SASSA confirms April 2025 payment dates and revised grant increases
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released its official payment schedule for the 2025/2026 financial year, alongside updated social grant increases to combat rising living costs.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana allocated R284.7 billion to social grants in his 2025 Budget Speech, reinforcing SASSA’s critical role in supporting over 19 million vulnerable beneficiaries.
April 2025 payment schedule
SASSA’s staggered payment dates for April 2025 ensure efficient disbursement:
- Older Persons Grants (including those over 75, as well as war veterans): Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Disability Grants: Thursday, April 3, 2025
- Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency etc.): Friday, April 4, 2025.
Payments are accessible via SASSA cards, direct bank transfers, or CashSend at retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Checkers. Beneficiaries are advised to avoid crowded payment points: “Once the money is in the account, it will remain there until needed.”
Revised 2025 social grant increases
Effective April 1, grants will rise as follows (per SASSA’s official updates):
- Old age grant: Under 75: R2,310/month (R120 increase from R2,190). Over 75: R2,330/month (R120 increase from R2,210)
- War veterans grant:
- Under 75: R2,310/month (R120 increase from R2,190). Over 75: R2,330/month (R120 increase from R2,210)
- Basic childcare grant: R560/month (R30 increase from R530)
- Disability Grant: R2,310/month (R120 increase from R2,190)
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,310/month (R120 increase from R2,190)
- Foster Care Grant: R1,250/month (R70 increase from R1,180)
- Child support grant top-up: Standard: R280/month (R10 increase from R270). This brings total grant payouts to R840. Double orphans (children with both parents deceased): R840/month (R40 increase from R800)
These adjustments align with National Treasury’s commitment to “cushion the poor” amid economic pressures, including a proposed VAT hike.
Full 2025/2026 SASSA payment calendar
While April’s dates are confirmed, SASSA’s broader schedule for 2025 follows a structured monthly pattern:
- Older persons grant: Typically paid on the 2nd–3rd of each month.
- Disability grant: Disbursed a day later (3rd–4th).
- Child support & other grants: Follow two days after Older Persons Grants.
For example:
- May 2025: Older Persons (2 May), Disability (5 May), Child Support (6 May).
- June 2025: Older Persons (2 June), Disability (5 June), Child Support (6 June).
SRD R370 Grant payments, however, follow a separate schedule, processed between the 25th and 30th of each month.
SASSA’s critical role in South Africa
SASSA distributes over 19 million grants monthly, serving as a lifeline for the elderly, disabled, children, and low-income households. The agency’s mandate—“paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place. NJALO!”—ensures accountability and efficiency.
Social grants consume 81% of the Social Development budget, underscoring their importance in reducing poverty and inequality. Minister Godongwana noted South Africa’s social safety net is among the “most comprehensive in emerging economies,” with grants covering essentials like food, healthcare, and education.
Postbank card transition updates
Beneficiaries using expired SASSA gold cards must switch to Postbank’s black cards to avoid disruptions.
Those yet to transition can withdraw grants at 543 Post Office branches using their ID. Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe confirmed black cardholders can access funds via ATMs or retailers.
ALSO READ: Gold card expired: 3 options to access SASSA grant payment from today
Safety and payment tips
- Verify grant status: Use SASSA’s WhatsApp line (082 046 8553), SMS “STATUS [ID]” to 32555, or the SASSA portal.
- Avoid fraud: Never share personal details or SASSA card PINs.
- Update information: Ensure SASSA has your latest contact and banking details.
Stay informed!
SASSA’s 2025/2026 schedule and revised increases highlight its pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable populations. Beneficiaries are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines.
For updates, contact SASSA’s toll-free line (0800 60 10 11), visit www.sassa.gov.za, or follow @OfficialSASSA on X.
