This is a complementary social assistance smoothing payment designed to support beneficiaries receiving a primary grant from SASSA who require additional funds to cover extra costs, usually in health, dependency, or disability-related expenditures. It is not a standalone grant but rather a means of providing assistance outside the larger grants given to qualifying recipients. (See SASSA “Grants-In-Aid” page)
October 2025: What’s New for Grant-in-Aid?
Acting on October 2025, Grant-in-Aid shall be paid simultaneously with other SASSA social grants, that is, together with Child Support, Old Age, Disability, and others, all in the same tranche. It is stated in some reports that it still pays R560 each month, following the last increase that SASSA gave to grants for supplementary support.
A nominal increase of R10 in main grants is all that is given as of October 2025 for all grants, and yet the Grant-in-Aid is supposed to remain at the same nominal value as well as eligibility criteria as it had in previous cycles. Beneficiaries should automatically have their top-ups processed with the payment of the principal grant.
Payment Dates & Distribution
SASSA has given out the grant payment dates for its regular grants for October 2025:
- Old Age Grants: Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Disability Grants: Friday, 3 October 2025
- Child Support & other dependent grants: Monday, 6 October 2025
These grants top-ups through the Grant-in-Aids shall be paid on the above-mentioned dates too. Whichever is the payment mode, whether direct deposit into bank accounts, SASSA card, or pay points, the extra money shall show up on these very dates together with the main grant.
Who Qualifies & What You Need
To qualify for the Grant-in-Aid, one must prove that:
- They are in receipt of a primary social grant (Old Age, Disability, etc.).
- They have additional costs or dependency burdens (e.g. needing support because of health or caregiving).
- They pass SASSA’s means test or meet further supplementary conditions (as set out in the official “Grants-In-Aid” policy).
Applicants are advised to keep their bank and personal details updated on the SASSA system to avoid delays in payments. Where an applicant’s Grant-in-Aid has been terminated or is under review, SASSA has formal appeal and verification procedures available.
Implications for the Beneficiaries
Check your grant statement in early October to confirm that the top-up was included.
- Ensure your banking details are correct and active.
- Contact SASSA or go to your nearest SASSA office in case the top-up is missing or delayed.
- Keep yourself updated by reading SASSA’s notices regarding any changes in eligibility or payment terms.
Grant-in-Aid fills a very crucial gap between closure of social support for those who have additional care needs. It remains with an extra bit of buffer for beneficiaries to manage in October 2025, being in tandem with the core grants.
Also Read: South Africa Social Grants Increase October 2025: New Amounts & Eligibility Details