In recent weeks, many South Africans have seen online posts claiming that seniors will begin receiving a new R3,500 monthly pension from 5 December. These claims have spread quickly, especially on social media, raising hopes for a major boost in financial support.
However, after reviewing credible information and official updates, there is no confirmation that such an increase has been approved. The claim appears to be misinformation.
What the Official Pension Amount Really Is
For 2025, SASSA has set the Older Persons Grant at:
- R2,320 per month for seniors aged 60–74
- R2,340 per month for seniors 75 and older
These are the official, government-confirmed figures. No update has been issued announcing a jump to R3,500, and no legal or budget approval has been released to support such a change.
Why the R3,500 Claim Is Misleading
The rumours likely come from unverified websites and social posts that do not reference any official SASSA statements. Large increases like this would require:
- Treasury approval
- Government budget adjustments
- Formal announcement from SASSA
- Publication through official communication channels
None of these have occurred, which makes the R3,500 claim unreliable. Similar misinformation about “bonus grants” and “double December payouts” has circulated before and was also proven false.
What Seniors Should Expect for December 2025
While a major pension jump is not confirmed, seniors will receive their regular monthly Older Persons Grant during the first week of December. Payments typically begin around 2 December, following SASSA’s standard schedule.
Beneficiaries should continue planning their finances based on the official amounts currently in effect rather than unverified rumours.
Why Pension Increase Rumours Keep Circulating
South African seniors continue to face rising living costs, and many advocacy groups have called for the pension to be lifted significantly — in some cases to R5,000 per month. These petitions and discussions may be contributing to the spread of exaggerated or incorrect claims online.
However, public demands do not equal approved policy changes.
What Seniors Should Do to Stay Informed
- Rely only on official SASSA announcements
- Be cautious of unofficial websites or viral social posts
- Check payment dates and grant amounts through verified channels
- Avoid sharing posts that promise sudden “bonus” or “extra” pension payouts
Conclusion
The widely shared claim that seniors will receive R3,500 monthly pension payments from 5 December is not supported by any official evidence. The confirmed Older Persons Grant remains R2,320 to R2,340, depending on age. While many South Africans hope for a larger increase, beneficiaries should rely on verified information to avoid financial confusion or disappointment.