savings account has not increased in years

[Zeno]

My mom has $5 in her savings account but she put this in her account in 2003 and it has not increased at all. I thought in a savings the amount would have increased especially it being 14 years. everytime she receives statement from credit union it always says $5 and has shown that for years. the dividend rate says .25%

[dragontears]

Very simple, most (maybe all) banks require a $0.01 minimum dividend to be paid. For a 0.25% APY you need $48 to receive $0.01 in a month; a $5 balance is $0.001/month
I hope I explained it clearly

[Tazman81]

I agree with dragontears.  Also, check your bank.  Some places required at least a $100 minimum balance in order to earn interest.

[Zeno]

the minimum amount is $5 for the savings

[Glen_M]

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@Zeno wrote:

the minimum amount is $5 for the savings

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That might be the minimum necessary for the account to exist, but it is not likely the minimum amount required for interest to be earned. 

As the others stated, I would expect the minimum balance necessary for interest to be earned to be $50-100.  It allows them to save on not only interest paid, but computing power and man-hours, calculating and reviewing tons of accounts with tiny amounts left in them.