South Africa’s elderly citizens will see their monthly South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants increase to R2,330 for those aged 75+ and R2,310 for pensioners aged 60–74 starting Tuesday April 2, 2025, as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) rolls out its annual adjustments.
Here’s what beneficiaries and new applicants need to know about the updated grants, application requirements, and ongoing challenges.
Key Updates for April 2025 SASSA Grants
- New Grant Amounts:
- Over 75s: R2,330/month (up from R2,210 in 2024) .
- 60–74-year-olds: R2,310/month .
- Disability Grants: R2,310/month .
- War Veterans: R2,330/month .
- Child Support Grant: R560/month (up R30) .
- Payment Dates:
- Tuesday 2 April 2025: Older Persons Grant .
- Wednesday 3 April: Disability Grant .
- Thursday 4 April: Children’s Grants (including Foster Care and Child Support) .
- Postbank Card Deadline Extended:
Beneficiaries still using old Gold SASSA cards now have until May 31 to switch to Postbank’s Black cards. CEO Nikki Mbangashe urged urgency, warning that delays could disrupt payments for 3 million users .
Critical Application Requirements This Week
New applicants for old-age grants must meet strict asset and income tests and provide the following documentation in person:
- Mandatory Documents:
- South African ID (smart card or green book) .
- Proof of residence (utility bill ≤3 months old) .
- Bank statements (certified, ≤3 months old) .
- Proof of income/assets (pensions, property valuations) .
- Income and Asset Limits:
- Single applicants: ≤R8,070/month income; assets ≤R1.37 million .
- Married couples: ≤R16,140/month income; assets ≤R2.74 million .
Applications take 3+ months to process but include backpay if approved .
Fraud Crackdown and Systemic Challenges
SASSA faces scrutiny over 75,000 deceased beneficiaries still receiving grants, costing millions monthly . To combat fraud, the agency now cross-references data with Home Affairs and banks, slowing approvals but ensuring compliance .
How to Apply or Appeal
- In-person only: No online applications. Book via the SASSA portal (if functional) or visit a branch .
- Appeals: Denied applicants have 90 days to contest decisions .
- Help for vulnerable applicants: Proxy applications allowed with a doctor’s note and police-certified documents .
Contact SASSA:
- Toll-free: 0800 601 011 .
- Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za .
Budget Pressures and VAT Hike Warnings
Social grants now consume 81% of the R422.3 billion allocated to the Department of Social Development, surpassing healthcare and education spending .
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled in the 2025 Budget Speech 1% VAT increase over two years; he explained it’s needed to sustain the system, though grant hikes aim to offset this.
ALSO READ: Budget Speech 2025: 0.5% point VAT hike tabled – what this means for South Africans?
Postbank Card Transition: What You Need to Know
- Gold Card Restrictions: After 20 March 2025, expired Gold cards cannot be used for transactions, ATMs, or retailer withdrawals .
- Access Alternatives: Non-migrated beneficiaries can collect grants at Post Office branches or retailer till points until May 2025 .
Final Checklist for Applicants This Week:
✅ Gather certified documents.
✅ Book SASSA appointment (online or in-person).
✅ Submit before May 31 to avoid Postbank card delays.
