The South African Social Security Agency has approved and made final the revised regulations and payment calendar for the second half of 2025. The recipients are hardy informed as to when and how payment of grants will occur. Stricter checks mean biometric enrolments for recipients and a fixed payment calendar to eliminate any confusion and delays.
New Changes: Stricter Verification Procedures
- One change is that biometric enrolment will now be compulsory for all new applicants for social grants. So any applicant from 1 September 2025 onwards must provide either fingerprint or facial scan for the identity verification process. This is a big tool against fraud.
- Also, stricter cross-verification will now be conducted by the SASSA using other government databases such as Home Affairs, SARS, UIF, etc., to verify sources of income, identity, and consistency of bank and residence records. Those whose records do not match will either be reviewed or those payments suspended temporarily.
- Beneficiaries must also ensure changes in their details are updated at any time in respect of details such as those of the bank accounts or address, marital status, income, etc. All changes are to be submitted no later than the 19th of any month for them to be effected in the payment cycle immediately following.
New Payment Calendar for Late 2025
Recently, the chief executive officer of SASSA has declared the 2025–2026 payment calendar for social grants.
With regard to October 2025, the confirmed dates for payment are:
- Older Persons Grants: Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Disability Grants: Friday, 3 October 2025
- Child Support Grants and Other Grants: Monday, 6 October 2025
- SRD/Social Relief of Distress (R370) grants are paid later in the month, usually between the 27th and 31st of October.
The full poster showing the payment dates for the 2025/2026 financial year has already been published on the SASSA website.
Who Is Affected, and What Must Be Done
The rules affect present beneficiaries and new applicants.l Some important points are included here:
- Applicants who do not have or fulfill the biometric requirements or whose identity details do not, for any reason, correspond with those on record may encounter delays in the processing of their applications or outright denial of their applications.
- Grant payment may be suspended or become subject to audit against those who have wrong/inconsistent particulars (like bank closure, change of address, new income).
- Should changes in beneficiary particulars, such as sale of identity, fixings, address, or income support, there should be updates by the 19th of that particular month to prevent disruption in benefits.
Risks and Remedies
Erroneous suspension and cancellation are the risks under stricter verification mechanisms. Beneficiaries who feel their grant was unlawfully discontinued ought to:
- Put in an appeal or reconsideration within 90 days and submit any updated documents;
- Each claimant needs to visit a local SASSA office for assistance and to present an ID, proof of bank account, proof of residence, or medical reports for disability grants. Claimants must continue to pay close attention to SMS notices or notices sent via official SASSA communication channels for exceptions, suspensions, or calls for further documentation.
What it Means Going Forward
Under the updated rules-and-calendar mechanism, SASSA means to be held accountable in combating fraud and providing a coherent schedule for recipients. Eventually, there may be some administrative delays and a little confusion, but that is for the best because the changes will protect the dignity of the social grants. That aside, beneficiaries should remain diligent-whether updating their details, completing biometric enrolment before it closes (if not done yet), or continue tracking official announcements-is less a worry for their access to an essential lifeline well into late 2025.
Also Read: SASSA Grants Cancelled In October 2025: Eligibility Reviews And Support Options