Sassa Confirms R10 Increase For All Social Grants In October

This month, millions of South Africans have started receiving slightly higher social grant payments. The South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) confirmed that all social grants increased by R10 in October following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s 2025/26 budget speech earlier this year.

Sassa Implements Budget-Approved Increase

In an official statement, SASSA announced that the new grant amount was enacted during the October 2025 payment cycle. The agency said that the adjustments follow the finance minister's announcement to provide relief to low-income households affected by the rising costs of living.

“The South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) wishes to inform all social grant beneficiaries that social grant amounts will increase in the October payment cycle. This is in line with the announcement made by the finance minister earlier this year when he tabled the budget for the 2025/26 financial year,” the agency said.

The increase, though modest, is part of the government's continued effort to support vulnerable citizens and strengthen South Africans’ social protection system.

Updated Grant Amount For October 2025

The new grant rates effective from October 2025 are as follows.

• Old age grant: R2 320, previously R2 310

• Old age grant- over 75 years: R2 340 previously R2 330

• Disability grant: R2 320 previously  R2 310

• Care Dependency grant: R2 320 previously R2 310

SASSA noted that these adjustments have already been applied and reflected in this month's payments to beneficiaries nationwide.

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Sassa CEO Welcomes The Adjustment

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou welcomes the increase, saying that while the amount may seem small, it remains significant for many households that rely on social assistance to meet their basic needs.

He assured beneficiaries that SASSA was fully prepared for the October payment cycle and that the rollout was concluded without significant disruptions.

“The adjustment, thought modest, is meaningful for households depending on social assistance. We are pleased to confirm that payments for October have proceeded smoothly nationwide. “ Matlou said.

October Payment Schedule

According to SASSA, the October 2025 grant payments were made according to the following schedule.

• Old age grants: 2 October

• Disability grants: 3 October

• Children's grants: 6 October

The agency confirmed that the payment process succeeded in all the provinces, with beneficiaries accessing their fiend through banks, ATMs, and retail outlets as usual.

Beneficiaries Urged To Avoid The First-Day Rush.

SASSA reminded beneficiaries that funds remain safe in their accounts until withdrawn, encouraging them not to rush to collect their money on the first payment day.

 This helps reduce long queues at the pay point and ensures smoother service delivery for all recipients.

A Small Step Towards Greater Support

The R10 increase may be modest, but it provides a bit of extra relief for millions of South Africans in tough economic times. The government has pledged to continue reviewing social assistance programs to ensure that vulnerable citizens receive consistent support.

SASSA reiterated its commitment to maintain efficient, transparency, and reliable payment systems as part of its ongoing mission to uphold the dignity and well-being of grant recipients nationwide.