April 2025 will be a crucial month for millions of South African citizens who rely on social assistance from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). During this month, the government will increase the amounts of seven different SASSA grants, benefiting approximately 30 million people. These changes will take effect in the first week of Easter. The government has allocated a budget of around R300 billion for this initiative, funded by contributions from 7.4 million taxpayers.
Which SASSA grants have been increased?
This time the grant increase is special because it has been done keeping in mind the needs of the elderly, disabled citizens, children and caring families. The grants that have increased in amount from April 2025 are
- Old Age Grant: increased from R2 185 to R2 315
- War Veterans Grant: increased from R2 205 to R2 335
- Disability Grant: increased from R2 185 to R2 315
- Foster Care Grant: increased from R1 180 to R1 250
- Care Dependency Grant: increased from R2 185 to R2 135
- Child Support Grant: increased from R530 to R560
- Grant-in-Aid: increased from R530 to R560
However, those who receive the SASSA SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant will not receive any increase in amount this time. The SRD grant will remain at R370 per month for now and will continue at this amount until March 2026.
When will the increased amount be available?
The new grant amount will be distributed in the first week of April 2025 so that beneficiaries can get relief before Easter. The payment dates are as follows:
- 3 April 2025: Old Age Grant beneficiaries will receive the first increased amount.
- 4 April 2025: Disability Grant will be paid.
- 5 April 2025: The remaining grants such as War Veteran, Foster Care, Care Dependency, Child Support and Grant-in-Aid will be released.
This way, the increased amount of all grants will reach beneficiaries in the first week of April.
The SASSA Gold Card will no longer work
Another big change for SASSA beneficiaries is that the old Gold Card will no longer be valid. Those who do not have the new Postbank Black Card can currently receive their grant money from certain designated locations such as the SA Post Office and retail stores such as Spar.
However, there are still about 3 million beneficiaries who have not received the new black card. According to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the process of changing the card is going on fast and all the beneficiaries have been advised to get a new card as soon as possible, as the gold card will no longer be valid for any transactions.
How to get a new Postbank Black Card?
If you have not yet gotten a black card, then there is no need to panic. You can get a new card in these ways:
- Go to the South African Post Office – you can get both your grant and a new card by going there with just your identity card (ID).
- Get a black card for free from retail stores like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Spar and Usave.
- After getting the card, you can easily withdraw your amount from ATMs and retail stores.
This facility has been designed as per the convenience of the beneficiaries so that they do not miss out on their money in any situation.
What will be the impact of this grant increase?
This increase in the SASSA grant is being done at a time when the country’s economy is facing many challenges and inflation is constantly rising. The elderly, disabled citizens and families taking care of children will feel great relief from this assistance. This step strengthens the government’s social security policy.
However, the government also has to ensure that transparency is maintained in the system and those who receive grants in unfair ways are monitored. Cases of grant fraud are increasing rapidly, which is very important to stop so that the right beneficiaries can get their rights on time.
Conclusion: Timely action is necessary
The increase in the SASSA grant in April 2025 will provide relief to millions of needy South Africans in their livelihood. But the full benefit of this relief will be available only if the beneficiaries themselves remain vigilant. Those who have not yet taken the Postbank Black Card should immediately take steps in this direction. Also, it is important to stay updated about payments on the right dates.
If you are also a SASSA beneficiary, then get the Black Card from your nearest post office or retail store and ensure your future remains secure and financially stable.
FAQs
Q. Which SASSA grants have increased in April 2025?
A. Seven grants have increased, including the Old Age, Disability, War Veterans, Foster Care, Care Dependency, Child Support, and Grant-in-Aid.
Q. Has the SRD R370 grant also increased?
A. No, the SRD grant remains at R370 per month and will continue at this amount until at least March 2026.
Q. When will the increased grant payments start?
A. Increased payments begin on 3 April 2025, starting with the Old Age Grant.
Q. Is the SASSA Gold Card still valid?
A. No, the old Gold Card is no longer valid. Beneficiaries must switch to the new Postbank Black Card.
Q. Where can I get the new Postbank Black Card?
A. You can collect it for free from the South African Post Office or designated retail stores like Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Spar.