The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that all permanent social grants will increase in October 2025, in line with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s budget commitments earlier this year.
The announcement marks the second adjustment in the 2025/26 financial year after the first revised budget in May already delivered modest increases in April.
Official confirmation from SASSA
In its official media release, SASSA stated:
“The social grant amounts will be increased as follows: Old Age Grants will increase from R2 310 to R2 320, Old Age Grants (older than 75 years) will increase from R2 330 to R2 340, War Veterans Grant will increase from R2 330 to R2 340, Disability Grant will increase from R2 310 to R2 320, and Care Dependency Grant will increase from R2 310 to R2 320.”
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou welcomed the adjustment, stressing:
“This reaffirms government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society, easing financial burden and cushioning them against economic hardships.”
Matlou confirmed that “all eligible social grants beneficiaries will receive their grants without any interruption” when the October cycle begins.
October 2025 payment dates
- Old Age Grants: October 2
- Disability Grants: October 3
- Children’s Grants: October 6
For queries, beneficiaries are urged to call the toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit the official SASSA website.
The SRD Question: Still frozen at R370
Notably, SASSA’s October announcement does not mention the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which currently stands at R370 per month.
The omission suggests that the SRD remains excluded from this round of increases, despite government repeatedly positioning it as a stepping stone toward a future Basic Income Grant (BIG).
Earlier this year, Finance Minister Godongwana highlighted that the SRD would serve as a foundation for BIG, but for now, it continues unchanged.
Beneficiaries should remain cautious of misinformation suggesting that SRD will increase this October. Always verify updates via the official SASSA website or helpline 0800 60 10 11.
