The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the payment schedule for March 2025, including details on grant amounts, important updates on the new Postbank Black Card, and how beneficiaries can collect their payments.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What are the SASSA and SRD grant payment dates for March 2025?
SASSA beneficiaries can expect their grants to be paid on the following dates in March 2025:
- Older Persons Grants: Tuesday, 4 March 2025
- Disability Grants: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
- Children’s and all other grants: Thursday, 6 March 2025
For Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients, payments will be made from 25 March 2025 to 31 March 2025. The SRD grant amount remains R370 per recipient.
Latest SASSA updates you must know about
1. SASSA Grant Amounts for 2025
The updated SASSA grant amounts for 2025 are as follows:
- Older Person’s Grant: R2,210 for beneficiaries aged 60–74, and R2,240 for those aged 75 and above.
- Disability Grant: R2,210.
- Child Support Grant: R560 per month.
- Foster Child Grant: R1,200 per month.
2. New Deadline to Switch to the Postbank Black Card
The deadline for swapping the SASSA Gold Card for the new Postbank Black Card has been extended from 28 February to 20 March 2025.
This extension, announced by Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi and Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe, comes in response to beneficiary concerns and logistical challenges.
Key Details:
- Why the Change? The extension aims to address slow progress, as only 1 million out of 3.5 million beneficiaries have upgraded to the new card.
- Impact of Missing the Deadline: While grants will still be paid, those who miss the 20 March deadline may face inconveniences, including the need to visit Post Office branches in person to access their funds.
Why the Postbank Black Card?
The transition to the new card follows reports of compromised security on the old Gold Card. While specific security issues were not disclosed, authorities emphasize that the Postbank Black Card offers enhanced security and efficiency for grant payments.
4. Collection Methods for SASSA Payments
SASSA offers several convenient methods for beneficiaries to collect their grants:
- Bank Account Deposits: Funds can be directly deposited into personal bank accounts.
- SASSA/Postbank Black Card: Allows withdrawals at ATMs, POS terminals, and participating retailers.
- Retailer Payment Points: Grants can be collected at stores like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Boxer.
- Post Office Collections: Select branches still offer grant withdrawal services.
- Cash Pay Points: Available for beneficiaries in rural or remote areas.
- Mobile Money Transfers: Mainly for SRD grant recipients.