In a major boost for South Africa’s millions of people, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a long-awaited grant payment hike from April 2025. The change in grant payments is due to increased inflation, living costs, and government attempts to offer greater social support to those in need.
Whether you are receiving a grant or considering applying, this guide provides all you need to know payment dates to requirements for eligibility.
Why SASSA Grants Are to Rise in April 2025?
The South African government is reviewing social grant payments from time to time in order to adjust them according to inflation and economic pressures. For 2025, the finance minister emphasized during the national budget speech that social grants would be increased to take care of the poor, old, disabled, and needy children more effectively.

The R100 boost to various grants is to assist recipients to cope better with costs like food, electricity, and transport particularly during times of economic hardship.
Which SASSA Grants Will Be Increased?
The following SASSA social grants will increase in April 2025:
Old Age Grant
- Former amount: R2,080
- New amount: R2,180
- Over 75s: From R2,100 to R2,200
Disability Grant
- Former amount: R2,080
- New amount: R2,180
Child Support Grant
- Former amount: R510
- New amount: R530
Foster Child Grant
- Former amount: R1,130
- New amount: R1,130 (no increase announced yet)
Care Dependency Grant
- Previous amount: R2,080
- New amount: R2,180
War Veteran’s Grant
- Previous amount: R2,100
- New amount: R2,200
Grant-in-Aid
- Previous amount: R510
- New amount: R530
Note: Up to the time of this update, there is no confirmation of an SRD R350 grant increase, but the government has indicated that talks are in progress.
Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grants (2025 Update)
To be eligible for the enhanced SASSA grants, one must have the following minimum qualifications based on the category of grant:
1. Old Age Grant
- Must be above 60 years of age.
- South African citizen or permanent resident of South Africa
- Not earning in excess of R96,840 a year (single) or R193,680 (married)
- Not in receipt of another social grant on your behalf
2. Disability Grant
- 18–59 years old
- Medically classified as disabled and unable to work
- Same income and residence criteria as the Old Age Grant
3. Child Support Grant
- Child below the age of 18
- Caregivers should have to cross the income bar (not exceeding R60,000 per year for a sole applicant).
- The child should live with the applicant and be at school if of school-going age.
4. Foster Child Grant
- The child should be legally placed in foster care through a court order.
- Paid irrespective of the income of the foster parent
5. Care Dependency Grant
- For caregivers or parents of severely disabled children who need full-time care
- The child must be under 18 years old, and the parent must qualify on income grounds.
6. Grant-in-Aid
- For recipients already in receipt of an Old Age, Disability, or War Veteran’s Grant who need full-time care
- Medical evaluation is necessary.
When Will the New SASSA Payments Be Made in April 2025?

The following are the anticipated payment dates for April 2025 (subject to confirmation by SASSA):
- Old Age Grants: April 3, 2025
- Disability Grants: April 4, 2025
- Children’s Grants: April 5, 2025
- Other Grants (Foster Care Dependency): Paid together with respective categories
Payments are normally phased over the first week of the month to avoid lengthy queues and system congestion.
How Will You Get the Increased Grant?
SASSA provides different payment options:
- Direct Bank Deposit: Into your own bank account (recommended for convenience and security)
- SASSA Gold Card: Draw cash from ATMs or retailers such as Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, etc.
- Cash Pay Points: In rural areas where there is no banking (check local timetables)
No need for action by beneficiaries to get the higher grant payments will be adjusted automatically.
How to Check Your Grant Status or Balance
You can check your SASSA grant status with the following methods:
- Online Portal: srd.sassa.gov.za
- USSD: Dial 1203210# or 12069277# on your phone.
- WhatsApp: Send “Status” to 082 046 8553.
- Toll-Free Call: 0800 60 10 11
Can new applicants apply now?
Yes, applications for all categories of SASSA grants are available throughout the year.
How to Apply:
- Go to your local SASSA office with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, medical certificates, etc.).
- Alternatively, apply online through the SASSA services portal.
Tips for Beneficiaries in 2025
- Update your details: Ensure your phone number, bank account, and ID information are up to date.
- Beware of scams: SASSS does not take fees or request PINs.
- Verify payment calendars regularly to schedule your withdrawals.
- Utilize secure channels (such as direct bank deposits) when available.
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Final Thoughts
The 2025 SASSA grant rise is a blessing for the millions of South Africans living from day to day financially. Pensioners, disabled people, and caregivers of children alike will benefit from this rise, helping to alleviate some of the pressure brought about by inflation and increasing the cost of living.
With effective management and assistance from SASSA, such adjustments will greatly enhance the quality of life of South Africa’s most vulnerable populace.
FAQs :-
What is the SASSA grant increase for April 2025?
SASSA grants will increase by R100 in April 2025 for most categories, including old age, disability, and child support grants.
When will the increased SASSA payments start?
The new SASSA payment amounts will be effective from April 1, 2025 and distributed on the regular monthly schedule.
Where can I apply or update my grant information?
Visit www.sassa.gov.za or a local SASSA office to apply or update your grant records.