With an announcement from SASSA, the very much-anticipated grant increase of 2025 has come to the help of millions of deserving poor South Africans. Inflation and cost of living increases have made it necessary to now offer support to 18 million beneficiaries, including the age, disabled, and caregiver. Details concerning the amounts, eligibility, and processes for accessing the increased grant amounts are given below.
Why Is There a Grant Increase in 2025?
When inflation stands at almost 5.2% in 2024, the purchasing power diminishes especially amongst South Africans falling low down on the income scale. To help get over this curve, the 2025 budget as decided upon by the National Treasury has given a call that the grants must be kept in line with the increase in the price of basic goods such as food and conveyance. The grant increase will come in April 2025, social core grants are to be increased to lessen poverty affecting over 55% of the population while on the other hand helping in generating a level of economic stability.
2025 Grant Payout Changes
SASSA has decided upon changes since the grant amounts would have remained subjected to the economic realities. These are the new amounts for some major grants, starting from April 2025:
- The Ordinary Persons Grant: For 60 to 74 years, the grant has been enhanced from R2,310 to R2,450; for 75 years and above, the grant amount stands at R2,470, having been R2,330 previously. Disability Grant: From R2,310 to R2,450 for persons with verified disabilities that render them incapable of working for longer than a period of six months.
- Care Dependency Grant: From R2,310 to R2,450 to look after children with serious disabilities.
- Child Support Grant: From R560 to R600 per child to the primary caregiver who earns less than R5,300 p.m. (single) and R10,600 p.m. (married), respectively.
- Grant-in-Aid: From R560 to R600 for people that require full-time care.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: Retains at R370, but temporary top-ups of up to maybe R3,070 could be made for qualifying multi-grant holders.
These reliefs stand at an average of 6-7%, varying according to the type of grant to ensure beneficiaries still have at least their basic needs met.
Who Qualifies for the Increase Grants?
The eligibility criteria remain exactly as they have in previous years, only that they will be very strictly imposed:
- Citizenship: A South African citizen or permanent resident or a recognized refugee with a valid ID.
- Income Limits: All means-tested maximum income limits hold (e.g., R62,400 per annum for a single applicant in respect of an Old Persons Grant).
- Residency: The person must be resident in the Republic of South Africa.
- Other Specific Requirements: Medical evidence is required for the Disability Grants, while care evidence is required for Care Dependency or Child Support Grants.
Existing beneficiaries will just, therefore, receive the increase whilst new applicants will need to apply via the SASSA website or at a SASSA office.
Payment Dates And Receipt of Payments
The 2025 SASSA payments shall be conducted pursuant to the schedule set well in advance:
- Older Persons Grant: First Tuesday of the month (1st April 2025).
- Disability Grant: First Wednesday (2nd April 2025).
- Children’s Grant: First Thursday (April 3, 2025).
- The SRD grant: Halfway through, on the 15th of April, 2025.
Payments are delivered into bank accounts, Black Cards held with SASSA, or as cash payments at outlets like Shoprite. Beneficiaries have to really check for SRD especially against their bank details on the portal; otherwise, they might face payment delays.
Checking Your Grant Status
Check at srd.sassa.gov.za using ID and phone number, or WhatsApp SASSA (082 046 8553), or toll-free at 0800 60 10 11 to confirm if it has been received or just approved. Online appeals can be submitted within 30 days after rejection. Always stay updated by updating your personal details and do not let anyone trick you out of grants paid in 2025.
Also Read : South Africa’s 2025 Electricity Laws: Big Changes Every Consumer Must Know