SASSA confirmed the March grant payment dates and extended the Gold Card switch deadline to 20 March. Those who miss it can still collect grants through other methods until 30 June. Grants will also increase in April and October, with final amounts announced in the budget speech.
Sassa has shared key updates for March 2025 about social grants. They have confirmed the payment dates, explained how to replace the old gold cards, and announced that grants will increase in April. This article provides new payment schedule, other ways to collect your grant, and what you need to do to switch to the new Postbank Black Card.
March 2025 Payment Dates
Sassa pays more than 19 million permanent grants every month. To make sure beneficiaries get their money on time, the payment dates for March 2025 have been set. This will help people know exactly when to expect their grants and avoid confusion.
The payment schedule for March 2025 is as follows:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 4 March
- Disability Grants: Wednesday, 5 March
- Children’s Grants: Thursday, 6 March
This system helps Sassa manage the payments in an organised way and ensures that people who rely on these grants receive their money without delays. The goal is to make the process easier and provide financial support when it is needed most.
SASSA Gold Cards Still Valid Until March 2025
Social grant beneficiaries now have more time to replace their SASSA Gold Card with the new Postbank Black Card. The deadline has been extended to 20 March 2025. Previously, SASSA and Postbank had announced that all Gold Cards had to be replaced by 28 February 2025, but the extension gives beneficiaries extra time to make the switch. SASSA has shared important updates for older persons receiving grants in March 2025. This includes confirmed payment dates, who qualifies for the grant, and other important details to beneficiaries.
What Happens After 20 March?
Beneficiaries who miss the 20 March deadline can still apply for and receive their new Postbank Black Card. If they do not collect the new card by that date, they won’t lose their grant payments. However, they won’t be able to use the old Gold Card to access their funds. Instead, they can withdraw their grant using alternative methods, such as at Post Office branches, until 30 June 2025. For more details, you can contact Postbank toll-free on 0800 53 54 55 or email [email protected].
How to Collect Your SASSA Grant
SASSA has made it simple for beneficiaries to collect their grants in different ways. Here’s how you can get your money:
1. Bank Deposit – Safe and Easy
Your grant can be paid straight into your bank account, so you can withdraw it from an ATM, use your bank card for shopping, or make online payments.
2. Retail Stores – Get Cash at the Till
If you prefer cash, you can withdraw your grant at major supermarkets like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, and OK. Just bring your SASSA card or bank card and collect your money at the till.
3. Mobile Pay Points – For Rural Areas
Some areas still have mobile cash pay points, mainly in rural locations. These only operate on certain days each month, so check the schedule to know when to collect your grant.
Which Method Should You Choose?
- For quick and secure access, a bank deposit is the best option.
- For cash-in-hand payments, retail stores offer easy withdrawals.
- For those in remote areas, mobile pay points may be the most accessible option.
By offering different collection methods, SASSA ensures that all beneficiaries have a way to access their grant money in a way that suits them best.
Gold Card Transition: Get Your New Postbank Black Card
SASSA beneficiaries must switch from the SASSA Gold Card to the new Postbank Black Card. This change is mandatory, and the deadline to replace the card has been extended to 20 March 2025.Originally, all Gold Cards had to be swapped by 28 February, but the extension gives beneficiaries extra time.
- New Deadline: Beneficiaries now have until 20 March 2025 to switch to the Postbank Black Card.
- What Happens After the Deadline? If you miss the 20 March deadline, you can still apply for the Postbank Black Card, but you’ll need to use other ways to collect your grant until 30 June 2025.
- What If You Don’t Switch? You won’t lose your grant, but you won’t be able to access it with the Gold Card. Instead, you’ll need to withdraw your money from Post Office branches or other alternative collection points.
SASSA urges all beneficiaries to make the switch as soon as possible to avoid delays in accessing their grants.
How to Get the New Postbank Black Card
SASSA beneficiaries can replace their Gold Cards through different channels. The process is simple to ensure an easy transition for everyone.
One way to get the new Postbank Black Card is through the mobile dial-in option. Beneficiaries can dial 120218*3# on their cellphones, select option 1, and choose their province. This will provide a list of nearby locations where the card can be collected.
Another option is to visit a retail store where SASSA grants are usually collected. These include Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer Stores, and Pick n Pay stores in Gauteng. Beneficiaries can exchange their old Gold Card for the new one at these outlets.
To get the new card, beneficiaries need to bring a valid South African ID or a temporary ID. If collecting on behalf of someone else, a SASSA proxy letter is required. Asylum seekers must present an official SASSA approval letter. SASSA advises beneficiaries to replace their Gold Cards as soon as possible to avoid any issues with accessing their grants.
Grant Increases Scheduled for April 2025
SASSA beneficiaries will receive an increase in their grant amounts starting 1 April 2025, with another adjustment set for 1 October 2025. These increases aim to help beneficiaries cope with the rising cost of living. The new grant amounts are adjusted based on inflation and economic conditions. Depending on the type of grant, the increase will range from R10 to R90. The exact amounts will be confirmed in the Budget Speech on 12 March 2025.
- Increase Dates: 1 April and 1 October 2025
- Increase Range: Between R10 and R90, depending on the grant type
- Reason for Adjustment: To keep up with inflation and higher living costs
Updated Grant Amounts from April 2025
| Grant Type | March Payment Date | Current Amount | Increase Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 4 March | R2,190 (R2,210 for 75+) | R10 to R90 |
| Disability Grant | 5 March | R2,190 | R10 to R90 |
| Child Support Grant | 6 March | R530 (Top-Up: R250) | R10 to R90 |
| War Veterans Grant | N/A | R2,210 | R10 to R90 |
| Care Dependency Grant | N/A | R2,190 | R10 to R90 |
| Foster Care Grant | N/A | R1,180 | R10 to R90 |
| Social Relief of Distress | N/A | R370 | R10 to R90 |
SASSA has confirmed the March 2025 payment schedule, the transition to the Postbank Black Card, and the upcoming grant increases. These updates ensure that beneficiaries are well-informed and prepared. With different ways to collect payments and clear steps for getting the new Postbank Black Card, SASSA aims to make the process smooth and avoid disruptions. The planned grant increases show SASSA’s continued efforts to help South Africans manage their daily financial needs.
FAQs – SASSA Grants and Gold Card Transition
When will SASSA grants be paid in March 2025?
Grants will be paid on 4 March for older persons, 5 March for disability grants, and 6 March for children’s grants.
What is the deadline to replace the SASSA Gold Card?
Beneficiaries must replace their SASSA Gold Card with the Postbank Black Card by 20 March 2025.
When will the grant increases take effect in 2025?
Grant amounts will go up on 1 April and 1 October 2025. The increases will range from R10 to R90, depending on the grant type.
What is the SASSA Gold Card transition, and what does it mean for payments?
This refers to the change from the old Gold Card to the Postbank Black Card. Beneficiaries need to check if their card is still valid or update their payment method to a bank account or cash send to avoid any issues.
Will SASSA grants increase in April 2025?
Yes, grants are expected to increase in April. The exact amounts will be announced in the national budget speech, and older persons, disability, and child support grants will likely see adjustments.