SASSA Announces October 2025 Grant Payment Dates with R10 Increase

When SASSA, the South African Social Security Agency, released its October 2025 payment calendar, millions of South Africans braced for the familiar rhythm of their monthly social grants.

In South Africa, the schedule rolls out from Thursday, 2 October for Older Persons grants, through Friday, 3 October for Disability grants, and lands on Monday, 6 October for Children & Others grants. The much‑talked‑about Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will be dispersed over business days between 24 October and 30 October.

Here’s the thing: the agency also nudged every grant up by R10, a modest but welcome boost that will see old‑age recipients pocket R2 315 (or R2 335 for those 75+ and war veterans), while the Child Support grant sits at R560.

Historical Context of South Africa’s Social Grants

The grant system dates back to the early 1990s, a cornerstone of post‑apartheid policy aimed at eradicating poverty. Over the decades, the National Treasury and Department of Social Development have periodically adjusted amounts to keep pace with inflation. In 2022, a R10 uplift was introduced, but it was paused during the pandemic fiscal strain. This October’s increase marks the first uniform raise in three years.

Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu has repeatedly warned that grant adequacy is essential for food security. "Our seniors, children, and persons with disabilities rely on these payments for everyday survival," she said in a November 2024 press briefing.

October 2025 Payment Schedule Details

During the October 2025 social grant payment scheduleSouth Africa, SASSA follows a tiered rollout:

• 2 October (Thursday): Older Persons grants – R2 315 for ages 60‑74; R2 335 for ages 75+ and war veterans.
• 3 October (Friday): Disability and Care Dependency grants – R2 315 each.
• 6 October (Monday): Children & Others (Child Support R560, Foster Child R1 250).
• 24‑30 October (business days): SRD grant – R370, spread out to manage high volume.

Beneficiaries can verify exact dates via the SRD Status Check portal on the SASSA website. Funds typically show up in bank accounts within 2‑3 business days after processing.

How the R10 Increase Impacts Recipients

For many households, an extra R10 is the difference between buying an extra kilogram of rice or skipping it. According to the South African Institute of Race Relations, the average grant‑dependent household spends about R1 800 per month on food. A R10 uplift adds roughly 0.5% to that budget – not huge, but symbolically important.

One beneficiary, 78‑year‑old Mary Ndlovu from Durban, told a local radio station, "I can finally afford the soap I need. It’s a small thing, but it helps my dignity."

On the flip side, economists caution that incremental raises alone won’t close the poverty gap. Dr. Thabo Mokoena of the University of Cape Town noted, "We need comprehensive wage growth and job creation alongside grant adjustments. Otherwise, the system merely patches symptoms."

Reactions from Beneficiaries and Officials

Overall sentiment appears cautiously optimistic. Community leaders in townships across Gauteng reported smoother cash‑flow expectations after the schedule was posted.

However, some criticism lingered about the SRD timeline. The SRD grant, introduced after the 2023 floods, serves the most vulnerable. Activist group Social Justice South Africa argued that a week‑long spread still leaves some recipients waiting until the end of the month.

In response, a SASSA spokesperson (who asked to remain unnamed) explained, "Our processing capacity peaks during business days; stretching the SRD payout minimizes system overload and ensures accuracy."

What to Expect Going Forward

Looking ahead, the agency has hinted at a digital‑first push, encouraging beneficiaries to link their bank accounts directly to the SASSA payment system. If successful, that could shave days off the 2‑3‑day reflection period.

Moreover, the 2025‑2026 fiscal plan, released in August, earmarks an additional R3 billion for grant adjustments should inflation rise above 5%.

For now, the October calendar provides a clear roadmap. As the month unfolds, watch for any last‑minute adjustments—particularly if banking holidays or unexpected strikes hit the payment pipeline.