The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has set off very encouraging news regarding the social grants hike in December 2025 which will be of great help to the recipients, as it is estimated that the number of people benefiting from the grants will be in the millions. The Christmas season is often characterized by the rise in living costs; however, the adjustments are made to the poor households as it is during this time the essential expenses like food, electricity, transport, and healthcare are very high.
Which SASSA Grants Are Affected
The December 2025 grant increases concern some SASSA’s major programmes at large. They are the Old Age Pension Grant, the Disability Grant, the Child Support Grant, the Foster Child Grant, and the Care Dependency Grant. The SASSA SRD R350 grant has so far been untouched unless it is made public through an announcement, while the other permanent grants have been incrementally adjusted according to inflation and the government’s budget decisions.
Updated Grant Amounts for December 2025
Every year the grant amounts are subjected to review and changing depending on economic situations and fiscal planning. The increase for December 2025 ensures that those beneficiaries who qualify can get the higher monthly payments without reapplying for them. The increased amounts are automatically shown in the December payouts for those whose approval has already been obtained.
December 2025 Payment Schedule
SASSA usually pays out earlier than usual in December due to public holidays and increased demand. First, Older Persons Grants are paid, then Disability Grants and finally Child Support Grants. SRD grant payments are done separately and may reflect at different times depending on the verification processes. Beneficiaries are also reminded that the money will still be available after the payment day and that there is no need to withdraw it immediately.
How to the Beneficiaries Payments Will Be Done
SASSA is still offering numerous safe payment methods. The beneficiaries’ payments can be made through direct bank deposits, a SASSA card which may be used at various locations including ATMs and retail outlets, or through specific retail payment points. However, bank transfers are highly recommended since they lead to the elimination of customer lines, and thus, the money being accessed is in a secure environment and also faster.
Requirements for Eligibility and Review
Beneficiaries wanting to keep receiving the additional grant amounts have to keep on complying with the eligibility and means-test requirements. SASSA has the right to do periodic checks to see the current income, living conditions, and personal information of the applicants. If an applicant does not reply to a review request, their payments might be stopped temporarily as a consequence.
Major Scam Alerts
The agency has cautioned beneficiaries that they should always be on the lookout for scam texts and fake payment notifications, particularly during holiday times. Beneficiaries should know that SASSA never charges them for grant services and will never ask for their PINs or confidential banking information.
Also Read : R2,315 Pension Grant December 2025: When SASSA Will Pay Seniors