Starting May 1, 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officially rolled out enhanced social grant amounts to combat rising living costs and provide stronger support to the country’s most vulnerable.
With inflation continuing to pressure household budgets, these increases mark a critical intervention by the government to strengthen social protection and promote financial inclusion.
May 2025 SASSA Grant Increases – Full Breakdown
All major grant categories received a boost, effective immediately. Below is the official table of updated grant amounts and increases:
| Grant Type | Increase (R) | New Monthly Amount (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons (60–74 yrs) | R130 | R2,315 |
| Older Persons (75+ yrs) | R135 | R2,335 |
| Disability Grant | R130 | R2,315 |
| War Veterans Grant | R130 | R2,315 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R130 | R2,315 |
| Foster Care Grant | R70 | R1,250 |
| Child Support Grant | R30 | R560 |
| SRD (Social Relief) Grant | R20 | R370 |
These increases were implemented to cushion grant recipients from the financial burden caused by rising prices for food, transport, healthcare, and utilities.
Expanded Support for Children and Special Needs Care
Significant adjustments were also made to grants supporting children and caregivers:
- The Foster Care Grant is now R1,250, a R70 increase.
- The Child Support Grant has been raised to R560, helping parents and guardians manage education and healthcare costs.
This marks a key step toward reducing child poverty and ensuring the welfare of South Africa’s youth.
SRD Grant Sees First Increase in Years
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, which supports unemployed and financially distressed individuals, was increased to R370. Though the R20 rise may seem minimal, it represents a commitment to gradual, continued support for those without stable income.
SASSA May 2025 Payment Schedule
SASSA distributed payments earlier in May according to the following timeline:
| Grant Type | Payment Date (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Thursday, May 3 |
| Disability Grant | Friday, May 4 |
| Children’s Grants | Monday, May 5 |
Recipients are reminded to keep personal and banking information updated with SASSA to avoid delays.
Upcoming October 2025 Increases
Another round of incremental increases is planned for October 2025:
- Older Persons (60–74): R2,325
- Older Persons (75+): R2,345
- Disability, War Veterans, and Care Dependency Grants: R2,325
- Child Support and Foster Care Grants will remain unchanged
These phased increases are part of the government’s fiscal plan to responsibly enhance social protection without overwhelming national expenditure.
SASSA Clarifies “Double Payment” Misconception
Some beneficiaries mistook the two-phased increase as double payments in May. However, SASSA has confirmed that only one grant payment per month is disbursed.
The misunderstanding likely arose from the announcement of future increases, creating confusion among recipients.
Card Transition- New Deadline Extended to June 2025
SASSA beneficiaries using the old SASSA Gold Cards must transition to the new Postbank Black Cards by June 2025. The original March deadline has been extended, and the new cards will be required for all future payments.
The SASSA grant increases in May 2025 provide much-needed financial relief to South Africa’s most vulnerable.
With further increases planned for October and improvements in payment systems like the card transition, the government is making strides toward a more inclusive and sustainable welfare program.
Beneficiaries should stay informed, keep their records current, and prepare for future changes to maximize their benefits.
FAQs
When will the next SASSA grant increase occur?
The next round of increases will take place in October 2025, affecting Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans, and Care Dependency Grants.
Are there any changes to the SRD grant eligibility in May 2025?
No major eligibility changes were made, but beneficiaries must ensure their status is updated monthly through the SRD portal.
Do I need to reapply to receive the May 2025 increase?
No reapplication is needed. All eligible beneficiaries received the updated amount automatically if their details were accurate.