SASSA has made a very rare and unprecedented announcement for September 2025: some social grant recipients will have their usual monthly payments doubled. This special payment will go toward assisting the most vulnerable beneficiaries in times of economic stress. The grants affected include the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grants. However, it should also be noted that not all grant holders shall be paid double sums-those who meet the criteria thereof.
Why Some People Were Paid More
This double-payment situation came about due to two major reasons: many beneficiaries were finding it increasingly hard to cope with the rising costs of essential items and services; while, on the other hand, SASSA has also acknowledged its payment delays and disruptions, which left some recipients underpaid. A double payment is a one-off payment of adjustment, not a rate increase, to make-up for lapses in payments in the recent past and also to provide some extra support to acknowledge tough times.
Who Qualifies For The Double Payment?
Double payouts don’t automatically apply. Beneficiaries should belong to categories such as having experienced payment disruptions in previous months, individuals in high-need vulnerable groups (e.g., disability grant recipients with severe conditions or caregivers with more than one child), or those along the lines of economically depressed areas. SASSA will send SMS messages to those eligible. Should you never really get such notice, go on and check your status through the official website or mobile app, or visit a SASSA office (with your ID and grant number).
Payment Dates & Procedure
The payment cycle for the month of September should be kept in accordance with SASSA’s regular rollout plan:
- Older Persons Grants are paid first (starting from 3 September 2025),
- followed by Disability Grants on 4 September,
- then the Child Support, Foster Child, and Care Dependency Grants from 5 September onwards,
- with the SRD payments scheduled anymore the latter half of the month.
The full, doubled amount will be given on the regular payment date for those eligible for double payment. SASSA ensures there will not be any disruptions in the payment cycle and that extra customer service support is being implemented to deal with any eventualities.
Real-Life Impact
For many, this announcement is more than just numbers—it is an actual relief. Consider Maria Nkosi: She is a 67-year-old grandmother from Soweto, looking after three grandchildren on the Older Persons Grant. Due to delays in payments, she has had to put off important necessities of repairing her house andproviding for school. Her hope ahead of double payment in September is something Maria has not felt for many months.
Also Read: SASSA R2,315 Grant October 2025: Seniors’ Payment Dates Released – See Update