In his rescheduled Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced some exciting updates for SASSA beneficiaries in South Africa, including substantial grant increases beginning in April 2025.
This will provide much-needed financial relief for millions who rely on government assistance.
In this article, we will break down the upcoming changes, the grant amounts, and everything you need to know to stay ahead, especially if you still hold a SASSA gold card.
Overview of the Grant Increases
Significant Boost for Beneficiaries
This year, the SASSA grants will see an increase of 5.7% to 5.9%, which is notably higher than the typical R10 to R90 boost seen in previous years.
This increase is designed to cushion the impact of two VAT increases scheduled for 2025. Below are the new amounts for each grant type, which will come into effect starting in April 2025:
| Grant Type | Previous Amount | Increase | New Amount (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age (60–74 years) | R2,185 | R130 | R2,315 |
| Old Age (75+ years) | R2,200 | R135 | R2,335 |
| Disability Grant | R2,185 | R130 | R2,315 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,185 | R130 | R2,315 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,185 | R130 | R2,315 |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | R30 | R560 |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,180 | R70 | R1,250 |
Additional Boost in October 2025
While the April 2025 increases apply to all listed grants, only some grants will receive an additional increase in October 2025. Child Support and Foster Care grants, unfortunately, will not be eligible for this second increase.
SASSA Payment Dates
If you’re eagerly awaiting your payment, here are the confirmed SASSA payment dates for April 2025:
- Older Persons Grant: Thursday, 3 April 2025
- Disability Grant: Friday, 4 April 2025
- Children’s Grants: Saturday, 5 April 2025 (subject to confirmation)
Note: Since SASSA typically avoids weekend payments, it’s possible that children’s grants could be disbursed on Friday, 4 April instead. Be sure to stay updated for any changes.
Important Information About the SASSA Gold Card
Deadline for Switching to the New Postbank Black Card
The deadline for switching from the SASSA gold card to the new Postbank Black Card was 20 March 2025. If you have not made the switch, your gold card will no longer be functional. Here’s what will happen if you try to use it:
- You won’t be able to transact or withdraw funds.
- Retailers will reject the gold card.
- ATMs may even swallow your card.
Grace Period for Card Switch
Don’t panic! If you missed the deadline, Postbank is offering a grace period until June 2025. You can still switch your card during this time.
Accessing Your Grant if You Miss the Deadline
If your gold card becomes inactive and you have not yet switched, you can still access your grant at the following locations:
- South African Post Office branches
- Retailer till points (available for April and May only)
Postbank Black Card Holders
For those who have already switched to the Postbank Black Card, you can withdraw funds from ATMs and the following major retailers:
- Shoprite
- Usave
- Boxer
- Spar
- Pick n Pay
- Checkers
However, black card holders cannot collect their grants at Post Office branches. Instead, they must use ATMs or partner retailers for withdrawals.
SASSA Contact Information
If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach SASSA using the following contact details:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Head Office: 012 400 2322
- Email: [email protected]
The April 2025 increases to SASSA grants provide valuable support for beneficiaries in South Africa, offering relief in the face of rising living costs. It’s crucial to ensure that you switch to the Postbank Black Card before the March 2025 deadline to avoid disruptions in accessing your funds.
Stay informed about the payment schedules and grant amounts to make the most of these changes, and don’t miss the opportunity to collect your funds efficiently through Postbank ATMs or partner retailers.
FAQs
When will the new SASSA grants be paid?
- The Older Persons Grant will be paid on Thursday, 3 April 2025.
- The Disability Grant will be paid on Friday, 4 April 2025.
- The Children’s Grants are scheduled for Saturday, 5 April 2025 but could be adjusted depending on weekend payment rules.
What happens if I miss the gold card switch deadline?
If you miss the 20 March 2025 deadline, you will still have until June 2025 to switch your card. Until then, you can collect your grant at Post Office branches or retailers.
Can I still use my SASSA gold card after the deadline?
No, after the deadline, your gold card will no longer be valid for transactions or withdrawals. Be sure to switch to the Postbank Black Card before the deadline.
Will the grant amounts increase again later in 2025?
Yes, some grants, like the Old Age Grant and Disability Grant, will receive a second boost in October 2025. However, Child Support and Foster Care grants are excluded from this second increase.