The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will distribute a record R266 billion in 2025 to support more than 19 million citizens, with the government prioritising social security as a vital tool to fight poverty and inequality.
This was confirmed by SASSA acting CEO Themba Matlou during the Department of Social Development’s International Day of Families commemoration in Thaba . He emphasised the agency’s commitment to supporting low-income households through integrated collaboration across government departments.
“SASSA remains committed to being present at the doorstep, ensuring that all eligible children are registered and included within the social security net,” said Matlou.
“Our work is strengthened by collaboration with various departments — most notably the Department of Health, especially in administering income support through the disability grant.”
According to the National Treasury, the R266 billion allocation accounts for 3.6% of the national GDP, reflecting the government’s expanded social safety net in a country where nearly half the population lives below the poverty line.
Families in crisis: How SASSA grants provide a lifeline
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe reaffirmed the role of grants in strengthening family units, especially as family structures have evolved.
“We have delivered on policies that are family orientated for the past 31 years,” said Tolashe. “Even the social grants we provide are meant to augment household income.”
She cited findings from the 2023 General Household Survey, which showed 19% of children live with neither biological parent, and 12.3% of children are orphaned — stark reminders of why access to grants is critical.
Breakdown: How much Government is spending on grants
- 2022/23: R233 billion
- 2023/24: R250 billion
- 2024/25: R266 billion (record high)
- 2025/26: R246 billion (projected)
- 2026/27: R259 billion (projected)
Despite a slight future dip, the 2025 budget sets a new bar for the country’s investment in dignity, nutrition, education access, and poverty alleviation.
Who benefits most from SASSA grants?
Currently, 28 million people are expected to receive grants this year — with the Child Support and Old Age grants making up 64.9% of total expenditure.
SASSA supports:
- Over 9.2 million SRD grant recipients
- More than 19 million beneficiaries excluding SRD
- Vulnerable groups such as orphans, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and foster families
All 8 SASSA grants you can apply for in 2025
If you’re in need, here’s your step-by-step guide to applying:
- Older Persons Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Disability Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD)
Apply for grants online or in person
Need Help? How to apply for SASSA grants:
- Gather your 13-digit ID, proof of income, residence, and if needed, medical or school documents.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office or apply online via services.sassa.gov.za.
- No application fee required — be cautious of scams.
- Alternatively add the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 to check your status with the SASSA team.
Increases in 2025
From April 1, 2025:
- Old Age, War Veterans & Disability Grants: Up R130 and R135 (R2,315-R2,335)
- Care Dependency Grant: Up R130 to R2, 315
- Foster care: Up R70 to R1, 250
- Child support: Up R30 to R560
- Grant-in-Aid: Up R30 to R560
- SRD: Remained unchanged at R370
These increases ensure the grants keep pace with inflation and support the basic cost of living.
What to do if your grant is delayed or denied:
If your SASSA grant payment for May or June has been delayed or rejected, unverified identity documents (IDs) may be the cause. SASSA has intensified efforts to curb fraud, including a recent R260 million scandal linked to fraudulent refugee data.
As part of this crackdown, beneficiaries whose ID details do not match Department of Home Affairs records—or who applied using alternative identification methods like sworn affidavits or late birth registrations—must visit a SASSA office immediately for in-person verification. Approximately 20,000 beneficiaries are affected, many of whom have valid IDs but failed to update their details with SASSA.
To resolve the issue, bring your original ID document to your nearest SASSA office between 08h00 and 17h00, Monday to Friday. Failure to comply risks permanent suspension of your grant. “If you don’t come, you’ll never access the money. Your grant will lapse,” warned SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi.
Additionally, ensure your eligibility by disclosing all income sources, as SASSA is conducting means tests to identify beneficiaries who no longer qualify. For urgent assistance, contact SASSA via toll-free helpline (0800 60 10 11) or WhatsApp (+27 82 046 8553).
Need step-by-step help? Explore these guides:
