Millions of South Africans rely on SASSA social grants to meet their basic needs, making the announcement of the March 2025 payment schedule a crucial update.
With adjustments to grant amounts, eligibility criteria, and payment methods, beneficiaries must stay informed to avoid disruptions.
While standing in line at a SASSA office in Durban, Nomvula Mbatha, a 68-year-old pensioner, summed up why these updates matter:
“Knowing exactly when my grant arrives helps me plan—groceries, medication, everything.”
If you receive a SASSA grant, here is everything you need to know about payment dates, increased amounts, eligibility updates, and new biometric verification rules starting in March 2025.
Payment Schedule
SASSA will continue its staggered payment system, reducing congestion at pay points and ensuring smoother transactions.
| Grant Type | Bank Payment Date | SASSA Card/Retail Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 3 March 2025 | 4-5 March 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 3 March 2025 | 4-5 March 2025 |
| Children’s Grants | 6 March 2025 | 7-8 March 2025 |
| Care Dependency Grant | 6 March 2025 | 7-8 March 2025 |
| Foster Child Grant | 6 March 2025 | 7-8 March 2025 |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) | 10-15 March 2025 | 10-15 March 2025 |
Beneficiaries receiving bank deposits will see their funds first, followed by those collecting from SASSA cards and retail stores such as Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, and Spar.
If your payment does not reflect within two working days, contact SASSA’s helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest office.
Grant Amounts
From March 2025, grant recipients will receive increased payments to help offset rising living costs.
| Grant Type | Previous Amount (2024/25) | New Amount (2025/26) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant (60-74) | R2,180 | R2,300 | R120 |
| Older Persons Grant (75+) | R2,200 | R2,320 | R120 |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | R2,300 | R120 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,200 | R2,320 | R120 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 | R2,300 | R120 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | R1,250 | R70 |
| Child Support Grant | R510 | R540 | R30 |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) | R370 | R390 | R20 |
Finance Minister Thembisa Nkabinde defended the modest increase, saying the government had to balance social assistance with fiscal responsibility. Many beneficiaries, however, feel that inflation continues to outpace grant increases.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Not live in a state institution
- Pass the means test:
- Single applicants must earn less than R92,000 per year
- Married applicants must have a combined income below R184,000 per year
- Have assets below R1,227,600 (single) or R2,455,200 (married)
Disability Grant
- Must be between 18 and 59 years old
- Submit a medical assessment not older than three months confirming disability
- Pass the means test (same as the Older Persons Grant)
- Not be maintained in a state institution
SASSA is partnering with more healthcare facilities to reduce the medical assessment waiting period from three months to four weeks.
Child Support Grant
- Primary caregiver must pass the means test:
- Single caregivers must earn less than R60,000 per year
- Married couples must have a combined income below R120,000 per year
- Child must be under 18 years old
- Proof of school attendance is now required and will be strictly enforced from March 2025
Application Process
SASSA has introduced new digital application channels to make the process easier. Instead of waiting in long queues, applicants can now apply via:
- SASSA Mobile App for Android and iOS
- SASSA Online Portal
- Self-service kiosks at Post Offices and shopping centers
- Community outreach programs for rural applicants
Applications are now processed within ten days instead of the previous 21-day waiting period.
Required Documents
Regardless of the method, applicants need:
- South African ID or valid refugee permit
- Proof of residence not older than three months
- Proof of income or latest three-month bank statement
- Medical report for Disability Grant
- Child’s birth certificate and proof of school attendance for Child Support Grant
Changes
Starting in March 2025, SASSA will phase out cash payments at dedicated pay points due to security risks and high costs.
Beneficiaries must switch to:
- Direct bank deposits
- SASSA Card, which can be used at ATMs or major retailers
- Retail collections at Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, and Spar
- Post Office collections for those without banking access
Cash pay points in rural areas will remain available until September 2025.
Biometric Verification
From March 2025, all grant recipients must complete biometric verification at least once a year to prevent fraud.
- Can be done at SASSA offices, retailers, or mobile verification units
- Requires fingerprint or facial recognition
- Takes approximately five minutes
This measure ensures grants go to the rightful recipients and reduces fraudulent claims.
Future Plans
SASSA is also working on:
- Real-time integration with the National Population Register for quicker verification
- Expanding grants coverage to underserved communities
- Strengthening fraud detection systems
- Enhancing digital services for improved accessibility
New SASSA CEO Nomthandazo Mahlangu emphasized that these changes aim to make the system more efficient and dignified for beneficiaries.
Stay Updated
For more information, beneficiaries can use the following channels:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Facebook: South African Social Security Agency (Verified)
- SASSA Offices: Available nationwide
As Nomvula Mbatha told me before leaving the SASSA office:
“These grants are not just money—they give us dignity. Knowing how the system works helps us keep that dignity.”
FAQs
When is the March 2025 SASSA payment date?
Older Persons and Disability Grants pay on 3 March 2025.
How much is the Older Persons Grant in March 2025?
R2,300 for ages 60-74 and R2,320 for ages 75+.
Can I still collect my grant in cash?
Only until September 2025. SASSA is phasing out cash payments.
What is biometric verification?
A fingerprint or facial scan to verify grant recipients annually.
How do I apply for a SASSA grant?
Apply online, via the app, self-service kiosks, or at SASSA offices.
