In October 2025, a minor adjustment in the form of an increase of R10 will take the place of the big “bonus” given to the old people of South Africa who are receiving SASSA grants. The major changes will not affect the country’s seniors. Below is a detailed outline of the expectations, the significance of this decision, and the possible impacts on the elderly across the nation.
Grant Increase Details: What Is Being Changed?
As per the budget and grant schedule for 2025, a R10 increase will be given to the four social grants for Older Persons (old age), Disability, Care Dependency, and War Veterans grants in October 2025 besides the earlier increase from the month of April (2025). There was already an increase of R90 for those grants as part of the government’s annual adjustment.
Thus, the amounts at that time will be:
- The Old Age grant for ages 60-74 will be R2,320.
- The Old Age grant for 75 years and older will be R2,340.
- Disability and Care Dependency grants will also be R2,320.
- A War Veterans’ grant of R2,340.
It must be emphasized that the “R10 increase” in October is not coming to be a one-off special payment or a bonus but just a tiny extra adjustment to the ordinary monthly grant.
Why Only a Small Increase?
- Budget constraints and inflation pressures: Government financial resources have been impacted by the high costs of living, inflation on a global scale, and prioritizing the national budget, which have been the situation for a long time. While there are political demands for larger amounts, regular sustainability may consume resources to the point that only limited increases are allowed.
- The April 2025 uplift already substantial: The April increase (which was R90 for the majority of senior grants) was so considerable that it might have already taken the entire allowance for social grant increases for the whole year and therefore the intended adjustment for October may look like a “catch-up” to stay slightly responsive.
- Political expectations vs. sustainability: Many old-age pensioners and organizations representing their interests expected a “bonus” or “extra payout” in October to compensate for the increased cost of living. However, it is common practice to apply modest increases rather than one-off payments in social welfare cases such as these, where demand is high and fiscal responsibility is paramount.
Effect on Seniors’ Lives: What This Means in Practice
The R10 increase means much more to the elderly recipients than just a little more money; it is a sign that their grants are being adjusted, albeit very slightly. Still, when one takes into account inflation and high prices (for food, healthcare, and transport), the R10 increase may be insufficient for most seniors to bridge the gap between grant value and daily living costs. Those who were expecting more might feel burdened, disappointed, or even angry. On the other hand, there is the bright side of the regular small hikes which are predictable and can therefore be seen as a tool to prevent sudden disturbances or the government finances becoming overly strained.
Payment Dates & Other Announcements
The veteran’s grant for the month of October 2025 has been slated for disbursement by SASSA and will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Pensioners in every corner of the country must check their banking and personal details to behind-the-scenes ensure that payments get to them without a problem. In 2025, the total grant amounts for elderly, disabled, and care dependency watchers had previously been increased by R130 (April increase) to R2,315. The rise in October, therefore, is only a tiny fraction more than that amount.
Challenges & Criticisms Ahead
- Is R10 a huge sum? Probably most people will answer with a negative that this amount is still very less than the price increases.
- Disappointment vs. expectation: The old people who thought of a big “uplift” or special bonus may feel unappreciated.
- Critics might pose the question of whether the government is really caring for the aged, given the meager increment.
- Unending demand for increases: With the ever-increasing cost of living, the demand for larger increments in future budgets will continue to grow further and further.
What Seniors Should Do
- Check your grant amount in October to verify you received the increased value.
- Update your details—if your bank account or contact details changed, notify SASSA early.
- Plan your budget with realism—this increase will help only marginally.
- Engage with advocacy groups if you believe grants should be more responsive to inflation and costs.
also read : Goodbye to Retirement at 65: South Africa’s New Retirement Age Explained