National Budget 3.0 – The South African government has officially presented National Budget 3.0, unveiling a series of impactful measures aimed at strengthening social protection, reducing poverty, and bolstering economic resilience. Among the most talked-about announcements are the increases in SASSA grants and the much-awaited extension of the SRD R350 grant. These changes have sparked both relief and curiosity among millions of South African citizens who rely on these lifelines for daily survival. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the government is prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable groups, particularly pensioners, children, people with disabilities, and the unemployed. As part of this new budget allocation, several SASSA grant amounts will be increased, while the SRD R350 grant has been extended for another year, ensuring support continues into 2026. This decision comes at a critical time when South Africa is grappling with rising food prices, persistent unemployment, and load shedding. According to Treasury, these social assistance measures will continue playing a key role in mitigating economic distress and promoting financial inclusion. The move has been praised by social justice advocates, though questions remain around long-term sustainability and possible adjustments in eligibility criteria. In this comprehensive article, we break down the updated SASSA grant amounts, highlight the new payment schedule, detail the SRD extension plan, and outline everything you need to know to stay informed and prepared.
Updated SASSA Grant Amounts as Announced in National Budget 3.0
The government has introduced upward adjustments to major SASSA grant categories effective from June 2025. The aim is to keep pace with inflation and ensure beneficiaries retain some degree of purchasing power.
- The new amounts will reflect from June 1, 2025
- Changes apply to all beneficiaries receiving grants monthly
- Adjustments aim to provide greater support to the elderly and disabled
National Budget 3.0 : New SASSA Grant Payment Rates (June 2025 Onwards)
The South African government has officially increased SASSA grant payment amounts starting June 2025. These revised rates aim to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising living costs. All major grants including older person, disability, and child support grants will reflect higher monthly payouts from this date onward.
| Grant Type | Previous Amount (2024) | New Amount (June 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Person (60–74) | R2,090 | R2,210 | R120 |
| Older Person (75+) | R2,110 | R2,230 | R120 |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 | R2,210 | R120 |
| Child Support Grant | R510 | R530 | R20 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,130 | R1,170 | R40 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,090 | R2,210 | R120 |
| War Veteran’s Grant | R2,110 | R2,230 | R120 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R510 | R530 | R20 |
National Budget 3.0 : SASSA Increases Compared to Previous Years
The SASSA grant amounts have steadily increased over the past three years to help beneficiaries cope with rising living costs. Compared to 2023 and 2024, the 2025 adjustments provide meaningful boosts, especially for older persons and disability recipients, reflecting the government’s effort to strengthen social assistance year by year.
| Year | Older Person | Disability | Child Support | Foster Child | Grant-in-Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | R2,000 | R2,000 | R480 | R1,100 | R480 |
| 2024 | R2,090 | R2,090 | R510 | R1,130 | R510 |
| 2025 | R2,210 | R2,210 | R530 | R1,170 | R530 |
National Budget 3.0 : SRD R350 Grant Extension
The R350 SRD grant, originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended again and will now be available until March 2026.
- No change in the monthly amount (R350)
- Focus remains on unemployed individuals aged 18–59 with no source of income
- Applications remain open through the official SASSA website and WhatsApp
National Budget 3.0 : Key Details of SRD R350 Extension
| Feature | Status (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Monthly Amount | R350 |
| Duration | Extended until March 2026 |
| Reapplication Required | Yes – Every 3 Months |
| Eligibility Criteria | Same as before |
| Online Portal | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| WhatsApp Support | 082 046 8553 |
How to Check If You Qualify for the New SASSA Grants
With the revised amounts and SRD extension in place, it’s vital to double-check your eligibility and application status.
- Use the SASSA official website to verify your qualification
- Ensure your banking details are updated
- Monitor monthly SMS updates from SASSA for payment notifications
Check Application Status Online
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status |
| 2 | Enter ID and Cell Number |
| 3 | Review Approval and Payment Dates |
| 4 | Appeal if necessary within the system |
Key Payment Dates and Channels (June–December 2025)
To prevent long queues and delays, SASSA has published a provisional payment schedule for all grants through December 2025.
- Payments will be disbursed via Postbank, CashSend, and bank accounts
- Withdrawals can be made from ATMs and retail partners
SASSA Payment Dates: June – December 2025
| Month | Older Persons | Disability | Children’s Grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 3 June | 5 June | 6 June |
| July | 2 July | 4 July | 5 July |
| August | 2 August | 6 August | 7 August |
| September | 3 September | 5 September | 6 September |
| October | 2 October | 4 October | 7 October |
| November | 4 November | 6 November | 7 November |
| December | 2 December | 4 December | 5 December |
Budget 3.0 Funding Sources for Social Grants
The increases and extension will be funded through reallocation of Treasury reserves, improved tax compliance, and reduced wasteful expenditure.
Funding Breakdown
| Source of Funds | Contribution (%) |
|---|---|
| VAT and Income Tax | 38% |
| Reprioritized Public Budget | 22% |
| Treasury Reserves | 15% |
| International Assistance | 10% |
| Administrative Reductions | 15% |
Important Notices and Tips for Beneficiaries
Be Alert to Grant Scams
Scammers are increasingly targeting SASSA beneficiaries through SMS and email fraud.
- Never share your ID, OTP, or bank PIN
- Only use official SASSA platforms for updates and changes
- Avoid paying any fees to “agents” promising faster approval
Update Your Banking Details
Incorrect banking details can delay or block your payment.
- Use https://srd.sassa.gov.za to update information securely
- Processing changes may take 7–10 business days
These updates under Budget 3.0 show a strong commitment to sustaining social protection while maintaining fiscal discipline. However, beneficiaries must stay informed, keep their information updated, and rely only on verified sources for any developments related to their payments.
Contact Details for Support
If you need help or clarification regarding the increased SASSA grants or SRD extension, reach out to the following official channels:
| Department | Contact Number | Email/Website |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Toll-Free | 0800 60 10 11 | – |
| SASSA SRD Support | 082 046 8553 | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Head Office | 012 400 2322 | – |
| – | [email protected] |
FAQs of Budget 3.0
1. When will the new SASSA grant amounts take effect?
June 1, 2025.
2. Is the SRD R350 grant extended?
Yes, until March 2026.
3. Do I need to reapply for SRD?
Yes, every 3 months.
4. Where can I update my banking details?
https://srd.sassa.gov.za
5. What’s the SASSA contact number?
0800 60 10 11