The South African government introduced major changes in 2025 that aimed at improving the economic standing of the common citizen. Two major changes include the instalments of social grants accounting for increases, and the adjustment of the national minimum wage, which were meant to work against inflation and provide relief to low-income families nationally.
1. 2025 Social Grant Increases
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has inched up from R350 to R370 per beneficiary, monthly. Inasmuch as it is a small increase, it is significant in enabling an unemployed person to buy at least some basic shelter against a rising cost of living.
Other core grants such as the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, and Child Support Grant will stand as they come, but increases, at least quarterly and possibly monthly, will be felt throughout the year. These grants are a lifeline for persons faded into old age, disabled persons, and caregivers raising children with little or no income.
2. New Minimum Wage of 2025
From March 2025, the National Minimum Wage shall be set at R28.79 per hour. This means that a worker engaged full-time, 40 hours a week, shall earn approximately R2,265 per month. This has been increased to protect low-wage workers against inflation and to upscale fair wages for all sectors.
It applies within most sectors, albeit possible special provisions may be set out for domestic workers, farmworkers, and learners.
3. Who Benefits and How
These increases will directly affect:
- Grant recipients will now be receiving a minuscule increase in their monthly grants.
- Minimum wage workers will see a little increase in their income.
- Low-income families, with both working and grant-receiving members, will be beneficiaries of combined support.
4. Eligibility and Action Steps
To remain eligible, it is advised that beneficiaries register any changes to their personal and financial information. Sometimes income may have to be verified or a SASSA review notification responded to. Should there be non-compliance, suspension or delays may result in payments.
Employees, meantime, want to ensure that their payslip indicates the new minimum-wage rate being applied by employers.
Also Read:SASSA Grants Administrator Vacancies 2025: Apply Now For 10 Government Posts