Due to the prevailing economic pressures that South Africa is in, SASSA made some major adjustments during 2025 to social grant payments. The increases as on 1 April 2025 were to serve as a cushion to processing inflation on vulnerable households. Thus, payments have also been affected, and operators have updated figures for SASSA grant payments for millions of beneficiaries. This article will inform you of the new rates, eligibility criteria, and other important information to aid you in maneuvering through the system.
The 2025 Grant Increases
2025 grant increases were granted after the Budget Speech of February 2025 and occurred with subsequent adjustments: the increases to SASSA grants at a rate of between 5.7% and 5.9% will be slightly higher than the 4.9% increases received last year after the Budget Speech. These increases will therefore likely amount to an increase of about R120-R130 on most grants and therefore represent advances in social protection from the Government. With another scheduled for October 2025, recipients will be able to procure from their deposits or at their collection points during the month of September, which would have reflected the increase since April.
Eligibility specifications
Means-testing is still in place, with a special emphasis laid on reviewing the means tests in 2025 in light of asset growth. The following basic criteria must be met:
- Citizenship: Being South African citizens, permanent residents, or persons recognized as refugees.
- Age: To that effect, the grant requires the applicant to be aged 60 years and above (Old Age); be medically assessed as disabled (Disability Grant); or be under the age of 18 (Child Support).
- Income/Asset Limits: Low income; below R1,258 per month (single); R2,516 (married); Asset restrictions of R1,524,600 (single older persons/disabled); R3,049,200 (married).
- Other exclusions: Duplicate grants or state-funded care; being involved in specified fraudulent activities.
Applications must be processed with evidence of identity, evidence of income, and medical reports where applicable. In the case of the SRD, non-employment and income below R624 per month must be proven. SASSA also makes good use of biometric verification.
Disbursement Schedule and How to Check
For the month of September of 2025, the disbursements will unfailingly follow the suit of their staggered order.
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 2nd September
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, 3rd September
- All Other Grants (which include Child Support and SRD): Thursday, 4th September
also read : South Africa Public Sector Salary Increase 2025 – Pay Raise Percentage And Timeline Confirmed