If you’re a SASSA beneficiary or helping someone who is a lot is happening this April that you need to know. From bumped-up payment dates and increased grant amounts to the retirement of those famous gold cards, here’s your guide to staying on top of all the changes and getting your money without a hitch.
Table of Contents
Payouts
Let’s start with the most immediate update: payment dates are shifting earlier in April 2025. Why? Because the regular schedule clashed with a weekend. To avoid delays, long queues, and confusion, SASSA decided to pay out grants a bit earlier.
Here’s the updated grant payment calendar:
| Grant Type | Payment Date (April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Tuesday, 2 April |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, 3 April |
| Child Support & Others | Thursday, 4 April |
Note: The SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant date will be confirmed separately. Watch SASSA’s official channels for updates.
Increases
This one’s a win for beneficiaries! As part of the 2025/26 national budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced increases across most social grants. These aren’t life-changing jumps, but they’ll help families stretch their rands a bit further.
Here’s what the new amounts look like:
| Grant Type | Old Amount | New Amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant (60–74) & Disability | R2,185 | R2,315 | +R130 |
| Old Age Grant (75+) | R2,200 | R2,335 | +R135 |
| War Veterans & Care Dependency | R2,185 | R2,315 | +R130 |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | R560 | +R30 |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,180 | R1,250 | +R70 |
With prices climbing at the pump and in the shops, this boost couldn’t have come at a better time.
Cards
Let’s talk about the big switch: the gold SASSA cards are being phased out. As of 20 March 2025, they’re no longer valid. If you haven’t already made the switch, it’s time to grab your new Postbank black card.
These black cards are more secure, modern-looking, and give you access to your grant without needing to visit the Post Office.
Already, 1.4 million people have migrated to the black card. Haven’t made the change yet? Don’t stress—you’ve got until June 2025. But don’t leave it to the last minute.
Access
No black card yet? You can still collect your grant using the temporary options:
- Cash at your nearest Post Office
- Retail till-points at:
- Shoprite
- Checkers
- SPAR
- Boxer
- Pick n Pay
- Usave
These options are available until June 2025. After that, you’ll need your new card.
Already using the black card? You can’t use Post Office branches anymore. Instead, use any ATM or one of the retail stores mentioned above.
Foreign nationals, heads-up: You can’t get the black card, but you can still collect your grants at Post Office branches with your valid ID and supporting documents.
Reminders
Here’s a quick breakdown so you don’t miss anything:
- Black card = No Post Office. Use ATMs or retail stores.
- Gold card = Dead. Replace it before June 2025.
- Migration deadline = June 2025.
- Need help?
- Postbank: 0800 53 54 55
- SASSA: 0800 60 10 11
Change can be frustrating, but these moves are designed to make your life easier fewer queues, quicker access to funds, and better security. Stay informed, act early, and you’ll be set for a smoother grant experience.
FAQs
When will SASSA pay in April 2025?
Older Persons: April 2, Disability: April 3, Others: April 4.
What is the new SASSA card?
The new Postbank black card replaces the old gold card.
How much is the old age grant now?
It’s R2,315 for ages 60–74 and R2,335 for 75+.
Can I still use the gold card?
No, it expired on March 20, 2025.
Where can I collect my grant without the card?
Use Post Offices or retail stores like Shoprite, SPAR, and Boxer.
