Generally speaking, a very slight increase was given to retiree society pensions and related pensions, and with that attempt to correct some payment errors that had affected some pensioners in October 2025. There was never an announcement of huge arrear payments being made in a lump sum, so these R10 increases should be regarded more like a tiny monthly relief offered to thousands of senior citizens struggling financially with soaring living costs.
What to Expect of the R10 Increase for Seniors
An implementation of an increase of R10 to all core social grants will be sought by SASSA in October 2025.
- Persons Older than 65 but Less than 75 years: from R2,310 to R2,320.
- Persons Older than 75 years: R2,340 instead of R2,330.
Of course, such a R10 increase would also be premised on disabilities and other “core” grants (child support excluded). It really is not much, but somehow that would be welcomed by the many pensioners struggling to live on very narrow margins.
Arrears or Retroactive Pay: What is Confirmed (and What Is Not)
To this point, there must still be a formal declaration of arrears of gigantic proportions due to past underpayments or delayed late payments. Hence, the intended increase is presumed to work forward from October. Pensioners believe that this incidental delay in payment for October was due to certain technical snags, rendering a fear and frustration into the minds of some that yet more payments might be missed. SASSA acknowledged this situation, apologized, and gave assurance that relief could be given for things like this to be managed adequately. Wherefore, while broad arrears have not been confirmed, it is, however, recommended that all beneficiaries should, in any case, verify for themselves whether October payment has reflected into their account.
There were particular delays in payment and technical hitches in some cases.
On October 2, 2025, it was supposed to make payment for grants for older persons. But some pensioners (especially those with Capitec bank accounts) really received SMSs allegedly alerting them to the funds having been loaded into the accounts; these SMS alerts were all a fraud, and those pensioners never had the opportunity to go and withdraw the money.
SASSA stated that payment files were forwarded as scheduled, but funds just did not show up in some accounts for some unknown technical reason. An estimated 15,000 pensioners were said to be affected.
The agency further claimed to be working toward a speedy resolution with the banks and the Central Bank.
These words and assurances from SASSA had to comfort those affected.
What This Means for the Senior Community
Although small, it holds such symbolic and practical significance:
- Relieving pressure: As prices go up, even a few rands can be used for transport, groceries, or medicine.
- Signal of commitment: The annual adjustment ensures that those receiving grants are aware that SASSA is indeed adjusting its benefits in line with pressures in the economy.
Action steps for beneficiaries
- During the first week of October, make sure to observe your bank account carefully for the payments of the increased amount.
- Should there be no payment, find your way to SASSA or even to your bank immediately (especially if one banks with Capitec).
- If the grants are cancelled on review or withheld, please furnish the documents so that payments can boil down through as soon as possible.
- Keep proof of payment such as SMS confirmations and bank statements in the eventuality that you may be required to register a complaint or an appeal.
also read : SASSA Grant Payments October 2025: Full List of Dates and Updates