April 2025 will be a month of relief for millions of people benefiting from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) in South Africa. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially confirmed raising the SASSA grant in his rescheduled budget speech, which will directly benefit those who rely on this government scheme. Let’s see what changes have happened this time, how much has increased in which category, and what you should do next if you still have a SASSA Gold Card.
How much has the grant increased?
This year the SASSA grant has been raised by 5.7% to 5.9% as opposed to the standard nominal raise of R10 to R90. This raise has been made in order to ease the effect of the two VAT increases that will be implemented in 2025. The following table provides the old and new grant amounts:
| Grant Type | Old amount | Increase | New amount (from 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 |
Notice that all grants are rising in April 2025, but not all grants will rise for a second time in October 2025. Child Support and Foster Care Grants will not be part of this second rise.
Payment Dates
When will the money arrive in your bank account? This is important to know. The confirmed SASSA payment dates for April 2025 are as follows:
- Old Age Grant: Thursday, 3 April
- Disability Grant: Friday, 4 April
- Children Grant: Saturday, 5 April (possibly pending confirmation)
SASSA generally doesn’t make payments at weekends, so if payment on 5 April is not feasible, it might be moved to Friday, 4 April. Keep an eye out for news.
What will become of the SASSA Gold card?
If you still hold a SASSA Gold card, the deadline of 20 March 2025 is gone, and the card is worthless. If you attempt to use it:
✅ You won’t be able to make transactions or withdrawals.
✅ Shopkeepers will not accept the card.
✅ ATMs can block or eat your card.
But don’t worry! If you were late, Postbank will enable you to replace your card until the end of June 2025.
Grant Withdrawal Options
You can still get your grant money if your Gold Card is invalid from the following places:
- South African Post Office Branches
- Store Counters (only April and May 2025)
Don’t worry if you already have a Postbank Black Card. You can withdraw your money from the following places:
Shopping Stores:
- Shoprite
- Usave
- Boxer
- Spar
- Pick n Pay
- Checkers
IMPORTANT NOTE: Black Card customers will not get any service from Post Office Branches. So utilize ATMs or the above shopping stores.
Contacts and Support
If you require any information or support, you can reach us via the following channels:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Headquarters: 012 400 2322
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
Conclusion
This 2025 grant hike has indeed provided some respite to those who are financially struggling. Although this hike may not fully counteract inflation, it will definitely mitigate the effect of the cost of living.
If you are being paid the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, or Child Support Grant, it is vital that you know your payment dates and renew your card on time. If you have not yet changed the Gold Card to the Black Card, do not fail to meet the June 2025 deadline, or you might end up experiencing financial hardships.
Therefore, be attentive, make your required adjustments timely, and use all your rights and privileges in full!
FAQs
Q1. How much will my SASSA grant increase in April 2025?
Increases range from R30 to R135, depending on the grant type. For example, the Old Age Grant (60–74 years) will increase from R2,185 to R2,315.
Q2. When will I receive my grant payment in April 2025?
Payments will be made as follows:
Older Persons Grant: 3 April (Thursday)
Disability Grant: 4 April (Friday)
Children’s Grants: 5 April (Saturday, subject to change)
Q3. What happens if I still have a SASSA Gold Card?
The Gold Card expired on 20 March 2025. You must switch to the Postbank Black Card before June 2025, or you won’t be able to withdraw funds.
Q4. Where can I withdraw my SASSA grant money?
You can collect your grant at South African Post Office branches (limited time), retail stores (Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, etc.), and ATMs.
Q5. Who can I contact for help with my SASSA grant?
You can call the Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11 or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za for assistance.