The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a significant increase in social grant payments for 2025, aimed at alleviating the financial strain on various groups, including the elderly, disabled, war veterans, and caregivers, due to rising living costs.
Eligibility and Application
Eligibility for the 2025 SASSA grants requires applicants to pass a financial means test, ensuring that only those who genuinely need assistance receive it. Additional documentation, such as medical reports for Disability and Care Dependency Grants, may be required. The application process is straightforward: potential recipients should gather necessary documents like ID, proof of income, and residency, and then submit their application at their nearest SASSA office or online.
New Grant Amounts
The 2025 adjustments reflect a commitment to support the country’s most vulnerable. Here’s a breakdown of the increases effective from April and October 2025:
- Old Age Grant: Increases by R100 across the year to a new total of R2,110.
- War Veterans Grant: Also increases by R100 to R2,130.
- Disability Grant: Rises to R2,110.
- Care Dependency Grant: Increases to R2,110.
- Foster Child Grant: Increases by R50 to R1,180.
- Child Support Grant: Rises by R20 to R350, with a R250 top-up.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: Increases by R20 to R370.
Payout Dates
For 2025, SASSA has streamlined the payout dates to enhance the disbursement process. Typically, each grant type has a designated start date for payments within the first week of each month. Beneficiaries are encouraged to keep their bank and contact details updated to avoid delays and ensure they receive their grants on time.
What’s New?
Besides the increase in payment amounts, SASSA is introducing biometric verification from April 2025 to combat fraud and ensure fair distribution. This new system will require beneficiaries to verify their identity using biometric data.