In the beginning of October 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) increased the old age grant for seniors by R 10, thus, elderly persons of the ages between 60 and 74 years will now get R 2 320. On the other hand, the monthly amount paid out to people aged 75 and over has been raised to R 2 340.
This hike may not be so big but is part of a larger picture and is among SASSA’s moves to adjust the social grants according to the rate of inflation and the general rise in living costs.
Context: 2025 Social Grant Adjustments
The beginning of 2025 saw the organization making a more significant adjustment. According to the national 2025/26 budget, the grants awarded by SASSA (not including the SRD grant) would undergo significant increments: the old age, disability, and care dependency grants would all jump from the previous rates to R 2 315.
The October step-up is in a way a slight adjustment of that increment, strengthening the government’s promises of social welfare support even when the economy is not doing well.
Payment Timing & Important Dates
SASSA has planned granting payouts of the older persons’ grant and other social grants by the beginning of October: the date for the granting of money to the older persons is Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Grants for the disabled, and children, etc. will follow after a very short period.
Beneficiaries are advised to verify that their bank details are current and keep an eye out for any notices or communication from SASSA concerning payments or possible delays.
Who Benefits & Eligibility
The new grant amounts are aimed at two age groups:
- Ages 60 to 74: R 2 320
- Ages 75 and older: R 2 340
To be eligible, individuals need to fulfill SASSA’s conditions of eligibility which encompass means tests (income and asset thresholds) and other regulatory conditions laid down by the agency. Those already on the system will receive the increase automatically—no reapplication incidentally is required unless there is a change in personal circumstances (income, banking details, and residence) for example.
Challenges & Real Impact
Amid such challenges, any increment is a welcome addition albeit critics highlight that R 10 is a small amount compared to rising inflation, higher food and utility costs, and health care expenses for older people. This increment, however, might only just about cover price changes for essential goods. Still, for multi-grant households or the near-poor, every extra rand can go a long way in covering their needs.
Also Read: NERSA October Electricity Price Hike 2025: How It Affects South African Consumers