when you’re depending on it. The good news is, avoiding delays is easy. Just make sure your details are up to date, correct, and match what your bank has on file. A little check now can save you a big headache later.
FAQ’S
1. Why is my SASSA payment delayed this month?
Your SASSA payment may be delayed due to incorrect or outdated bank details. Make sure your ID number matches your bank account and that all your personal information is up to date.
2. How do I update my SASSA banking details online?
Go to the official SASSA SRD website, log in with your ID number and cellphone, then follow the steps to update your bank details. Make sure the name on your bank account matches your ID.
3. What does ‘SASSA status pending’ mean?
If your SASSA status shows “pending,” it means your application or payment is still being processed. If it stays pending for more than 7 days, contact SASSA directly for help.