In South Africa, the situation for quite a number of retired persons is that the Old Age Grant from SASSA is their only income and at the same time, the most supportive and helpful financial aid. The grant amounts for October 2025 are determined to be R2,315 for the 60-74 age group and R2,335 for the 75 and over group. Besides, SASSA has made known the national payment calendar that all the recipients in the different provinces will consequently receive their payments as per that timetable. Many people live in these rural areas where the payment dates might be a little different due to gradual shifts, so it is probable that some regional locations (like rural pay-points) may have little differences but still, the major national schedule will apply. Here is the October 2025 payment timetable along with the different provincial scenarios.
National Payment Dates for October 2025
SASSA has officially declared the payment dates of social grants for the month of October 2025 as follows:
- Older Persons Grant (Old Age Grant): Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Disability Grant: Friday, 3 October 2025
- Children’s Grants and other grants: Monday, 6 October 2025
The stated dates above are meant for the entire country which means that the grant holders in the provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State, and Northern Cape should expect their payments to come on those days or during the corresponding pay-point window.
Provincial Considerations and Local Pay-Point Windows
- The announcement of the national holiday was made, but the locations in some provinces or remote areas could be handled one after the other in order not to tire the sites and not to burden them. These are urban to rural pay points: in a large city, usually, the people get to their money on the official national date at banks, ATMs or retail stores (e.g. Shoprite and Pick n Pay). As for the rural areas, they are presented as tough-to-reach and SASSA can periodically supply money to the local pay points (for instance, on 2-4 October).
- Public Holidays & Banking Delays: If 2 October falls close to a public holiday or weekend (or there is a local observance in the area), then some provinces might delay collections by a day or two. It is very critical to be kept updated through local SASSA announcements.
- Postbank / Contractual Issues: Postbank or SASSA’s Gold Card payments are very much relied upon in a certain area, then that area may undergo delays if there are any problems with Postbank’s contract or if their systems are overloaded. The people receiving payments in those areas should check this with the relevant authorities at their location beforehand.
- SMS Notification / Local Offices: Besides the constant SMS reminders, SASSA also has notices posted in local SASSA offices and service centers telling the exact days for each pay point in every region. Therefore, it is very important for the beneficiaries to be extremely alert about this so they will know when their local pay point is open.
Recommendations for Benefits from the Provinces
1. The day of the local pay-point is to be confirmed! The day SASSA office or the notice board will be of assistance to you in finding out the distribution schedule for SASSA in your area during the 2 October window.
2. Banking details should be updated right away! SASSA needs to have your correct bank account number, contact number, and address in order to avoid delays or misdirection of payments.
3. No crowding on the first day! Payments are commencing on 2 October, but in most cases, cash will be in the pay points for some days. One can get cash at the window to avoid getting in the crowd.
4. Be ready for slight changes! If your place is affected by public holidays, system slowdown, or contract troubles (especially in Postbank areas), then distribution could be postponed. So, keep local announcements checked for information.
5. Delayed payments should be reported immediately! If your grant does not show up by the end of the day on 2 or 3 October (depending on your payment method), then SASSA or your provincial office must be shown your ID and grant reference.
also read : R267 Billion Social Grant Budget 2025: Over 19 Million South Africans To Benefit