South Africa’s SASSA Older Persons Grant is getting a confirmed top-up in October 2025, adding to the April increase announced in the 2025 Budget. If you’re 60 or older and rely on this pension, here’s a clear, updated guide to your new payment amounts, who qualifies, how the means test works, and what to expect on pay day.
What’s changing in October 2025?
- In April 2025, government raised the Older Persons Grant as part of the national budget.
- A further R10 top-up is scheduled for October 2025, taking the standard over-60 rate to R2,320 per month. For those aged 75+, the higher rate is expected to move up in tandem.
In plain English: if you’re 60–74, your monthly amount increases again in October; if you’re 75 or older, you also get the higher “75+” rate after the top-up.
Why the increase?
Government adjusts social grants to help with inflation and the cost of living. The 2025 Budget Speech explicitly set out grant increases from April 2025 and signaled the October top-up to keep support aligned with rising prices and beneficiary needs.
New SASSA Old Age Pension amounts (October 2025)
The Older Persons Grant has two age-based tiers. After the October 2025 top-up, the amounts are:
| Grant Type | April 2025 Amount | October 2025 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons (Age 60–74) | R2,310 | R2,320 |
| Older Persons (Age 75+) | R2,330 | R2,340 |
Who qualifies in 2025?
You must:
- Be 60 years or older.
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee living in South Africa.
- Not receive another social grant for yourself.
- Pass the means test (income and assets below set limits).
2025 Means Test
To receive the full Older Persons Grant in 2025, your financial situation must fall under these limits:
- Income (per year):
- Single: up to R86,280
- Married (combined): up to R172,560
- Assets (total value):
- Single: up to R1,227,600
- Married (combined): up to R2,455,200
If your income is slightly above the threshold, you might still qualify for a reduced amount (the grant tapers according to means test rules).
When will October 2025 payments land ?
SASSA typically pays Older Persons Grants on the first working day of the month. For October 2025, that points to the first week of October (older persons go first, followed by disability grants, then child-related grants).
How to apply ?
You can apply at your nearest SASSA office or designated service point. Bring:
- Your SA ID, proof of residence, marital status, and income/asset documents.
- If you’re unable to apply in person, a procurator (appointed representative) can apply on your behalf with the correct documentation.
Processing time: Applications are assessed against the means test; if approved, payments are made from the date of approval and can be back-dated to the date of application in certain cases when all requirements were met.
Where the money goes ?
Choose the option that suits you best:
- Bank account deposit (most convenient and safest).
- Cash-send options and approved merchants (where applicable).
- Pay points (in limited, designated areas). You can switch payment methods by submitting a request to SASSA with your banking proof.
How to check your balance
- ATM mini-statement (if paid into your bank account).
- Retail till slip at participating stores (where available).
- SASSA helplines/USSD options may provide status updates or payment confirmation. Always protect your PINs and personal information.
Key takeaways for pensioners
- Yes, there is a raise in October 2025. Expect +R10 on top of April’s uplift.
- New amounts: R2,320 (ages 60–74) and R2,340 (ages 75+).
- Stick to official channels for your exact pay date and status.
- Keep your documents current (ID, bank details, marital status) to avoid delays.
The October 2025 SASSA Old Age Pension increase provides a timely boost to seniors’ monthly budgets, building on the April rise to keep pace with inflation and essential living costs. If you’re 60–74, look for R2,320 per month from October; if you’re 75+, expect R2,340.
FAQs
I’m turning 75 in October 2025. Do I get the higher rate immediately?
Yes. Once you officially turn 75, you move to the 75+ rate from the month after your birthday (or as processed by SASSA). Make sure your ID reflects your birth date and your records are updated.
My spouse and I have modest savings. Will that disqualify us?
Not necessarily. The means test considers combined assets for married couples (up to R2,455,200) and combined income (up to R172,560/year). If you’re under these limits, you should qualify for the full grant; above them, you may still qualify for a reduced amount.
I didn’t get the higher amount on 1 October—what should I do?
First, confirm the official payment date and the staged rollout window. Then check your banking details and grant status via SASSA. If there’s still an issue, visit a SASSA office with your ID and bank proof so they can update your record and resolve any delay.