SASSA Grants Doubled in 2025 – Key Updates and What Vulnerable Members Need to Know

Published On: March 2, 2025

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance to millions of South Africans. Many people rely on these grants to cover essential expenses like food, housing, and healthcare. Recently, rumors have spread that SASSA grants will double in 2025. While this is not true, there have been gradual increases to help beneficiaries keep up with the rising cost of living.

This guide breaks down the latest SASSA grant increases, explains who qualifies, and provides a step-by-step application guide for new applicants.

Payment

SASSA grants saw two scheduled increases in 2025:

March 2025: A general increase across most grant types.
October 2025: A smaller top-up adjustment.

Here is a breakdown of the updated grant amounts:

Grant Type	March 2025 Increase	October 2025 Increase	New Total (2025)
Older Persons Grant (60-74)	R90	R10	R2,190
Older Persons Grant (75+)	R90	R10	R2,210
Disability Grant	R90	R10	R2,190
Care Dependency Grant	R90	R10	R2,190
War Veterans Grant	R90	R10	R2,210
Foster Child Grant	R50	N/A	R1,180
Child Support Grant	R20	N/A	R530
Social Relief of Distress (SRD)	R20	N/A	R370

While these increases don’t double the grants, they provide much-needed relief for beneficiaries facing inflation and economic challenges.

Types

SASSA offers several grant types, each designed for specific needs:

Older Persons Grant: For individuals aged 60 and above who have limited income.
Disability Grant: For those unable to work due to a permanent disability.
Care Dependency Grant: For caregivers of children with severe disabilities.
Foster Child Grant: For children legally placed in foster care.
Child Support Grant: For families earning below a set income threshold.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD): Temporary assistance during financial crises.

Increases

This grant increased by R90 in March 2025, followed by an additional R10 in October, bringing the total to R2,190 for those aged 60-74 and R2,210 for individuals aged 75 and older.

Disability and Care Dependency Grants

Both grants saw a similar R90 increase in March and R10 in October, setting the new amount at R2,190 per month. These grants help cover daily expenses, medical costs, and assistive devices for people with disabilities.

Foster Child Grant

The Foster Child Grant rose by R50 in March 2025, raising the total to R1,180 per month. This grant assists foster families with school fees, clothing, and basic needs.

Child Support Grant

This grant increased by R20 in March 2025, making the new total R530 per child per month. While the increase is small, it provides crucial support for low-income families.

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SRD grant increased by R20 in March 2025, bringing the total to R370 per month. This grant helps unemployed individuals and those facing emergencies.

Application

Applying for a SASSA grant is a simple process, but it requires the right documentation. Here’s how to apply:

Step 1

Visit the SASSA website or a local office to confirm if you qualify. Each grant has specific criteria, including age, income, or disability status.

Step 2

You will need:

A valid South African ID or birth certificate.
Proof of income (bank statements or employer letters).
Medical reports or foster care documents if applicable.

Step 3

You can apply:

Online via the SASSA e-services portal.
In person at your nearest SASSA office.

Step 4

Monitor your application status online or call 0800 60 10 11 for updates.

Practical Tips

Update Your Information: Ensure SASSA has your correct personal and banking details to avoid payment delays.
Budget Wisely: Use your grant strategically to cover necessities like food, rent, and electricity.
Stay Informed: Check SASSA’s official website or local news for updates on grants and payment dates.

Challenges

Despite the increase, some challenges remain:

Inflation Impact: Rising food and transport costs mean the increase may not be enough for many recipients.
Payment Delays: Occasional delays affect beneficiaries who depend on the grants for survival.

Future

SASSA is continuously working to improve its services:

Digital Applications: Efforts are being made to expand online applications and tracking.
Advocacy for Higher Increases: Many organizations are pushing for more substantial grant increases to help South Africans cope with economic challenges.

Knowing SASSA’s grant increases and eligibility criteria can help beneficiaries maximize their financial support. If you qualify, don’t hesitate to apply and ensure you receive the assistance you need.