Over the past week, two big announcements from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) have drawn public attention.

SASSA confirmed that social grant payments will continue despite legal and contractual woes and revealed an increase in grant amounts beginning in October 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and what recipients should expect.

Key announcements

1. Continuity of grant payments despite termination of service contract

SASSA has confirmed that social grant payments will continue uninterrupted. This comes despite the Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Postbank being terminated. 

A recent ruling by the North Gauteng High Court dismissed Postbank’s urgent application to block the termination. The judge held that the matter was not sufficiently urgent and that Postbank had long been aware of SASSA’s intentions.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou emphasised that eligible beneficiaries who use Postbank accounts will still receive their grants. Under the Social Assistance Act, beneficiaries are entitled to payment into the bank account of their choosing. SASSA emphasised that the contract termination does not change that right.

Postbank voiced concern. Its CEO, Nikki Mbengashe, said the ruling “offers insufficient relief” and warned that without further intervention before September 30 2025, beneficiaries’ constitutional rights might be at risk.

2. R10 increase in social grants from October 2025

In a separate announcement, SASSA confirmed that starting October 1 2025, all social grants will increase by R10 per month.

Here are the new amounts:

Old Age Grant: from R2 310 → R2 320

Old Age Grant (75+): from R2 330 → R2 340

War Veterans Grant: R2 330 → R2 340

Disability Grant: R2 310 → R2 320 

Care Dependency Grant: R2 310 → R2 320

SASSA said its systems are ready for the October payout cycle, and all beneficiaries should receive their funds as scheduled. 

The schedule is:

Old Age Grants: 2 October 2025 

Disability Grants: 3 October 2025 

Children’s Grants: 6 October 2025

Why this matters

Millions of South Africans rely on social grants for daily survival and uncertainty around their payments can have immediate and sometimes severe consequences. 

The legal challenge by Postbank indicates friction between SASSA’s administrative decisions and existing contractual obligations. While the court’s ruling favours SASSA’s approach for now, South African beneficiaries are concerned that the underlying conflict may resurface, especially if beneficiaries begin to experience glitches or delays.

While a R10 monthly increase may seem negligible amid rising costs of living and inflation, it does signal that the government is attempting to honour incremental adjustments in line with its 2025/26 budget framework.

What recipients should keep in mind

Check your bank accounts — If you currently get your grant via Postbank, it should continue as usual, per SASSA’s statement. 

Expect the new rates — From October 2025, verify that your grant amount has increased by R10.

Be aware of payment dates — Try to avoid long queues by not all beneficiaries withdrawing at once. 

Report issues immediately — If your payment is delayed or incorrect, contact SASSA as soon as possible to lodge a complaint or seek clarity.

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