R10 Increase In Social Grants From October 2025 By SASSA.Every South African relying on social grants knows how critical even a small increment can be. In the 2025/26 budget framework, the government has announced a R10 increase to many SASSA-administered social grants, effective from 1 October 2025.
While R10 might seem modest in absolute terms, for many households it helps offset rising costs of food, utilities, and transport. In this blog, we unpack what this means: which grants are affected, the new grant amounts, the payment schedule, eligibility or changes to watch out for, and the broader context behind the increase.
R10 Increase In Social Grants From October 2025 By SASSA-Overview
| Grant Type | New Amount (From Oct 2025) |
| Old Age Grant (60–74) | R2,320 |
| Old Age Grant (75+) | R2,340 |
| Disability Grant | R2,320 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,320 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,340 |
What Is SASSA & Why Grant Adjustments Matter
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the body responsible for administering social assistance grants in South Africa under the mandate of the Department of Social Development. Because many grant-recipients, senior citizens, persons with disabilities,
caregivers, and children in low-income families depend almost entirely on these monthly transfers, even small increments matter. Grants are adjusted periodically (usually in April and October) to cushion recipients against inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
Grants That Receive the Increase
From October 2025, the following grants will be increased by R10:
| Grant Type | Previous (April–Sept 2025) | New Amount (Oct 2025 onwards) |
| Old Age Grant (ages 60–74) | R2,310 | R2,320 |
| Old Age Grant (75+ years) | R2,330 | R2,340 |
| Disability Grant | R2,310 | R2,320 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,310 | R2,320 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,330 | R2,340 |
Why Some Grants Are Excluded
There are a few reasons some grants are not adjusted:
- Budget constraints & prioritization: The government may choose to preserve increases for the most vulnerable or highest-cost grants.
- Legislative or regulatory limits: Some grants are fixed by regulation or statute, making routine small increments harder to implement.
- Political decisions & cost-effectiveness: Because millions of beneficiaries are involved, even a small increase is significant at scale. The government must balance fiscal sustainability with social relief.
“Even a small increase can make a big difference. The R10 boost in social grants is a step toward supporting South Africa’s most vulnerable.”
Payment Dates for October 2025
SASSA has confirmed the schedule for grant disbursements in October 2025. Beneficiaries are encouraged not to crowd pay points too early, as funds often remain accessible beyond the first day.
- Older Persons Grant: Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Disability Grant: Friday, 3 October 2025
- Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, etc.) & Care Dependency: Monday, 6 October 2025
What Beneficiaries Should Know / Do
No Reapplication Needed
Existing beneficiaries of grants that are increasing will automatically receive the higher amount starting October. No new application or re-submission is needed.
Stay Alert to Reviews
SASSA continues to conduct review processes of existing grant cases — to confirm eligibility, to verify current income sources or undisclosed changes.
If a beneficiary is flagged for review, there may be temporary delays until the review is resolved
If you receive any notice from SASSA, respond promptly and provide updated documents (ID, proof of income, bank statements, etc.) to avoid suspension.
Safeguard Against Scams & False Information
SASSA has repeatedly cautioned beneficiaries against believing rumors or unverified claims (for example, “double payments” or sudden extra grants) and emphasized that only official announcements should be trusted.
Banking & Payment Method Changes
If you intend to change your payment method or bank account, do it well before deadline periods (often mid-month) to ensure the change takes effect for the next payment cycle.
Broader Context & Implications
The 2025 Budget & Grant Strategy
The R10 increase comes under the backdrop of the 2025 national budget, where the government made room for two adjustments: a more substantial increase in April and a smaller “top-up” in October.
Sustainability & Fiscal Pressures
Expanding social grants is costly: with over 19 million beneficiaries (excluding SRD recipients) forecast for 2025/26, scaling costs is a serious fiscal obligation.
Social Impact
For many recipients, the additional R10 may buy a loaf of bread, an extra liter of milk, or help cover travel to collect remittances. But it does little to cover more structural costs.
Final Thoughts
The R10 increase in social grants from October 2025 may appear modest, but for millions of South Africans who depend on SASSA for their daily sustenance, every rand counts. It reflects the government’s ongoing effort to provide a safety net for vulnerable groups,
older adults, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and war veterans. While the increment cannot fully offset rising living costs, it demonstrates a commitment to social protection and support.
FAQs for R10 Increase In Social Grants From October 2025 By SASSA
Current recipients of Old Age, Disability, Care Dependency, and War Veterans grants.
No
Starting 1 October 2025, with payments on 2, 3, or 6 October.
No, some grants like Grant in Aid and Social Relief of Distress are not affected.
Payments may be delayed until eligibility is confirmed.