According to the latest amendment made in the 2025/26 fiscal budget, social grant payments will be increased by R10 by the South African Social Security Agency from 1 October 2025. Since a relatively bigger adjustment was instituted in April, they now want to at least maintain relief through a lesser uplift in October for the already suffering grant beneficiaries. The agency further added that the increase applies to multiple grant categories to reaffirm the government’s commitment to taking care of their vulnerable citizens in the face of rising economic challenges.
Which Grants Are Affected & New Amounts
The R10 adjustment affects numerous key grants, including:
- Old Age Grant- R2,310-R2,320
- Old Age Grant (75+) – R2,330-R2,340
- War Veterans Grant – R2,330-R2,340
- Disability Grant – R2,310-R2,320
- Care Dependency Grant – R2,310-R2,320
This shows the smaller, “phase two” increase that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced in his 2025/26 Budget Speech.
October Grant Payment Schedule
The following payout dates are scheduled by SASSA for the month of October of the year 2025:
- Old Age Grants shall be paid on Thursday, the 2nd of October.
- Disability Grants shall be paid on the following day, Friday, 3 October.
- Children’s Grants shall be paid on Monday, the 6th of October.
Beneficiaries were urged by SASSA not to go all on the same day, for this would cause queues and congestion at payment points.
The agency has assured that all systems are in place and that payment of grants to eligible beneficiaries shall diligently be carried out without disruption.
Why the Increase and What It Means
The increase of R10 is relatively modest but is an essential part of a two-pronged strategy to help vulnerable groups in the wake of inflation and economic pressure.
The increment was termed vital by SASSA CEO Themba Matlou for cushioning hardship and as a reaffirmation of the obligation of government towards people in need.
For many beneficiaries who depend heavily on social grants as their main source of income, even the smallest increase in the grant may go a far way to help some of the cost increases for basic needs like food, electricity, and transport.
What Beneficiaries Should Do
To prepare:
- Check your grant status — ensure you remain
- Eligible and that contact/bank details are up to date.
- Take note of your payment date — according to the grant type (old age, disability, children).
- Try to stagger your collection days — to avoid crowding at pay points.
- Keep an eye out for official updates — SASSA may provide further instructions or change the schedule.
If you have been delayed in the payment or have not received the increase, report to your nearest SASSA office or SASSA customer care helpline.
Also Read: R1400 Mortgage Relief October 2025: Payment Dates & Eligibility In South Africa