The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides crucial financial support to millions of South Africans through a range of social grants. With over 28 million people relying on these payments in 2025, the confirmed grant schedule for November 2025 ensures beneficiaries know exactly when to expect their funds. Covering grants for older persons, people with disabilities, caregivers, children, and the SRD grant, these dates help households manage essential expenses such as food, healthcare, and transport.
Key Takeaways
- Confirmed November 2025 Payment Dates: SASSA has set the schedule, with the Older Person’s and Disability Grants paid on 5 November, the Children’s Grant on 6 November, and the SRD R370 Grant between 25 and 30 November 2025.
- Grant Increases from April 2025: Permanent grants rose by R10 to R90, raising the Old Age, Disability, and Care Dependency Grants to R2,315 and the Child Support Grant to R560.
- Growing Dependence on Grants: Over 28 million South Africans now rely on social assistance, with 19 million on permanent grants and 9 million depending on the SRD grant, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
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What Is SASSA?
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) was formally created by the government in 2005 under the framework of the Social Assistance Act of 2004. Its main responsibility is to manage, regulate, and distribute social assistance grants to citizens who are considered poor or vulnerable within South Africa.
SASSA’s role covers the full chain of responsibilities, beginning with the processing of applications and the assessment of eligibility, through to the actual disbursement of funds and measures to combat fraud. The system is centralised to ensure that once a person qualifies, the support can be accessed in a straightforward and consistent manner across the country.
The Types Of SASSA Social Grants
SASSA provides a range of different grants depending on the needs and circumstances of applicants. At present, it pays out around 26 million grants every month, aiming to reduce poverty and ease the financial strain faced by many households. The main grants include:
Support For Children And Caregivers:
- Child Support Grant (CSG): This grant is directed to the primary caregiver of a child who is under the age of 18.
- Foster Child Grant: Available to individuals who have been legally recognised as foster parents.
- Care Dependency Grant: Targeted at caregivers of children under 18 years who live with severe disabilities and require permanent care.
Support For Adults:
- Older Persons Grant: Commonly known as the state pension, this grant is for South Africans who are 60 years or older.
- Disability Grant: Provided to adults between 18 and 59 years who have a disability that prevents them from securing employment.
- War Veteran’s Grant: Reserved for South Africans who previously served in the armed forces.
- Grant-in-Aid: An additional allowance for people who already receive a grant but also require constant full-time care.
Temporary Support:
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: Widely referred to as the SASSA R350 grant, this is a short-term form of assistance provided to unemployed individuals who have no other income or social support available to them.
Confirmed SASSA Payment Dates for November 2025
SASSA has released the confirmed payment schedule for November 2025, enabling beneficiaries across South Africa to know exactly when their grants will be paid. The dates for the Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant, and Children’s Grant are laid out below:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Person’s Grant | 5 November 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 5 November 2025 |
| Children’s Grant | 6 November 2025 |
| SRD R370 Grant | Between 25 and 30 November 2025 |
These dates apply to all permanent social grants, excluding the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which continues to follow its own schedule. Beneficiaries should also note that since April 2025, all permanent grants (with the exception of the SRD grant) have been increased as per the adjustment announced by the Department of Social Development.
The Criteria For SASSA Grants
To access financial assistance through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), each type of grant has its own set of eligibility conditions. These requirements differ depending on the grant category and must be met before an application can be considered.
| Grant Type | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | • Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee. • Must live in South Africa. • Must be 60 years or older. • If married, spouse must meet the means test. • Cannot live in or receive care from a state-funded institution. • Cannot receive another social grant. |
| Disability Grant | • Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee. • Must live in South Africa. • Must be 18–59 years old. • Must provide proof of disability (medical or assessment report not older than 3 months). • If married, spouse must meet the means test. • Cannot live in a state institution. • Cannot receive another social grant. |
| War Veterans Grant | • Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. • Must live in South Africa. • Must be 60 years or older, or have a disability. • Must have served in World War II or the Korean War. • If married, spouse must meet the means test. • Cannot live in a state institution. • Cannot receive another social grant. |
| Foster Child Grant | • Foster parent(s) must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees. • Both foster parent(s) and child must live in South Africa. • Must provide a court order confirming foster care. • The foster child must remain in the foster parent(s)’ care. |
| Care Dependency Grant | • Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. • Both caregiver and child must live in South Africa. • Child must be under 18 years old. • Applicant must be the primary caregiver. • Means test applies to biological or legal guardians (not foster parents). • If married, spouse must meet the means test (excluding foster parents). • Child must not be in long-term state institutional care. • Foster parents’ income not assessed for foster child applications. |
| Child Support Grant | • Primary caregiver must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. • Both caregiver and child must live in South Africa. • Child must be under 18 years old. • Applicant must be the primary caregiver. • Household must meet means test. • If married, spouse must meet the means test. • Child cannot live in a state institution. • Cannot apply for more than six non-biological children. • Must provide school enrolment proof for children aged 7–18. • Failure to ensure schooling results in rejection. |
| Grant-In-Aid | • Must already receive an Older Persons, War Veterans, or Disability Grant. • Must require regular help from another person due to a physical or mental condition. • Cannot live in or receive care from a state-subsidised institution. |
| R370 SASSA SRD Grant | • Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee. • Must be aged 18–59. • Must be unemployed and have no income, UIF, or other social grant. • Cannot live in a government-funded facility. • Must pass SASSA’s means test, including bank and income checks. |
Updated SASSA Grant Amounts As Of April 2025
Depending on the type of support, grant increases range between R10 and R90.
Social assistance now supports more than 28 million South Africans, which represents around 45% of the population. Of this figure, 19 million people receive permanent grants (not including the Social Relief of Distress grant), while another 9 million depend on the SRD grant. By the 2027/28 financial year, the number of permanent grant recipients is forecast to reach 19.3 million, largely driven by the ageing population. Concerns remain over the sustainability of the system, as only 7.9 million personal income taxpayers are contributing towards the financing of these grants and other public services.
The new grant increases and payment dates are as follows:
| Grant | Amount Increase |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,185 → R2,315 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,205 → R2,335 |
| Disability Grant | R2,185 → R2,315 |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,180 → R1,250 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,185 → R2,315 |
| Child Support Grant | R530 → R560 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R530 → R560 |
SASSA Grant Payment Methods In 2025
SASSA Payment Card
The SASSA payment card operates much like a standard debit card and is issued through a partnership with the South African Post Office (SAPO). With this card, beneficiaries can withdraw cash from ATMs, pay for goods at point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and receive their grant funds directly onto the card.
Direct Deposit into a Personal Bank Account
Beneficiaries have the option of receiving their grants through a direct deposit into their personal bank accounts. This method is especially practical for those who already use banking services to manage their finances and who prefer not to rely on physical cash. It also provides added security, as funds remain safely within the banking system.
Cash Payments at Designated Pay Points
For recipients living in rural communities or in areas with limited access to banks, SASSA provides cash payments at designated pay points. These pay points operate on scheduled days, where officials distribute the funds directly to beneficiaries. While this option improves accessibility, it carries higher security risks compared to electronic methods.
Mobile Money Transfers
SASSA is also making use of mobile money transfer services, enabling beneficiaries to receive their grants into a mobile wallet. This payment method is gaining popularity due to its convenience, particularly among younger recipients and those who are more comfortable with using technology.
Conclusion
SASSA continues to play a crucial role in providing financial assistance to millions of South Africans, ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to essential support. With confirmed payment dates for November 2025 and grant increases already in effect, beneficiaries have greater certainty over when and how they will receive their funds. However, the growing reliance on grants places increasing pressure on the country’s finances, making it vital for applicants to stay informed about eligibility requirements, payment methods, and policy changes that may affect their access to this vital support system.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will SASSA grants be paid in November 2025?
The Older Person’s and Disability Grants will be paid on 5 November, the Children’s Grant on 6 November, and the SRD R370 Grant between 25 and 30 November 2025.
How much is the Old Age Grant from April 2025?
The Old Age Grant increased from R2,185 to R2,315 as of April 2025, following the adjustment by the Department of Social Development.
Can I have my SASSA grant paid into my bank account?
Yes, beneficiaries can choose to have their grants paid directly into a personal bank account, which is considered safer than withdrawing cash at pay points.
Who qualifies for the SRD R370 Grant?
Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or recognised refugees between the ages of 18 and 59 who are unemployed, without income, and not receiving other forms of social support.
How many people currently receive SASSA grants?
As of 2025, more than 28 million South Africans receive social assistance, with about 19 million relying on permanent grants and 9 million on the SRD R370 Grant.
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