Johannesburg, Monday – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed an earlier payment schedule for all permanent grant beneficiaries in April 2025.
This coincides with the first social grant increases of the year. This adjustment avoids delays caused by the usual payment window (3rd–5th) overlapping with a weekend, as the 5th falls on a Saturday.
Revised April 2025 payment dates
SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona confirmed on Monday that beneficiaries will receive payments ahead of schedule:
- Older Persons Grant: Wednesday, April 2
- Disability Grant: Thursday, April 3
- Children’s Grants: Friday, April 4
- SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant payment dates to be confirmed.
Grant increases effective April 2025
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech allocated R284.7 billion for permanent social grants in 2025/26, enabling the following increases:
- Old Age (60–74) and Disability Grants: R130 increase to R2,315/month
- Old Age (75+): R135 increase to R2,335/month
- War Veterans and Care Dependency Grants: R130 increase to R2,315/month
- Child Support Grant: R30 increase to R560/month
- Foster Care Grant: R70 increase to R1,250/month
Postbank card migration update
Meanwhile, Postbank reports significant progress in phasing out SASSA gold cards, replacing 1.4 million with new black cards since September 2024.
Gold cards ceased functioning on 20 March 2025, barring transactions, retail purchases, or ATM withdrawals. Postbank spokesperson Bongani Dikeo assured beneficiaries: “Even those that have not migrated to the black card as yet should rest assured they will be paid their grant come the next payment cycle.”
Accessing grants without Postbank Black Cards
Recipients yet to migrate can collect cash at South African Post Office branches or via till-point withdrawals at retailers (Shoprite, Usave, Boxer, SPAR, Pick n Pay, Checkers) until June 2025.
Foreign nationals remain ineligible for black cards but can access grants at post offices using existing documentation.
ALSO READ: Gold card expired: 3 options to access SASSA grant payment from today
Key reminders
- Black cardholders: Use ATMs or approved retailers; post office assistance is unavailable.
- Migration deadline: Postbank continues swapping gold cards until end-June 2025.
- Queries: Contact Postbank toll-free (0800 53 54 55) or SASSA (0800 60 10 11).
SASSA urges beneficiaries to adhere to the updated schedules and complete card migrations promptly to avoid disruptions.
