SASSA Grants Increase 2025: New Amounts & SRD Extension

Are you counting on your SASSA grant to get by each month? I’ve got some good news for you! Starting from April 2025, most grants will see a decent bump to help you keep up with rising living costs. With food, transport, and basic necessities getting more expensive, this increase couldn’t have come at a better time.

The government has confirmed increase for old age pensions, disability grants, child support, and others mostly going up by about 5.9%. The SRD grant, though staying at R370, but has been extended until March 2026, giving millions a bit more breathing room.

In this article, I’ll break down the new grant amounts for every SASSA grant and new budget allocation for fiscal year 2025/2026, along with insights into why these changes are happening. Whether you’re already getting a grant or thinking of applying, stick around to see how this affects you in 2025.

Overview of Social Grant Increases Effective April 2025

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana made the announcement during the 2025 Budget Speech. He said the government wants to continue helping South Africans who depend on these grants just to survive, especially with prices going up all the time. Whether you’re getting an old age pension, child support, or a disability grant, your monthly payout is going to get a little bigger.

Detailed Breakdown of SASSA Grant Increase

Here’s a clear breakdown of the updated social grant amounts starting April 2025:

Grant Type	Previous Amount (R)	New Amount (R)	Increase (R)	Percentage Increase (%)
Old Age Grant (<75 years)	2,180	2,310	130	5.96%
Old Age Grant (≥75 years)	2,200	2,330	130	5.91%
Disability Grant	2,180	2,310	130	5.96%
War Veterans Grant	2,180	2,310	130	5.96%
Care Dependency Grant	2,180	2,310	130	5.96%
Foster Care Grant	1,180	1,250	70	5.93%
Child Support Grant	530	560	30	5.66%
Grant-in-Aid	530	560	30	5.66%
SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant	370	370	No Increase	0.00%

Key Takeaways:

The Old Age, Disability, and Care Dependency Grants will increase by R130, which is an approximate 5.96% rise.
The Foster Care Grant will see a 5.93% increase, while the Child Support Grant and Grant-in-Aid will increase by 5.66%.
The SRD Grant remains unchanged at R370 per month but has been extended until March 2026.

Implementation Timeline

The new grant amounts will officially take effect from April 1, 2025. Beneficiaries will receive the adjusted payments according to SASSA’s scheduled grant payment dates. Here’s what you need to know:

April 2025: All revised social grants become effective.
April 2025 – March 2026: The SRD grant remains at R370, pending further government review.
Future Increases: Further adjustments will be considered in the 2026 Budget Speech, depending on economic conditions and fiscal policy.

These increases reflect the government’s effort to alleviate financial hardship and ensure that social grant recipients can keep up with the rising cost of living. Make sure to check SASSA’s official payment schedule for 2025 to know when your grant will be deposited.

Extension of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, commonly known as the R370 grant, has been a lifeline for millions of unemployed South Africans since its introduction in 2020. Initially meant as a temporary relief measure, the grant has been extended several times because many households still face financial struggles. In the 2025 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the SRD grant will be extended until March 2026, ensuring continued support for those in need.

Why Has the SRD Grant Been Extended?

The extension of the SRD grant comes in response to:

High Unemployment Rates – With South Africa’s unemployment rate remaining high, the government recognizes that there is still a need for financial assistance to vulnerable individuals.
Rising Cost of Living – Inflation has made basic necessities more expensive, making it difficult for low-income households to afford food, transport, and other essentials.
Ongoing Economic Recovery Efforts – While the economy is slowly recovering, many South Africans are still struggling to secure stable employment. The SRD grant serves as a short-term relief measure while long-term economic solutions are being implemented.

Will the SRD Grant Amount Increase?

Despite calls from social advocacy groups for an increase, the SRD grant will remain at R370 per month until any further official announcement. The government has cited budget constraints and competing fiscal priorities as the main reasons for keeping the amount unchanged. However, discussions are ongoing regarding potential adjustments in the future.

Financial Implications and Budget Allocations

SASSA grants increase and the extension of the SRD grant require significant financial resources. During the 2025 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that a substantial portion of the national budget has been allocated to sustain these grants while maintaining fiscal stability.

Key Budget Allocations for 2025/2026

Total social grants budget: Over R250 billion allocated for all SASSA grants.
SRD Grant extension: Set to cost approximately R35 billion for the year.
Additional spending for grant increases: Requires an extra R10 billion compared to the previous budget.
Funding sources: Primarily from tax revenue, spending reallocations, and economic growth projections.

While these adjustments provide much-needed financial relief, concerns about long-term sustainability remain. The government must balance social welfare spending with economic growth strategies to ensure continued support for vulnerable citizens without straining public finances.

Conclusion

The increase in social grants and the extension of the SRD grant in 2025 bring much-needed financial relief to millions of South Africans. While these changes offer short-term support, the long-term solution lies in economic growth and job creation. Remember to check your SASSA status regularly to stay informed about your payment dates and status. If you have specific questions about your grant payments do comment or visit SASSA nearest office.

FAQs

The new grant amounts will start from 1 April 2025. All beneficiaries will receive the adjusted payments according to SASSA’s regular payment schedule for that month.

The Old Age, Disability, and Care Dependency Grants has been increased to R2,310, while the Child Support Grant has gone up to R560.

No, the SRD grant stays at R370 per month. There’s no increase planned for 2025. But good news is it has been extended until March 2026.

No, if you’re already getting a grant, the new amount will be paid to you automatically. No need to reapply.