South African social grant beneficiaries will receive increased payments starting April 2025, with confirmed SASSA payment dates.
SASSA has confirmed the social grant increase starting 1 April 2025, following the 2025/2026 Budget Speech by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Despite delays in Parliament over the proposed VAT hike, the increases will go ahead as planned to cushion the poor from rising living costs.
Confirmed Social Grant Increases for April 2025
Social grants will rise between R30 and R130, with an overall budget allocation of R284.7 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year. Here are the official increases:
- Old Age Grant: R2185 → R2315
- War Veterans Grant: R2205 → R2335
- Disability Grant: R2185 → R2315
- Foster Care Grant: R1180 → R1250
- Care Dependency Grant: R2185 → R2315
- Child Support Grant: R530 → R560
- Grant-in-Aid: R530 → R560
These increases aim to assist millions of pensioners, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and other vulnerable groups in South Africa.
SASSA Early Payment Dates for April 2025
SASSA will distribute payments as follows:
- Old Age Grant: 2 April 2025
- Disability Grant: 3 April 2025
- Child Support & Other Grants: 4 April 2025
Beneficiaries can receive their payments via SASSA cards, CashSend, or direct bank deposits and withdraw funds at retailers such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave, Checkers, and Shoprite.
Postbank Black Card Transition Deadline
SASSA has mandated a switch from the old gold card to the Postbank black card by 20 March 2025. Beneficiaries who haven’t switched can withdraw grants at Post Office branches using their ID document. Those with black cards are encouraged to use ATMs and retailers for withdrawals.
Final Thoughts
The social grant increases for April 2025 will provide much-needed financial relief to vulnerable South Africans. However, challenges remain, including ongoing debates over VAT increases and concerns about grant distribution.
What do you think about the SASSA grant increases? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: Can You Lose Your NSFAS Allowance If You Receive Another Bursary? What You Need to Know
