SASSA Senior Pension Grant October 2025: Payment Dates, Eligibility, Amounts and How to Apply

The Senior Pension Grant formally the Older Persons Grant is a monthly social assistance payment designed to help older South Africans cover essential living costs such as food, utilities, transport and healthcare. It is not linked to prior employment contributions; eligibility is based on residence, age and a means test. SASSA administers the grant and pays it via bank accounts, SASSA/Postbank cards, or designated pay points.

SASSA Senior Pension Grant October 2025Quick summary

October 2025: confirmed payment calendar and new amounts

For October 2025, SASSA is following the standard three-step sequence used nationwide: Older Persons on Thursday 2 October, Disability on Friday 3 October, and Children’s grants on Monday 6 October. These dates are national and are not set per province. If you cannot collect or withdraw on the day, your funds remain in your account and can be accessed afterwards.

Government also implemented a R10 increase from October 2025 for key grants. For older persons this means R2 320 per month for beneficiaries aged 60–74 and R2 340 for those aged 75 and above.

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Eligibility: who can receive the Older Persons Grant

To qualify you must meet the core legal criteria below:

• Residency and status: Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee, living in South Africa.
• Age: Be 60 years or older (same age threshold for men and women).
• Means test: Meet SASSA’s income and asset limits for older persons (assessed for you and, if applicable, your spouse).
• No overlapping primary grant: You cannot receive another primary social grant in your own name at the same time.
• Residence arrangement: You must not be fully maintained in a state institution that covers all basic needs.

Note on terminology: applications for the Older Persons Grant are open year-round. You do not apply for a particular month only; once approved, you are paid monthly (subject to ongoing eligibility). Use October’s calendar above purely to plan cash-flow and withdrawals.

How and where to apply (year-round)

You can apply in two ways:

1. Online: Use the SASSA Services Portal to create a profile and start your application digitally. You will be guided through identity, personal, and means-test questions and may be asked to upload documents.
2. In person: Visit your nearest SASSA office. Staff will interview you, help complete the application form, and issue a receipt as proof of application. Take originals and certified copies where possible.

Documents you typically need

• South African ID (smart card or green barcoded ID) or recognised refugee documentation
• Proof of residence (recent utility bill or similar)
• Bank details (bank confirmation or recent statement) if you prefer direct deposit
• Proof of income and assets (and spouse’s, if applicable) for the means test
• Completed application form provided at the office or through the portal
• If someone applies on your behalf, bring proof of authority (for example, power of attorney)

Guides on the SA Government Services pages also explain appointment of a procurator or power of attorney if you cannot collect yourself.

Biometric enrolment and monthly reviews

From 1 September 2025, SASSA introduced mandatory biometric enrolment (fingerprint or facial scan) for new applications to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud. Existing beneficiaries may be asked to complete biometrics during reviews or data updates. Respond promptly to invitations to avoid payment delays.

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SASSA can review your grant to confirm that your circumstances and means still meet the rules. You will be notified in advance if a review is scheduled.

How payments are made

Once approved, SASSA pays your grant by one of these methods:

• Bank deposit into an account in your name
• SASSA/Postbank card withdrawals at retailers and ATMs
• Pay point cash-out in some areas
  If you cannot collect personally, you may appoint a procurator or grant power of attorney to a trusted person.

Practical tips to avoid delays

• Ensure your bank account name and ID match exactly on SASSA’s records.
• Keep your cellphone on and able to receive one-time pins and review notices.
• Do not change bank accounts just before the pay run if you can avoid it.
• If SASSA asks for biometrics or updated documents, attend promptly.
• Remember that funds remain available after the official date; go on a quieter day if crowding is an issue.

FAQs

1) What are the payment dates in October 2025 for pensioners?

Older Persons Grant is scheduled for Thursday 2 October 2025 (followed by Disability on 3 October and Children’s on 6 October).

2) How much will I receive from October 2025?

R 2 320 per month if you are 60–74, and R 2 340 if you are 75+ (reflecting the October R10 increase).

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3) Do I have to apply only in October?

No. Applications are open year-round. Once approved, you are paid monthly, subject to eligibility. Use the October calendar for planning only.

4) I am a recognised refugee aged 60+. Can I apply?

Yes citizens, permanent residents and recognised refugees may qualify if they meet all requirements, including the means test.

5) What is biometric enrolment and is it compulsory?

For new applications from 1 September 2025, SASSA captures a fingerprint or facial scan to verify identity. Selected existing beneficiaries may be called for biometrics during reviews.

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SASSA Older Persons Grant – October 2025 Payouts: Exact Amounts, National Payment Dates (Not Province-Specific), Eligibility, and How to Prepare

6) What if I cannot collect the money myself?

You may appoint a procurator or give power of attorney to someone to collect on your behalf, following SASSA’s rules.

7) Will my money disappear if I do not withdraw on the exact date?

No. Funds remain available after the due date at your bank, retailer or pay point.

Official links

• SASSA main site (Older Persons Grant info): https://www.sassa.gov.za (sassa.gov.za)
• SASSA Services Portal (start or track an application): https://services.sassa.gov.za (services.sassa.gov.za)
• Media and payment-date coverage (October 2025): Eyewitness News and The Citizen round-ups. (EWN)

Final note

The October 2025 calendar for the Senior Pension Grant prioritises older persons first in the monthly sequence and applies a modest R10 increase to help offset living-cost pressure. If you meet the age 60+ threshold and pass the means test, apply as soon as you have your documents ready. Keep your contact and banking details current, complete biometric steps when requested, and rely on SASSA’s official channels for updates.