If you depend on a social grant from SASSA, here’s some urgent news that could mean more money in your pocket this August. The South African government has introduced a special one-time cost of living adjustment for August 2025 to help grant recipients cope with rising prices. But to get this extra boost, you need to act before August 15.
What Is This Emergency Grant Increase?
Usually, SASSA increases grant amounts every April based on inflation and economic conditions. However, this year the inflation rate in the second quarter was higher than expected by about 3%, which has pushed many households into financial strain. To provide some relief, the government announced a temporary increase in certain grants just for August 2025.
Which Grants Will See a Boost?
Here’s the breakdown of the temporary increase per grant type for August:
- Child Support Grant: Up by R50 per child (now R510)
- Old Age Pension: Up by R100 (now R2,190)
- Disability and Care Dependency Grants: Up by R150 (now R2,140)
- Foster Care Grant: Up by R100 (now R1,180)
- War Veterans Grant: Up by R200 (now R2,190)
- Grant in Aid: Up by R75 (now R535)
Important: Verification Is Required to Receive the Boost
The extra money will not automatically reach everyone. SASSA requires all beneficiaries to have verified their personal and banking details between June 1 and July 25 to qualify for the August boost. This verification helps ensure payments go to the right people, especially since many recipients have changed contact details or banking information recently.
If your details are outdated or you missed verifying within the initial window, you still have until August 15 to update your information but after that, the boost will only be paid with your September grant.
How and When Will the Payments Be Made?
- Regular grant payments for August happen from August 1 to 4.
- The boost payments are staggered:
- For those verified by July 25: boost payments start August 8 to 12.
- For verifications done between July 26 and August 15: payments from August 15 to 20.
Keep in mind, payments may take 1 to 2 days longer to reflect due to processing.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
Send an SMS with your ID number to 32248. You will get an instant reply with your grant status, next payment date, and whether your boost is confirmed or requires verification.
If you receive a message saying “August boost verification required,” you must verify your details immediately.
How to Verify Your Details
You can verify in person or online:
- At a SASSA office: Bring your ID, a recent proof of residence (not older than 3 months), and your latest bank statement. Offices are open longer from August 5 to 15, with some open till 8 p.m. and Saturday services at select locations.
- Via the SASSA mobile app: Upload your documents digitally, ideally between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. for faster processing.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay
For families receiving multiple grants, this emergency boost could add up to hundreds or even over a thousand rand extra for August. This money can help cover groceries, transport, utilities, school fees, or medical costs critical support when prices keep rising.
Missing the verification deadline means missing the boost this month and waiting until September.
Final Thoughts
The August 2025 SASSA grant boost is a crucial opportunity to get extra financial support during tough times. Make sure to verify your details before August 15 to avoid missing out. Even a small increase can help ease daily expenses, so don’t delay take action today and secure your boost.
