The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a revised payment schedule for April 2025, along with increased grant amounts aimed at providing much-needed financial relief to millions of beneficiaries. The changes come as part of the 2025/26 national budget, which was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, and they are designed to ease the financial burdens faced by many South Africans amidst rising costs of living.
SASSA administers over 19 million grants, and the payment dates for this month have been adjusted to avoid delays typically caused by weekends. Here’s the confirmed schedule for grant payments:
- Older Persons Grant: Payment Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Increased to R2,310/month for those under 75 (up R120 from R2,190) and R2,330/month for those over 75 (up R120 from R2,210).
- Disability Grant: Payment Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Increased to R2,310/month (up R120 from R2,190).
- War Veterans Grant: Payment Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Increased to R2,310/month for those under 75 (up R120 from R2,190) and R2,330/month for those over 75 (up R120 from R2,210).
- Care Dependency Grant: Payment Date: Thursday, April 4, 2025 - Increased to R2,310/month (up R120 from R2,190).
- Child Support Grant: Payment Date: Friday, April 4, 2025 - Increased to R560/month (up R30 from R530).
- Foster Care Grant: Payment Date: Friday, April 4, 2025 - Increased to R1,250/month (up R70 from R1,180).
- Grant-in-Aid: Payment Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 - Increased to R560/month (up R30 from R530).
- SRD Grant: Tentative Payment Window: April 25-30, 2025 - Amount remains at R370/month, pending reforms.
In addition to the payment schedule, SASSA has extended the deadline for the validity of the gold cards until May 31, 2025. This extension was confirmed by Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe during a media briefing on March 28. She stated, "The cards will continue up until the end of May this time around, which means people have plenty of time to make sure they replace their gold cards. There’ll be no alternatives post the end of May to access your grants." This announcement comes as a relief to many beneficiaries who have yet to transition to the new black cards.
Mbengashe also warned that beneficiaries should refrain from using the Post Office to access their grants if they still possess gold cards. "Please do not go to the Post Office (SAPO) if you don’t have a card, because they’ll not be able to service you because we have this solution now (extended May 31 gold card deadline). Only go to the Post Office if you have lost your card or you’re an asylum seeker," she said.
For beneficiaries who have not yet switched to the black card, there are still options available until the end of June 2025. They can collect their grants using cash at their nearest Post Office or through retail outlets such as Shoprite, Checkers, SPAR, Boxer, and Pick n Pay. However, it is crucial for beneficiaries to act quickly and make the switch to the black card, as the gold cards will no longer be valid after May.
As part of the efforts to ensure that beneficiaries can access their funds efficiently, SASSA has emphasized the importance of safety and security. Beneficiaries are advised to swap their cards as soon as possible, avoid sharing their PINs or personal details, and verify their grant status by sending an SMS with their ID number to 32555 or using WhatsApp.
These social grants play a vital role in supporting approximately one in three South Africans, significantly reducing poverty and inequality. As noted by Finance Minister Godongwana, "Our social safety net is among the most comprehensive in emerging economies." With social grants consuming 81% of the Social Development budget, the government's commitment to enhancing these payments reflects a broader strategy to support vulnerable populations.
In summary, the SASSA payment schedule for April 2025 has been adjusted to ensure timely disbursement of funds, with several grants seeing increases to help beneficiaries cope with rising living costs. The extended deadline for gold cards provides additional time for beneficiaries to transition to the new black cards, ensuring continued access to crucial financial support.
For any inquiries or assistance regarding grants, beneficiaries can contact SASSA toll-free at 0800 60 10 11 or reach out to the Parliament Media Officer Ms. Faith Ndenze at 081 377 0686.
