South African citizens who receive government social assistance have good news this December. The South African Social Security Agency known as SASSA has started paying higher monthly amounts for the Child Support Grant and the Older Persons Grant which is also called the Pension Grant. SASSA announced these changes as part of its 2025 social relief update. Children who qualify for support will now get R510 each month instead of the previous R500. Pensioners will receive R2180 monthly. These increases provide important help as living costs and inflation continue to rise. The updated grant amounts are being paid across the country starting now. The timing of these new SASSA payments matters because many households are dealing with expensive fuel prices & high food costs while unemployment remains a serious problem. The government designed this increase as part of its 2025 plan to strengthen social protection and stop vulnerable people from becoming poorer.
SASSA Grant Hike Explained: What Changed From December 2025 Onwards
The December 2025 grant adjustments affect two of the most commonly used social assistance grants in South Africa: the Child Support Grant and the Older Persons Grant which is also known as the Pension Grant. These increases were recommended during the most recent budget speech and have been confirmed through official government channels. Key Changes in December 2025:
– The Child Support Grant has increased from R500 to R510 per child.
– The Older Persons Grant has been raised from R2,090 to R2180 per person.
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– These increases became effective from 1 December 2025.
– Payments have already started reaching beneficiaries through their bank accounts & at Post Office collection points.
These updated amounts are intended to help families and pensioners manage rising costs for basic necessities such as food, transport & utilities.
SASSA Grant Amount Update (Effective December 2025)
Old vs new monthly amounts, plus the exact increase applied from December.
| Grant Category | Old Amount (Before December 2025) | New Amount (From December 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Support Grant | R500 | R510 | + R10 |
| Older Persons Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | + R90 |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | + R90 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,130 | R1,180 | + R50 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,110 | R2,200 | + R90 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | + R90 |
| SRD R350 Grant | R350 (No change) | R350 | + R0 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R510 | R520 | + R10 |
Eligibility Guide: Who Can Claim R510 Child Support & R2,180 Pension Grant
SASSA grants are given out according to specific eligibility requirements. If you want to know whether you or someone in your family qualifies for these updated grants, here is a simple breakdown: Requirements for the R510 Child Support Grant: The person applying must be the main caregiver of the child. This can be a parent or grandparent or legal guardian. The child needs to be younger than 18 years old. The household income each month must be below the means test limit. This is R60000 per year for single parents and R120,000 combined for married couples. Both the applicant and the child need to be South African citizens or permanent residents or refugees who have valid documents. Requirements for the R2180 Older Persons Pension Grant: You must be 60 years old or older. You cannot be receiving other social grants for the same reason. Your income must be within the means test limits set by SASSA. This is R96,840 per year for single people and R193,680 for married couples. You need to be a South African citizen or have valid residency status.
SASSA December 2025 Payments Update
December 2025 Payment Dates:
| Grant Category | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Monday, 21 December 2025 |
| Disability Grant | Tuesday, 22 December 2025 |
| Child Support Grant | Wednesday, 23 December 2025 |
| SRD R350 Grant (Phased) | From 24 December 2025 onward |
Note: Kuch banking partners ki wajah se payments ko account me reflect hone me
up to 3 days lag sakte hain.
Payment Verification Steps: How to Check Your SASSA Grant Status Easily
All beneficiaries need to check their payment status often to make sure they receive their money on time. Here are the ways you can confirm your payment: SASSA Website: Go to www.sassa.gov.za and click on the “Grants” section SRD Portal: Look up your SRD R350 payment dates at srd.sassa.gov.za USSD Code: Dial 12069277# from your phone to check your status SASSA App: Download the official mobile app for instant updates If your payment has not arrived after three working days you should visit or call your nearest SASSA office or Post Office right away.
Looking Ahead: Government’s 2025 Strategy to Strengthen Social Grants
The Department of Social Development has said that more increases & new relief programs might be introduced later this year. A new budget amendment bill is expected in October 2025 which may include a proposal to raise the SRD Grant from R350 to R400 and expanded electricity support vouchers for indigent households. It may also include school nutrition and transportation subsidies for grant-receiving families. These updates are part of the broader National Development Plan that seeks to ensure no one is left behind during economic hardship. The December 2025 increase in the SASSA Child Support and Pension Grants marks a major step in supporting the financial wellbeing of South Africa’s most vulnerable groups. With child grants raised to R510 and pension payments now at R2180 families & elderly citizens will gain much-needed breathing room. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their payment status and ensure their details are updated. They should also follow all official communication from SASSA. This move by the government reaffirms its commitment to alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods amid tough economic times.
