The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the official payment schedule for September 2025.
This month marks an important change for beneficiaries with the introduction of the biometric identity verification system, which will now be implemented after months of delays.
Beneficiaries are urged to note the payment dates, understand the latest changes, and prepare for the new collection requirements.
What Are the SASSA and SRD Grant Payment Dates for September 2025?
The following dates apply to permanent social grants for September 2025:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 2 September 2025
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, 3 September 2025
- Child Support Grant and all other grants: Thursday, 4 September 2025
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, valued at R350 per recipient, will be paid from 25 to 30 September 2025.
This grant remains extended until March 2026, with a provisional allocation of R33.6 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
Beneficiaries should collect their funds on the scheduled dates and ensure their banking details and contact information are up to date in the SASSA system.
Latest SASSA updates you must know about
1. Grant increases still in effect
As announced earlier this year, grant increases from May 2025 continue to apply:
- Older Persons (60–74 years), Disability, and Care Dependency Grants: R2,315
- Older Persons (75+ years): R2,335
- Foster Care Grant: R1,250 (R50 increase)
- Child Support Grant: R560 (R20 increase)
An additional R10 increase will be implemented in October 2025, bringing the total increase for the year to R100 for the major permanent grants.
2. Biometric Identity Verification System Goes Live
After months of delays, SASSA has confirmed that its biometric verification system will officially launch on 2 September 2025, coinciding with the start of the September payment cycle.
This system will require affected beneficiaries to undergo fingerprint or facial recognition checks before receiving their grants. The rollout will be phased in to avoid disruptions.
Who is affected first?
- Beneficiaries without valid green barcoded ID books or smart ID cards.
- Those registered under the temporary “quad-7” identity number system.
- Grant applicants flagged for identity verification risks.
Beneficiaries already verified with valid IDs will not need to re-enrol at this stage.
The biometric system aims to:
- Reduce fraudulent claims and duplicate grant applications.
- Strengthen beneficiary records.
- Ensure grants are only paid to eligible, verified individuals.
Verification will be conducted at pay points, post offices, service centres, and through mobile units in rural areas. Beneficiaries are encouraged to keep their contact details current to receive instructions about enrolment.
3. Where to collect your grant
The transition from the SASSA Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card has now been completed.
- Black Card holders can access their funds at ATMs and through retailers including Shoprite, Usave, Boxer, Spar, Pick n Pay, and Checkers.
- Post Office branches will not assist Black Card users.
Those who missed the June 2025 Gold Card deadline must visit Postbank to complete their card swap before resuming normal access.
