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If you rely on a SASSA social grant, here’s some important news that could mean extra money in your pocket this August. The South African government has announced a special one-time cost of living increase for August 2025 to help ease the pressure of rising expenses. However, to receive this additional payment, you must verify and update your details before August 15.
Why Is This Increase Happening?
Typically, SASSA adjusts grant amounts every April to keep pace with inflation. This year, inflation rose about 3% higher than expected in the second quarter, making life more expensive for many families. To provide urgent relief, the government has introduced a temporary increase for certain grants in August only.
Which Grants Will Be Increased?
Here is the amount each grant will increase by for August 2025:
- Child Support Grant: R50 more per child (now R510)
- Old Age Pension: R100 more (now R2,190)
- Disability and Care Dependency Grants: R150 more (now R2,140)
- Foster Care Grant: R100 more (now R1,180)
- War Veterans Grant: R200 more (now R2,190)
- Grant in Aid: R75 more (now R535)
Verification Is Required to Receive the Increase
This boost is not automatic. To qualify, all beneficiaries must have verified their personal and banking details with SASSA between June 1 and July 25. This is to ensure that payments are made to the correct people, as many have changed bank accounts, phone numbers, or addresses recently.
If you haven’t verified yet, don’t worry you still have until August 15 to update your information. After this date, any new verification will only qualify you for the September payment.
When Will the Payments Be Made?
- Regular grants will be paid as usual between August 1 and 4.
- The extra boost payments will be staggered as follows:
- Those who verified by July 25 will receive their boost between August 8 and 12.
- Those who verify between July 26 and August 15 will receive their boost between August 15 and 20.
Please note that because boost payments are processed separately, it may take an extra 1 to 2 days for the funds to appear in your account.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Send an SMS with your ID number to 32248. You will receive an instant reply detailing:
- Your grant status
- Your next payment date
- Whether your boost is confirmed or requires verification
If the message says “August boost verification required,” you should update your details immediately.
How to Verify Your Details
You can verify in two ways:
- In person at a SASSA office: Bring your ID, a proof of residence dated within the last 3 months, and your most recent bank statement. Offices will have extended hours from August 5 to 15, including some evenings and Saturdays.
- Online via the SASSA mobile app: Upload your documents digitally. Submitting your verification between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. can speed up the process.
Why You Should Act Quickly
For households receiving multiple grants, this boost could add up to a significant amount helping to cover groceries, transport, school fees, medical costs, and more. Missing the deadline means you won’t get the boost this August and will have to wait until September.
Final Thoughts
This emergency increase for August 2025 offers important financial support during challenging times. Make sure to verify your details before August 15 so you don’t miss out. Even a small boost can make a real difference in managing monthly expenses, so act now and secure your additional payment.