South Africa’s social grant system is set for a small but significant boost. From October 2025, the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants will apply to older persons, disability, and care dependency grants. This adjustment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support the most vulnerable, while other grants remain unchanged since April.
Payments will continue on the usual SASSA cycle, starting Thursday, 2 October 2025.
Updated Grant Amounts (Old vs New)
| Grant Type | Old Amount | New Amount (Oct 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons (60–74) | R2 310 | R2 320 | +R10 increase |
| Older Persons (75+) | R2 330 | R2 340 | +R10 increase |
| War Veterans | R2 330 | R2 340 | +R10 increase |
| Disability | R2 310 | R2 320 | +R10 increase |
| Care Dependency | R2 310 | R2 320 | +R10 increase |
| Child Support | R560 | R560 | Unchanged since April 2025 |
| Foster Child | R1 250 | R1 250 | Unchanged since April 2025 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R560 | R560 | Unchanged since April 2025 |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) | R370 | R370 | Unchanged; extended to March 2026 |
What Officials Say About the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants
“This reaffirms government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society, easing financial burden and cushioning them against economic hardships.”
— SASSA CEO Themba Matlou
October 2025 SASSA Payment Dates
Beneficiaries should note the official payment schedule for the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants:
Older Persons: Thursday, 2 October 2025
Disability Grants: Friday, 3 October 2025
Children’s & Other Grants: Monday, 6 October 2025
Learn more: Postbank Card Issues? Find Convenient Help at These Popular Retail Stores
Why the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants Matters
While overall inflation in South Africa slowed to 3.3% in August 2025, food inflation remains high at 5.2%, making everyday expenses a challenge for many beneficiaries. The R10 Increase for SASSA Grants may seem modest, but even this small boost can make a practical difference in daily life.
How the R10 Increase Helps Beneficiaries in Real Life
Stretching the food budget
For pensioners or caregivers buying groceries, R10 could cover:
2–3 loaves of bread
A kilogram of rice or maize meal
A carton of eggs or basic vegetables
Over a month, small amounts like this add up, helping ensure basic nutrition for a family or household.
Transport support
Many beneficiaries rely on minibus taxis or buses to get to markets, clinics, or social visits.
R10 could pay for one short trip in a township or cover part of a weekly transport cost.
Medical or personal care
For people with disabilities or caregivers, R10 could contribute toward:
Over-the-counter medicines
Personal hygiene items
Supplements or vitamins for older adults
Small comforts and daily needs
Even a small increase can allow beneficiaries to purchase affordable treats like tea, coffee, or a small snack for grandchildren.
It can also help cover minor household expenses, such as candles, toiletries, or a prepaid electricity token.
Why Phased Increases Are Important
This October adjustment follows a larger increase in April 2025, reflecting the government’s phased approach. Phasing increases:
Protects purchasing power against rising costs gradually.
Ensures continuous support rather than a one-off adjustment.
Balances social spending with overall economic sustainability.
In essence, the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants may be small in number, but it provides real, tangible relief, helping beneficiaries meet daily needs, maintain independence, and improve quality of life.
How to Make the Most of the R10 Increase
To ensure smooth access to the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants and avoid delays or risks, beneficiaries should follow these practical steps:
1. Avoid Long Queues
Withdraw your grant after the official payment date to reduce waiting times at ATMs or retail pay points.
Consider using Postbank or other partnered ATMs for convenient access.
If possible, ask a trusted family member to assist in collecting the grant, especially for older persons or people with disabilities.
2. Stay Alert Against Scams
Scammers may try to exploit news of the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants.
Never share your PIN, OTP, or personal information with anyone claiming to help you access your grant.
SASSA will never call or WhatsApp you asking for confidential banking details.
Report any suspicious messages immediately via SASSA channels.
3. Keep Your Personal Details Updated
Ensure your bank account, mobile number, and address are up to date to avoid payment delays.
Update your information through:
WhatsApp 082 046 8553
Correct and current details ensure you receive the full benefit of the R10 Increase without interruptions.
4. Prepare for Grant Reviews
SASSA may call some beneficiaries for routine grant reviews.
Always bring the required documents (ID, bank statements, medical reports if applicable) to avoid delays.
Respond promptly to review notices to ensure continued access to grants, including the new R10 Increase.
5. Use Technology for Convenience
Many beneficiaries can check their grant status or payment dates via SASSA WhatsApp service or online portals, reducing the need to travel to SASSA offices.
Track payments and receive reminders to plan withdrawals and household budgets effectively.
6. Budget Wisely
Even though R10 seems small, planning its use can make a real difference:
Buy essential groceries or fresh produce.
Cover a short transport trip to the clinic or market.
Purchase small daily necessities or personal care items.
By following these tips, beneficiaries can collect their R10 Increase safely, efficiently, and confidently, ensuring that the modest boost in grants has the maximum positive impact on their daily lives.
SASSA’s Assurance
SASSA confirmed that systems are ready to process the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants smoothly, in partnership with Postbank, ATMs, and retail pay points. Beneficiaries can expect seamless transactions in October.
Learn more: SASSA Confirms: Payment Dates Not Affected by Postbank Agreement Change
Economic & Policy Context
The R10 Increase for SASSA Grants is part of a broader government strategy to support vulnerable South Africans while maintaining fiscal sustainability. The 2025/26 Budget Speech introduced a two-step approach to social grant increases:
April 2025: Larger adjustments were made to address immediate pressures from rising costs of living, especially for essential items such as food, transport, and healthcare. This helped beneficiaries maintain purchasing power at the start of the fiscal year.
October 2025: The R10 Increase for SASSA Grants provides a follow-up adjustment, ensuring that the gains from the April increase are not eroded by inflation or ongoing economic pressures.
Why a Phased Approach Matters
Protects vulnerable groups: By spreading the increases across the year, beneficiaries are less exposed to sudden spikes in living costs. Even small, predictable adjustments like the R10 increase contribute to financial stability for pensioners, caregivers, and people with disabilities.
Balances social spending: Gradual adjustments allow the government to manage resources sustainably, avoiding large, sudden expenditure that could strain the national budget.
Reflects economic realities: While overall inflation has slowed to 3.3%, the high cost of food and essential services requires careful, phased increases to ensure that support remains meaningful.
Signals policy consistency: The two-step increase demonstrates the government’s commitment to social protection, showing that grant adjustments are deliberate, transparent, and aligned with both economic conditions and beneficiary needs.
In summary, the R10 Increase for SASSA Grants is not just a nominal adjustment—it is part of a carefully designed policy framework that balances immediate relief with long-term economic sustainability. This approach reassures beneficiaries that the government is taking steady, considered steps to safeguard social grants, even in a challenging economic environment.
Contact SASSA for Verification
Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
WhatsApp Self-Service: 082 046 8553
Website: sassa.gov.za | srd.sassa.gov.za
