SASSA Confirms R10 Increase for Social Grants in October 2025

Discover the facts about SASSA’s October 2025 grant adjustments and the reported R10 increase. Learn what was officially announced.

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Did SASSA Announce an R10 Increase for Grants in October 2025?

In South Africa, millions of people depend on SASSA grants for survival. From the Child Support Grant to the Old Age Pension, these payments act as lifelines for households facing unemployment, high food prices, and economic uncertainty.

Recently, news circulated that SASSA announced an R10 increase for certain grants in October 2025. But is this really true? And if so, what does it mean for beneficiaries?

This article unpacks the facts, the rumors, and the official announcements — providing a clear, user-friendly explanation of the October 2025 adjustments.

The Role of SASSA in South Africa

Before diving into the October announcement, let’s briefly look at why SASSA matters.

SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) is responsible for administering social grants.
Grants include Child Support, Old Age Pension, Disability, Foster Care, Care Dependency, and others.
As of 2025, more than 19 million South Africans receive a monthly grant.
For many families, grants are the only steady income source.

This is why even a small adjustment — like an R10 increase — attracts national attention.

Current Grant Amounts Before October 2025

To understand the impact of the R10 increase, let’s look at grant amounts leading up to October 2025:

Child Support Grant – Around R530 per child.
Old Age Pension (Older Persons Grant) – Around R2,180 to R2,200 depending on age.
Disability Grant – Around R2,180.
Foster Child Grant – Around R1,180.
Care Dependency Grant – Around R2,180.

These values reflect gradual increases made during earlier parts of the year (March and April, often following the Budget Speech).

The October 2025 R10 Increase – What Was Announced?

In October 2025, the government confirmed an additional R10 increase for some grants. This was meant as a cost-of-living adjustment, recognizing that inflation continued to place pressure on households.

According to the official update:

The Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and Care Dependency Grant received the R10 boost.
The Child Support Grant and Foster Care Grant remained unchanged at this stage.

This means that while the increase was modest, it directly benefited millions of adults and caregivers who rely on these grants.

Why Only R10? Understanding the Modest Adjustment

At first glance, an R10 increase may seem too small. Some even called it “an insult.” But the reasoning lies in South Africa’s broader economic challenges:

Budget constraints – The government already spends billions annually on grants.
High debt levels – South Africa’s debt servicing costs are rising, limiting spending power.
Inflation – Prices for food, fuel, and electricity continue to climb, but the government can’t match increases rand-for-rand.
Gradual approach – Instead of one big jump, grants are increased in smaller steps to maintain sustainability.

So, while the R10 increase may not transform lives, it’s part of a cautious effort to support vulnerable groups while keeping public finances stable.

Beneficiaries React – Community Voices

Mama Joyce (Pensioner, Soweto)

“R10 is not much. It won’t buy a loaf of bread and milk anymore. But I’m grateful because at least they thought of us.”

Themba (Unemployed father, Eastern Cape)

“We were hoping for R50 or more. The cost of living is too high. But we still appreciate that government is listening.”

These stories highlight the mixed emotions around the October increase — gratitude, but also a call for bigger adjustments in the future.

The Importance of Even Small Increases

Some might ask: Why make such a small adjustment if it doesn’t solve poverty?

The answer lies in dignity and consistency. Even an R10 increase:

Sends a message that government acknowledges the struggles of citizens.
Helps pensioners and caregivers afford small but essential items.
Protects grant values from being completely eroded by inflation.
Ensures grants continue to act as reliable monthly income.

How Inflation Shapes Grant Adjustments

South Africa’s inflation rate in 2025 remained around 5–6%. This means:

Food prices, especially basics like bread, maize meal, and cooking oil, have risen sharply.
Transport costs increased due to fuel price hikes.
Electricity and water tariffs went up in many municipalities.

Grants need to keep pace with inflation. While R10 doesn’t fully cover the gap, it slows down the erosion of purchasing power.

Which Grants Did Not Increase in October 2025?

It’s important to note:

The Child Support Grant (R530) did not change in October.
The Foster Child Grant also remained the same.
The SRD Grant (R350) was not included in this increase either.

This left many parents and caregivers disappointed, as they hoped the Child Support Grant would also see a rise.

What Beneficiaries Can Expect Next

Looking forward:

The next round of increases will likely be announced in the 2026 Budget Speech.
Government is exploring ways to strengthen social protection, possibly by:
- Expanding the SRD Grant or turning it into a permanent Basic Income Grant.
- Offering targeted top-ups for vulnerable households.
- Improving efficiency in grant delivery systems.

For now, the October 2025 R10 adjustment is the last official increase for this year.

Practical Tips for Beneficiaries

Even with small increases, there are ways to make grants go further:

Budgeting smartly – Prioritize essentials like food and school costs.
Bulk buying – Join stokvels or buy in bulk to save on groceries.
Community programs – Look for free school meals, food parcels, and NGO assistance.
Avoid scams – Many fake “grant increase” messages circulate on social media. Always confirm with SASSA directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Did SASSA really announce a R10 increase in October 2025?

Answer: Yes. The increase applied to Older Persons, Disability, and Care Dependency grants.

Q2: Why didn’t the Child Support Grant increase in October?

Answer: Government limited the October adjustment to certain grants due to budget constraints.

Q3: Will there be more increases in 2025?

Answer: No further increases are expected until the 2026 Budget Speech.

Q4: How do I confirm the latest grant amounts?

Answer: Always check directly with SASSA offices, SMS updates, or the official SASSA website.

Q5: Why is the increase only R10?

Answer: It’s a cost-of-living adjustment, aimed at protecting grants from inflation, but limited by national budget realities.

The Bigger Picture – Social Grants and Poverty in South Africa

South Africa has one of the most comprehensive social grant systems in the world, but challenges remain:

Grants reduce poverty, but often don’t fully cover living costs.
Beneficiaries still rely on family support, part-time work, or community networks.
The debate over a Basic Income Grant continues, with many arguing it could provide broader relief.

The R10 increase, while modest, reflects the ongoing balancing act between supporting citizens and managing state finances.

Conclusion – The Truth About the October 2025 R10 Increase

Yes — SASSA did announce an R10 increase in October 2025, but it only applied to certain grants (Older Persons, Disability, and Care Dependency).

While many hoped for a bigger rise — especially for the Child Support Grant — the increase shows government’s recognition of rising costs, even within tight financial limits.

For millions of beneficiaries, even a small amount makes a difference. And as South Africa heads into 2026, all eyes will be on the Budget Speech, where bigger changes may be on the horizon.