In exciting news for millions of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grant recipients, all permanent grants will be paid earlier in April 2025.
This comes as a major relief, especially as the Easter weekend and public holidays fall around the usual payment dates. Alongside this shift, Sassa also announced increased payment amounts to support the rising costs of living.
In this article, we will explain the new payment schedule, the increases to various South African Social Security Agency grants, and the transition to the new Postbank black cards. Here’s everything you need to know about early payments for Sassa grants.
Early Sassa Payment Dates for April 2025
South African Social Security Agency grant payments are typically made between the 3rd and 5th of each month.
However, due to the weekend and public holidays in April 2025, the payments will be distributed earlier than usual. The following revised payment dates have been confirmed for April 2025:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | April 2, 2025 |
| Disability Grant | April 3, 2025 |
| Children’s Grants | April 4, 2025 |
These changes ensure that recipients receive their payments promptly, without delays due to holidays or weekends.
Sassa Grant Increases Effective April 2025
Alongside the early payment schedule, Sassa grants will also see increases from April 2025. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an allocation of R284.7 billion to fund permanent social grants in the 2025/26 budget. The increases are designed to help vulnerable groups cope with rising costs and inflation.
Here are the key increases for April 2025:
| Grant Type | Increase | New Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age (60-74 years) | R130 | R2,315 |
| Old Age (75+ years) | R135 | R2,335 |
| War Veterans Grant | R130 | R2,315 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R130 | R2,315 |
| Child Support Grant | R30 | R560 |
| Foster Care Grant | R70 | R1,250 |
These increases are part of a broader effort to provide financial support to South African families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Transition to New Postbank Black Cards
A key update for Sassa beneficiaries in 2025 is the transition from the Sassa gold card to the new Postbank black card.
Beneficiaries were required to update their cards by March 20, 2025, to continue receiving their payments seamlessly. After the deadline, the following restrictions apply:
- The Sassa gold card cannot be used for any transactions, including ATM withdrawals.
- Beneficiaries who did not update their cards must collect their payments at Post Office branches or via cash withdrawals at retailers’ till points.
However, those who have already switched to the Postbank black card can access their payments through ATMs and participating retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Spar.
Foreign Nationals and Eligibility for New Black Cards
Foreign nationals are not yet eligible for the new black cards. However, they can still collect their grant payments at any Post Office by presenting their current documents.
It is crucial that foreign nationals ensure they bring all required documents when visiting the Post Office to avoid delays.
How to Access Your Sassa Grant Payment
To collect the Sassa grant, beneficiaries must:
- Ensure they have a valid Postbank black card (or continue using their Sassa gold card if they haven’t switched).
- Visit one of the authorized retail outlets or Post Office branches to access their funds.
- Foreign nationals should bring their existing documents to collect payments at Post Office branches.
With the early payments scheduled for April 2025 and the substantial increases in various grants, South African beneficiaries will receive vital financial support to manage the rising costs of living.
It’s crucial to ensure that the Postbank black card transition is completed to avoid disruptions in receiving payments.
With these updates, Sassa aims to provide better support to the most vulnerable groups in society, ensuring they can cope with financial challenges in the coming months.
FAQs:
When will the Sassa grants be paid in April 2025?
Older Persons Grant: April 2, 2025
Disability Grant: April 3, 2025
Children’s Grants: April 4, 2025
How much will the Sassa grants increase in April 2025?
The grants will see increases ranging from R30 for the Child Support Grant to R135 for the Old Age (75+ years) Grant.
What happens if I didn’t switch to the new Postbank black card by March 20?
You will not be able to use your Sassa gold card for transactions. Instead, you can collect your grant payments at Post Office branches or retail outlets.