Millions of South Africans who rely on social grants can finally breathe a sigh of relief as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially announced the SASSA grant increases for 2025. After much speculation and delays, the revised Budget Speech on March 12, 2025, confirmed an above-inflation increase for various grants. This increase aims to provide additional support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, war veterans, disabled individuals, and children in need.
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How Much Will SASSA Grants Increase in 2025?
The government has introduced a 5.7% to 5.9% increase across different grant categories, which is higher than last year’s 4.9% rise. This increase is intended to help offset the impact of rising inflation and the recent 0.5% VAT hike.
Here’s a breakdown of the official SASSA grant increases for 2025:
| Grant Type | March 2025 Amount | From April 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age (60–74) | R2 190 | R2 315 | R130 (5.9%) |
| Old Age (75+) | R2 210 | R2 335 | R130 (5.9%) |
| War Veterans | R2 190 | R2 315 | R130 (5.9%) |
| Disability | R2 190 | R2 315 | R130 (5.9%) |
| Care Dependency | R2 190 | R2 315 | R130 (5.9%) |
| Foster Care | R1 180 | R1 230 | R50 (5.9%) |
| Child Support | R530 | R560 | R30 (5.7%) |
Breakdown of SASSA Grant Increases
1. Old Age and Disability Grants
Senior citizens (60–74 years old) will now receive R2 315 per month, while those over 75 years old will get R2 335. This R130 increase also applies to War Veterans, Disability, and Care Dependency grants, bringing their total grant amount to R2 315 per month.
2. Child Support and Foster Care Grants
The Child Support Grant, which benefits 13 million children, has increased from R530 to R560. Additionally, the Foster Care Grant has risen from R1 180 to R1 230.
When Will the New SASSA Grants Be Paid?
Although the official increases have been confirmed, payment dates for the revised amounts are yet to be finalized. However, based on previous schedules, the first payments under the new rates are expected on:
📅 Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
📅 Disability Grant: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
📅 Children’s Grants: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Beneficiaries should note that it may take 2–3 days for the payments to reflect in their bank accounts.
Challenges Facing SASSA Beneficiaries
Despite the grant increases, SASSA continues to face several operational challenges:
- Postbank Card Swap Issues: The slow transition from gold SASSA cards to black Postbank cards has left many recipients struggling to access their funds.
- Identity Theft & Fraud: Many grant recipients have fallen victim to fraudulent transactions, making it difficult for them to receive their full payments.
- Leadership Crisis: The suspension of SASSA’s CEO has raised concerns about management instability, which could affect service delivery.
Are These Increases Enough?
While the grant increases are higher than expected, many South Africans feel that they do not keep up with rising living costs. With food, fuel, and electricity prices continuously rising, some argue that these adjustments are not sufficient to meet basic needs.
