The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that social grant payments will start on December 15 2025 after completing system upgrades and compliance reviews. The agency has published a weekly payment schedule that covers major grant types such as the Old Age Pension Disability Grant & the SRD R350 grant. This news brings relief to millions of South Africans who depend on these grants to cover their daily needs and household costs. SASSA experienced some delays earlier this month but has now given assurance that payments will run smoothly and arrive on schedule. The agency has created a structured distribution plan designed to prevent overcrowding & technical problems at payment locations and banks.
Why Did SASSA Move Payments to December 15 2025?
SASSA stopped payments in early December to complete biometric verification systems and check for fraud risks while adding new compliance measures. The brief pause gave the agency time to confirm recipient details and improve payment systems. The agency focused on several key areas during this period.
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– They installed new anti-fraud technology across their systems.
– Staff members verified beneficiary records and made sure contact information was current.
– the Postbank & mobile payment platforms received technical upgrades.
– SASSA also worked with Home Affairs to conduct identity verification checks.
SASSA stated that these actions were essential to stop fraudulent claims & make grant delivery more accurate.
Complete Weekly Grant Payment Calendar Starting December 15
SASSA December 2025 Weekly Grant Payment Schedule
To reduce congestion and improve efficiency at grant collection points, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
has rolled out a staggered weekly disbursement schedule for all social grants in December 2025.
Payments will officially begin from December 15 2025 and continue throughout the month.
Week-by-Week SASSA Payment Plan:
| Week | Grant Type(s) | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Older Persons Grant | Wednesday, December 15 |
| Week 2 | Disability & War Veterans Grants | Thursday, December 16 |
| Week 3 | Child Support, Foster Child & Care Dependency Grants | Friday, December 17 |
| Week 4 | SRD R350 Grant (Postbank only) | Between December 15-25 |
Important Note for All Beneficiaries:
Once your grant is deposited into your SASSA card or bank account, the money remains secure and accessible at any time.
There is no need to rush to withdraw funds on the same day — queues can be avoided by accessing funds later in the week.
Which SASSA Grants Are Included in the December 2025 Boost?
SASSA DecemberPayment Schedule Overview The South African Social Security Agency has released its complete payment schedule for December. This schedule covers all the main grant types that millions of South Africans depend on each month.
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | R2,180 | Bank Account, SASSA Card, Cash |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | Bank Account, SASSA Card |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | Bank Account, Post Office |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | SASSA Card, Bank Account |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 | Bank Account, Postbank |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,200 | SASSA Card, Cash Paypoints |
| SRD R370 Grant | R370 | Postbank Virtual Account |
Important Pre-Payment Steps for All Beneficiaries
SASSA has released key instructions for people receiving payments to make sure their money comes through without problems. Following these basic steps can stop your payments from getting blocked or arriving late. What you need to do:
– Check that your bank information is correct on the SASSA or SRD website.
– Do not switch bank accounts right before your payment is due.
– Look at your SMS messages or check your status using USSD by dialing 1347737#.
– Make sure your ID number and phone number are properly connected in the system.
– Never give your PIN or SASSA card to other people.
If you do not get an SMS to confirm your payment by the expected date you should wait three days before you get in touch with SASSA.
Who Qualifies for the R370 SRD Grant This December?
SRD R370 Grant – December 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The Special Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, which increased from R350 to R370 in April 2025, continues to support low-income South Africans. For the month of December 2025, all qualifying individuals will receive their R370 payment in the last week of the month. To ensure smooth processing and avoid delays, applicants must meet the updated eligibility criteria outlined below. All payments are processed through Postbank and typically reflect within 2–3 working days.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Applicant must be between 18 to 59 years old |
| Income Threshold | Monthly income must be below R624 |
| Other Grants | Must not receive any other SASSA grant |
| Residency | Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid ID |
| Bank Account | Must have a valid, active bank account in your own name |
| Payment Method | Funds disbursed via Postbank; allow 2–3 business days to reflect |
SASSA Releases Weekly Timetable for Pension and Disability Grants
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that December 2025 payments will start on December 15 following a weekly payout plan. The payments cover the Older Persons Grant and Disability Grant as well as the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant. Recipients should check the new timetable organized by province to prevent crowding and make sure payments go smoothly.
| Province | Older Persons Grant | Disability Grant | SRD R350 Grant (December) | Notes & Important Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–19 | ID check may be needed for SRD claimants |
| Free State | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–19 | Priority given to rural applicants |
| Gauteng | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–20 | eWallet and Postbank services supported |
| KwaZulu-Natal | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–19 | SMS alerts will notify updated payment dates |
| Limpopo | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–19 | Mobile units active for rural outreach |
| Mpumalanga | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–19 | Expired SRD cards may be reissued |
| North West | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–20 | Transport assistance available in remote areas |
| Northern Cape | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–19 | Cash-send options enabled for delivery |
| Western Cape | December 10 | December 12 | December 15–20 | SRD bonus top-up under review for December |
Note: All SASSA grant recipients are advised to verify their status online or wait for SMS confirmation before visiting payment points. Delays may occur if new ID verification procedures are not completed on time.
Missed Your Payment Date? Here’s What to Do Next
SASSA confirms that your money stays safe in your account even if you don’t collect it right away. The funds will not disappear or get taken back. If you cannot make it to collect your payment on the scheduled date because you are traveling or feeling unwell you can withdraw the money whenever it suits you better. What to do if you missed your payment or it arrived late:
– Go to the closest SASSA office & bring your ID document with you.
– Look up your payment details on the SASSA website at www.sassa.gov.za
– Replace your expired card at any SASSA branch before the next payment round starts.
SASSA suggests that you install the Postbank mobile app on your phone. This app lets you see when your SRD grant money gets deposited into your account as it happens.
December 2025 Payout Dates for Seniors and Disability Recipients
SASSA December 2025 Grant Payment Schedule
SASSA will begin distributing December 2025 social grants from 8 December 2025. Payments will be made in phases based on grant category, with the R350/R370 SRD Grant scheduled for the end of the month. See full payout details below:
| Grant Type | Start Date | Distribution Period | Amount (December 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old‑Age Pension | Monday, 8 December | Throughout December | R2,315 – R2,330 |
| Disability Grant | Tuesday, 9 December | Throughout December | R2,315 |
| Child Support Grant | Wednesday, 10 December | Throughout December | R560 |
| Foster Child Grant | Wednesday, 10 December | Throughout December | R1,250 |
| Care Dependency Grant | Wednesday, 10 December | Throughout December | R2,315 |
| War Veterans Grant | Monday, 8 December | Throughout December | R2,335 |
| Grant‑in‑Aid | 8–10 December | With main grants | R560 |
| SRD Grant (R350/R370) | Thursday, 25 December – Tuesday, 30 December | End-of-month batches | R350 / R370 |
Note: Exact deposit dates may vary by bank and region. Beneficiaries are advised to check their SASSA status online before collecting payments.
Distribution Modes SASSA distributes payments through several methods.
– You can receive money via direct bank deposits or use your SASSA or Postbank card at ATMs and retail stores.
– Cash collection is available at Post Offices & stores like Shoprite Pick n Pay and Boxer outlets.
– Beneficiary Action Steps Make sure your account or card details are current with SASSA before 10 December to receive early payments.
– Keep track of your payment dates since pensions begin on 8 December while SRD grants are paid between 25 and 30 December.
– Check your account after the payment date but remember there is no rush to withdraw immediately because your funds will stay available.
– Look at your balance after your scheduled date and reach out to SASSA if the money has not arrived within 3 working days.
– Update your personal information with SASSA if your address or banking details have changed. This will help you avoid payment delays.
