SASSA Grant Increase October 2025: Updated Payment Amounts Confirmed
SASSA grant increase October 2025 has been officially confirmed, with beneficiaries set to receive higher payments following government budget adjustments for 2025 and 2026. The South African Social Security Agency announced a R10 increase for social grants, including Old Age, Disability, War Veterans, and Child Care Dependency. These updated payment amounts provide much-needed relief to millions of people who depend on monthly SASSA support.
SASSA Grant Increase October 2025
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has authorised a further round of social grant increases to take effect from 1 October 2025. This payment update is part of SASSA’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable households, including older persons, people with disabilities, and families raising children, against the rising cost of living.
In line with the 2025/26 national budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana approved a two-phase uplift: a significant increase of SASSA grant payments in April 2025, followed by an additional R10 increase in October 2025.
The following table reflects the new SASSA grant payments effective from October 1, 2025.
| SASSA Grant Type | Previous Amount in April 2025 | Increase in October 2025 | New Payment From October 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant (60 to 74) | R2,310 | R10 | R2,320 |
| Old Age Grant (75 and older) | R2,330 | R10 | R2,340 |
| War Veterans Grant (60 to 74) | R2,310 | R10 | R2,320 |
| War Veterans Grant (75 and older) | R2,330 | R10 | R2,340 |
| Disability Grant (18 and older) | R2,310 | R10 | R2,320 |
| Care Dependency Grant (under 18) | R2,310 | R10 | R2,320 |
| Foster Child Grant (under 18) | R1,250 | — | R1,250 |
| Child Support Grant (under 18) | R560 | — | R560 |
| Child Support Grant Top-Up | R280 | — | R280 |
| Grant in Aid | R560 | — | R560 |
| Social Relief: SRD Grant (18 to 59) | R370 | — | R370 |
Table: Updated SASSA Grant Amounts from October 2025
Update: SASSA’s updated social grant amounts will start being paid from October 2025 until the new budget is announced in the 2026/27 financial year. Ensuring stability and continuity for more than 18 million South Africans who rely on monthly grants.
SASSA’s Ongoing Commitment to Social Grants
During his 2025/26 National Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed the planned two-phase SASSA grant increase over the year. The first adjustment was implemented on April 1, 2025, with the second phase taking effect on October 1, 2025. This change lasts until 1 April 2026, when the new financial year’s budget is expected to announce further adjustments.
Mr Godongwana said the uplift was part of the government’s pledge to ensure that social grant beneficiaries are not left behind as economic pressures intensify. He acknowledged that the R10 increase is modest, but stressed that additional support measures are planned for the year ahead.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou welcomed the adjustment, describing the October 2025 grant payment increase as crucial to protect the vulnerable society.
Mr Themba Matlou stated:
“This reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society, easing financial burdens and cushioning them against economic hardships.”
SASSA Payment Dates for October 2025
With the updated payment amounts confirmed by SASSA, beneficiaries are urged to check their SASSA status for October 2025 to ensure approval and receive their grants on the scheduled dates. Follow the official SASSA payment dates for October 2025 to collect your approved grant on time.
Older Persons Grants Payday: Thursday, 2 October 2025
Disability Grants Payday: Friday, 3 October 2025
Children’s Grants Payday: Monday, 6 October 2025
SASSA SRD Grant R370: Monday, 27 October 2025 to Friday, 31 October 2025
The agency has assured the public that payments will continue without interruption. No changes have been made to the payment process, and beneficiaries are encouraged to use their official methods of payment (MOP) to access funds securely.
Beneficiaries who choose to collect at retail outlets are encouraged to visit participating stores. SASSA’s retail partners include Shoprite, Checkers, Spar, Pick’n Pay, and Boxer.
For those receiving SASSA grants in bank accounts, payments will be processed directly, and there is no need to rush to withdraw on the exact payday.
Note: The renewal of expired SASSA Gold Cards is currently in a transition period. All new and existing beneficiaries are advised to upgrade to the new Postbank black card system to avoid payment delays.
Impact of the R10 Increase in SASSA Grants
The R10 increase has been welcomed as a step towards continuity, but is widely regarded as only marginal relief against rising inflation. For millions of South African households living below the poverty line, even a small adjustment can be meaningful and provide some breathing space, though its impact remains limited when measured against inflation.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou called the increase “crucial for protecting the most vulnerable,” while government officials emphasised their commitment to doing more in future budgets. Civil society groups, however, argue that the adjustment falls short, urging for larger increases that better match everyday household expenses.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on SASSA SRD Grant Increase
The October 2025 budget confirmed the extension of the Social Relief of Distress Grant at R370 until March 2026, but no SRD grant increase was announced. President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated that the government is considering ways to strengthen the SRD grant, with the possibility of making it a permanent feature of South Africa’s social grant in the year ahead.
Ramaphosa described the SRD grant as the foundation for future income support, noting that discussions are underway on whether the value should be raised from the current R370. At this stage, though, no official budget allocation or clear timeline has been confirmed for either an increase or permanent implementation.
In the National Budget earlier this year, the SRD R370 grant was extended until March 2026 at its current value, providing continuity but without additional relief for beneficiaries. With unemployment rates remaining high, calls for a more sustainable and long-term income support plan continue to grow among affected households and advocacy groups.
No Increase for Children’s Grants in October 2025
The Child Support Grant and Foster Child Grant will not receive an adjustment in October 2025. These grants were last increased in April 2025, when the Child Support Grant rose by R30, with an additional R10 allocated to the Child Support Grant Top-Up, and the Foster Child Grant by R70.
Government officials explained that the April uplift was significant for children’s grants and was intended to cover the financial year 2025, which is why the second-phase increase did not include these grants.
Civil society organisations have argued and criticised the budget constraints, noting that the Child Support Grant remains below the food poverty line and does not fully cover the cost of raising a child. They have called for larger adjustments in future budgets to provide better support for vulnerable families.
Government Policy for Future SASSA Grant Increases
The October 2025 adjustment is part of a broader policy approach aimed at maintaining stability in the social grant system while managing fiscal pressures. The current increase will remain in place until 1 April 2026, when the new National Budget will set out further increases in SASSA grant payments in 2026.
Officials say long-term policy debates are ongoing, including proposals for a Basic Income Grant and calls for deeper reforms. However, budgetary constraints continue to determine the pace and scale of any future adjustments.
