The month of April shall be special for the beneficiaries of SASSA because in this round the government has decided to raise the amount of seven categories of grants. Come the first week of April at the beginning of the Easter month, the rise would benefit around 30 million South Africans. For this, the government has set aside around 300 billion rands, which has been collected from 74 lakh taxpayers. However, upon fraud allegations in grants increasing, SASSA has to find out the number of miracles in determining who is truly deserving. If you deserve this kind of help, this information is pretty useful for you.
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Which SASSA grants have been increased?
From April 2025, there are several grants whose amount is being increased. Here are all the details:
- Old Age Grant: Was amounted to 2,185 rand; now it stands at 2,315 rand.
- War Veterans Grant: Was 2,205 rand; now it stands at 2,335 rand.
- Disability Grant: Was 2,185 rand; now it stands at 2,315 rand.
- Foster Care Grant: Increased from 1,180 rand to 1,250 rand.
- Care Dependency Grant: Increased from 2,185 rand to 2,135 rand (there might have been a slight clerical error, but we will go by the basic information).
Child Support Grant: Increased from 530 to 560 rand.
Grant-in-aid: Increased from 530 to 560 rand.
However, the SRD grant, which is 370 rand a month, will stay unaffected. It will continue to be so until March 2026. The raise would greatly relieve those who rely on these funds for daily expenses
When will the increased money be made available?
The due date for the first portion of the increase will be 3 April 2025 to the elderly grant recipients. After this:
- 4 April 2025 Disability grant recipients will have access to the money.
- 5 April 2025 War veterans, foster care, care dependency, child support, and aid grant recipients will get the new amount.
These dates have been fixed in order for everyone to receive their welfare on time. Make note of your date if you receive one of these grants to avoid idle waiting.
Old SASSA gold card not functional
Another big news for SASSA grant users concerns the previous gold card. It will no longer be accepted. If you don’t have a new Postbank Black Card yet, you can draw your money through certain outlets like South African Post Office or grocery stores like Spar. There are about 3 million people who have not yet gotten the new black card. While the Department of Communications and Digital Technology says that the changeover is in progress. However, you need to collect your new card without delay because no transactions will be made using the gold card henceforth. If you keep stalling, you might encounter obstacles in cash withdrawal later.
How to go about getting a new Postbank Black Card?
In case you have not received a new black card yet, do not worry. It comes this easy to collect:
- At the post office: You may collect your grant at the South African Post Office by showing your ID.
- At the retailers: Stores like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Spar, and Usev will be giving away a black card at no charge.
- Withdrawals: The withdrawal of the black card funds at ATMs or these retailers.
The procedure is so simple in order to allow every individual free access to their money. If you still do not get your card, better hurry up; no one will want to be in long lines later.
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What will that mean for those on the increase?
The grant increase will be a relief to many South Africans. The old, the disabled, and households that look after the child will give a lot from this reward. With inflation rising and economic troubles in no short supply, this government step will be extended to its people. For instance, if you are a senior citizen, you will be receiving an extra 130 rand, which just might cushion the blow on next month’s medicine or electricity bill. The extra 30 rand will relieve the burden a little bit for these people to buy school stationery or food. But the government has to ensure that this money really goes to the right people and is not corrupted. For this, transparency is of utmost importance.
Who qualifies for those grants?
There are some conditions for receiving these grants from SASSA. Such as:
- One must be a citizen of South Africa, a permanent resident, or be a refugee.
- The age requirement for the elderly grant is 60 years and over.
- A medical report should be submitted for the disability grant.
- To qualify for the children’s grant you must be a caregiver.
- You may not have assets and income above SASSA requirements.
If you satisfy these conditions, then this kind of assistance is available to you. However, if you are already receiving another government grant, you may not get it.
Some important things
- If you are still using a gold card, change it fast. There’s time till June 2025, but better to do it early.
- Remember that payment date so that you can receive your money on time.
- If you think you qualify, approach a SASSA office or visit their site.
These little things now can save trouble for you.
Conclusion
This SASSA grant increase effective April 2025, is what indeed has brought relief to the poor and needy in South Africa. Today, whether you are old, disabled, or a caregiver, the extra amount would make everyday life a bit easier. But then again, a new Postbank Black Card will have to be obtained because otherwise there will be no access to your money. So start getting up now, get that card and check the dates, and make the most of this help. This move indicates that the Government understands the challenges its people face and wishes to help them. Vigilance is all that is required to ensure that this assistance reaches you on time.