The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the official December 2025 payment schedule for all social grants. Beneficiaries can look forward to a smooth start to the festive season, with payments rolling out from Tuesday, December 2.
As usual, Older Persons and War Veterans will receive their grants first, followed by Disability and Grant-in-Aid, and finally, all Children’s Grants.
SASSA payment dates for December 2025
- Old Age & War Veterans Grants: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
- Disability & Grant-in-Aid: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
- Child Support, Foster Care, and Care Dependency Grants: Thursday, December 4, 2025
NOTE: The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant does not follow fixed payment dates — but historically, it has been processed between December 17 and 23.
SRD Grant: Expected December 2025 payment window
While SASSA has not yet confirmed the official December 2025 dates for the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, based on historical trends, payments are expected to be processed between December 17 and 23, 2025.
In previous years, SRD payments followed this same schedule:
- December 2022: Payments processed between December 17–23
- December 2023: Payments processed between December 18–22
- December 2024: Payments processed between 17–23 December 17–23
SASSA has urged approved SRD beneficiaries to check their payment status regularly on the official SRD website and ensure their contact details are up to date to receive payment notifications promptly.
Below is a summary diagram reflecting the SRD payment pattern over the past three years:
SASSA Notice: Unpaid November grants
This update follows a recent urgent notice from SASSA regarding unpaid November grants, which left some beneficiaries stranded due to technical payment delays.
The agency has since assured the public that all affected payments are being processed and that systems will remain stable going into December.
How and where to access your SASSA payment
Beneficiaries can collect their grants from major retailers — including Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and USave — or via direct bank deposits and CashSend.
For convenience, SASSA encourages beneficiaries to use its official digital platforms:
👉 Apply or manage your grant online
👉 Grants information and updates
All 8 SASSA grants at a glance
SASSA is responsible for distributing eight social grants that provide financial assistance to millions of South Africans in need:
- Old Age Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Disability Grant
- Grant-in-Aid
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
In October, SASSA implemented minor increases across several grant categories to cushion vulnerable citizens from rising living costs.
🔗 SASSA confirms October grants increase – here are the new amounts
Beware of disinformation
SASSA has warned beneficiaries to beware of fake news circulating online — particularly false claims about so-called “double payments.”
For accurate updates, read:
🔗 SASSA clears the air on the viral November double grant payment confusion
Why SASSA matters
SASSA plays a crucial role in supporting South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens — including the elderly, people with disabilities, and millions of children in need.
In 2025, over 40% of South Africans rely on SASSA grants — a powerful reminder of the agency’s role in reducing poverty and inequality.
For continuous coverage, visit the NOWinSA SASSA Resource Centre for verified updates, payment dates, and social grant news.
