SASSA Sets October 2025 Grant Dates and Rolls Out New Biometric Rules

When South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disclosed its October 2025 grant calendar, the headline wasn’t just the staggered payment dates – it was the launch of a mandatory biometric enrollment system for every new applicant.

The agency released the schedule on September 25, 2025, detailing that Old Age Grant beneficiaries will see deposits on Thursday, October 2, while Disability Grant recipients get theirs a day later, on Friday, October 3. All remaining grants – from child support to care‑giver allowances – are set for Monday, October 6. Meanwhile, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant keeps its familiar window between the 20th and 27th of the month.

Payment Schedule for October 2025

Here’s how the calendar breaks down:

• Thursday, 2 October – Old Age Grant
• Friday, 3 October – Disability Grant
• Monday, 6 October – Child, Care‑giver, Foster, and other regular grants
• 20 October to 27 October – SRD R370 grant

SASSA reminded beneficiaries that their money stays in the account until they decide to withdraw, discouraging the “first‑day rush” that has plagued previous months. In practice, that means a retiree in Johannesburg can plan a grocery trip any day after the 2nd without fear of missing out.

New Biometric Enrollment Requirements

Effective 1 September 2025, anyone applying for a new grant must undergo biometric registration – either fingerprint scanning or facial recognition. The move aims to stamp out fraud, duplicate claims, and ghost beneficiaries that have long haunted the system.

“Our new biometric platform makes the grant process more secure, transparent and trustworthy for South Africans,” said Themba Matlou, SASSA’s chief executive officer, during a press briefing at the agency’s Pretoria headquarters.

Matlou explained that the technology will be linked directly to the National Population Register, ensuring that each individual can hold only one grant of each type. The rollout involved a six‑month training program for over 1,200 staff members and the installation of 350 biometric kiosks across the country.

Why the Change Matters

South Africa’s grant system serves roughly 17.5 million people – about one in three citizens. Even a modest reduction in fraudulent payouts can free up tens of millions of rand for legitimate beneficiaries. According to a 2023 audit, fraudulent claims accounted for an estimated R2.3 billion each year.

By coupling biometric checks with real‑time bank verification, SASSA hopes to curb that leakage. Early pilots in the Eastern Cape showed a 12 % drop in duplicate applications within the first two months.

For beneficiaries, the change also brings a sense of dignity. “It feels good to know the system is looking out for us, not just trying to catch us out,” said Nomsa Dlamini, a 68‑year‑old Old Age Grant recipient from Durban.

Support and Assistance for Beneficiaries

If you’re unsure whether you’ve been enrolled, SASSA urges you to call the toll‑free line at 0800 60 10 11 or visit the nearest office. Staff can confirm enrollment status, update banking details, and guide you through the biometric process.

For those without internet access, the agency has dispatched mobile enrollment units to rural districts every Thursday and Friday. These units are equipped with solar‑powered scanners, ensuring that even remote communities can meet the new requirements.

Looking Ahead: Impact on South Africa’s Grant System

The biometric push is just the first step in a broader digital transformation. SASSA plans to integrate blockchain‑based audit trails by 2027, which would make every transaction immutable and instantly searchable.

Analysts say the success of the October rollout could set a precedent for other African nations grappling with large‑scale social safety nets. “If South Africa can do it at this scale, it becomes a template for the continent,” noted Dr Lindiwe Mthembu, a public‑policy researcher at the University of Cape Town.

In the meantime, the October dates serve as a reminder that the grant system is evolving, but its core purpose – delivering a lifeline to millions – remains unchanged.

Key Facts

• Old Age Grant paid on 2 Oct 2025; Disability Grant on 3 Oct 2025.
• All other regular grants on 6 Oct 2025.
• SRD R370 grant window: 20–27 Oct 2025.
• Biometric enrollment mandatory for new applications from 1 Sep 2025.
• Approx. 17.5 million South Africans receive SASSA grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the biometric enrollment start for new applicants?

All new grant applications submitted on or after 1 September 2025 must include a biometric capture – either fingerprint or facial recognition – before approval.

What should beneficiaries do if they miss the October payment dates?

Payments that are not collected remain in the beneficiary’s bank account for up to 30 days. If funds are not accessed, SASSA will automatically re‑credit the account after the window closes.

How does the biometric system prevent fraud?

The system cross‑checks each biometric template against the National Population Register, ensuring that a person cannot hold multiple grants of the same type or create duplicate identities.

Which groups are most affected by the new payment schedule?

Retirees receiving the Old Age Grant and individuals on the Disability Grant see a slight shift forward in the month, while families relying on child and care‑giver grants will receive funds on 6 October, giving them a few extra days to plan expenses.

Where can beneficiaries get help with biometric enrollment?

Assistance is available at any SASSA office, via the toll‑free line 0800 60 10 11, and through traveling mobile units that visit rural districts every Thursday and Friday.