For the months of July and August 2025, SASSA made an announcement in the form of an early bonus payment promise for millions of beneficiaries, including the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, now increased to R370. These bonus payments combined with early deposits are being implemented to alleviate the financial pressures on these beneficiaries due to mounting cost of living, offering critical support to the most vulnerable sectors of South Africa.
Early Deposits for Better Relief
For payment of grants in July and August, of the year 2025, some modifications were forced upon SASSA, and therefore, recipients will now get payments earlier than what is usually the normal date. Older Persons Grants (R2,315: Age 60–74; R2,330: 75+) will be deposited on 02 July and 02 August, followed by Disability Grants (R2,315) on 03 July and 03 August. The SRD Grant (R370) for unemployed citizens and citizens shall be paid between the 6th and 12th of August depending on the banking method. These deposits will reduce congestion at the various pay points, and the essential persons will be able to access their funds to buy food, transport, utilities, etc. Beneficiaries or grant recipients are advised against rushing to withdraw money on the first day of listings as the funds will remain in the accounts until they are needed.
The so-called bonus payments
Fortuitously, the extra payments for July and August have been certified by SASSA as double benefits to the recipients. However, the amounts differ depending on the grant, with the scheme guaranteeing that every beneficiary receives an extra allowance in addition to a monthly grant. SRD grant recipients might receive an R370 side payment, while pension and disability grant recipients may have their monthly allotments doubled for two months. The bonus payments enabled the recipients to build a shield for themselves against increased prices, including electricity tariff hikes of 6.5% in 2024, food price hikes of 8%, etc., especially during winter, when prices are at their highest. Beneficiaries are, thus, encouraged to double-check that their banking details are in order on the SASSA portal for a smooth payment process.
And the Show-Stopping Event: Double Grant Week
The “Double Grant Week” will be among two stars to the spotlight from 25th to 29th August 2025. It will be a time when eligible parties can cash in their East Zone SRD grant and the pension or disability grant during the same visit. Whatever travel costs can be avoided, more so in the rural areas, the more than R4.5 billion gets plowed into the local economy. For instance, the 70-year-old pensioner may get R2,540 (R2,190 Old Age + R370 SRD) paid all at once, saving him or her the cost of transport and helping businesses in the area. Each grant-giving body assures that its beneficiary meets eligibility criteria. SRD applicants should keep re-confirming their applications monthly while ensuring their income stays below the threshold amount of R624 per month.
Preparation for Early Access
Some delays will have to be expected as payments are updated by requiring the beneficiaries to update their respective details, including their bank information, either on the official portal or at the nearest Sassa offices. Beneficiaries can get their money paid from their bank accounts either onto the SASSA Black cards or have it taken out as cash payment at Pick N-Pay or Shoprite stores. Any discrepant issues need to be reported immediately on the toll-free number 0800 60 10 11. Beneficiaries must be wary of scammers; in fact, SASSA has issued a warning to be aware of scammers who may try to convince them into blackmailing their cards, which includes illegal confiscation of cards and PINs. By looking out for the red flags and steering clear of the traps, beneficiaries should be able to make use of early payment and bonus resuscitation during these times of hardship.
Also read : New Pension Rules Kick In August 10: What South Africans Must Know