The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for distributing grants and allowances to those in need. These monthly grants are not limited to South African citizens but also extend to eligible foreign nationals.
More than 19 million South Africans rely on social grants as their primary source of income, including orphans, vulnerable children, and older persons. Additionally, these monthly grants provide crucial support to persons with disabilities and low-income households across the country.
In this article, we provide key details about SASSA March payment dates, with a focus on children’s grants, who make up the largest group of recipients—nearly 13 million. This is followed by older persons, with approximately 4 million beneficiaries.
March payment date for child grants
SASSA has scheduled the Child Support Grant payment for Thursday, March 6, 2025.
PLEASE NOTE that payment dates are subject to change due to public holidays or unforeseen circumstances. It’s advisable to regularly check the official SASSA website or contact their helpline for the most up-to-date information.
Additionally, applications for SASSA grants for March 2025 are currently open.
Find out more about different types of grants and how to apply here.
Did you know? If you have just given birth to a new baby, you can apply right away for a Child Support Grant and avoid a long waiting period. Click here for more info.
Impact of the gold card replacement on future payments
For beneficiaries yet to replace existing SASSA gold card, be aware of the upcoming final card swap deadlines – moved from February 28 to now March 20. This is to not only ensure you have reasonable time to transition to the Postbank black card, but to plan accordingly and ensure you receive your payment without any major interruption.
On Friday, February 14 (2025) ministers of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, and Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe, confirmed in a joint statement the extension:
“We have listened to the deep concerns and frustrations from our social grant beneficiaries, and we trust that this extension will provide much-needed time for grant recipients.”
SASSA recipients are urged to switch to the black Postbank card promptly and avoid last-minute delays. While ministers have assured beneficiaries that grant payments would continue uninterrupted till the set March 20 deadline, expired cards will require in-person visits “to the nearest Post Office branch to access funds.”
Uncertainty over childcare support increase amid SASSA card transition
Obtaining a concrete update on the potential increase in childcare support remains a challenge, further complicated by the chaotic SASSA gold card transition. Even during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February 2025, the President provided no clear answers, leaving many parents and caregivers in uncertainty.
However, current analysis suggests a 5% increase for 2025, though this remains unconfirmed. The hike is constrained by fiscal pressures and administrative challenges inherited by Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, including inefficiencies from prior leadership.
With over 13 million children relying on these grants, even a 5% adjustment — which will take it from R530 currently to R560 come April – may struggle to offset rising living costs, leaving families anxious about meeting basic needs.
