If your SASSA grant payment is late—even though your status shows “approved”—you’re not alone. Thousands of South Africans experience delays every month. But knowing what causes it can help you fix it faster. Here’s a breakdown of the five most common reasons for payment delays and what steps to take.
- Verification Backlogs
SASSA verifies your ID, citizenship, and income with multiple government systems (like Home Affairs and SARS). If any of this data is missing or mismatched, it can delay your payment—especially for new or reapplying applicants.
What to do:
Log into the SRD portal and double-check your personal details. If it says “pending,” give it up to 14 days before following up.
- Incorrect or Inactive Bank Accounts
If the name on your bank account doesn’t match your ID, or the account is closed or inactive, your payment will be held.
What to do:
Update your banking info immediately at srd.sassa.gov.za. Only use a bank account registered in your name.
- “Approved but No Pay Date” Status
Your application may be approved, but you still don’t see a pay date. This usually means your payment is in batch processing and hasn’t yet been assigned to a day.
What to do:
Wait 5–7 working days. If it still says “approved but no pay date,” contact SASSA at 0800 60 10 11.
- Means Test Conflicts
If your bank account reflects income above the R624 threshold (even temporarily), SASSA might flag or reject your payment for that month—even if it was a once-off deposit.
What to do:
If your status shows “declined,” submit an appeal at srd.sassa.gov.za. Appeals must be lodged within 30 days of the status change.
- Public Holidays or System Downtime
Sometimes, delays are caused by backlogs during public holidays or tech issues during system upgrades.
What to do:
Follow updates on trusted platforms like Pondoland Times. Don’t rely on WhatsApp forwards or unofficial Facebook pages.
Still Need Help?
Try these:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office if it’s been over 3 weeks
- Call 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free from any network)
- Use the SASSA WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
Tip: Bookmark this page for ongoing SASSA advice or subscribe to our monthly SASSA News Digest.
