R600 Power Top-Ups – South African citizens who depend on SASSA grants are in for a much-needed relief this September. As part of the government’s renewed commitment to reducing the burden of rising electricity costs, SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) will now begin providing R600 monthly electricity top-up vouchers to eligible grant beneficiaries starting from 10 September 2025. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the vulnerable sections of society while combating the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With electricity prices reaching record highs and many low-income households facing disconnection risks, this R600 top-up scheme is expected to provide critical support. The power vouchers will be automatically distributed to qualifying SASSA grant recipients, including pensioners, disability grant holders, child support beneficiaries, and foster care grantees. The benefit will be loaded directly into their utility wallets or provided as recharge tokens, depending on the beneficiary’s municipality or electricity provider. The Department of Social Development and Eskom have partnered to streamline this process, making it easier for grant holders to redeem their monthly benefit without any additional applications or paperwork. This announcement comes after months of public outcry regarding unaffordable electricity costs, especially in areas hit by frequent load-shedding and municipal service issues. Below is everything you need to know about the new electricity benefit scheme, who qualifies, how it will be disbursed, and how it affects other grant-related payments going forward.
Who Will Receive the R600 Power Top-Ups from 10 September?
The electricity voucher scheme will be rolled out to all SASSA grant beneficiaries starting 10 September. Here’s an overview of who qualifies:
- Pensioners (Old Age Grant recipients)
- Disability Grant beneficiaries
- Child Support Grant recipients
- Foster Care Grant holders
- War Veterans and Care Dependency Grants
- Beneficiaries receiving more than one grant
- Individuals with verified ID and current address linked to their SASSA file
Modes of Distribution for the R600 Power Top-Ups Benefit
Beneficiaries will not need to apply separately. The electricity top-up will be distributed via multiple channels:
- Integrated into existing utility prepaid meters
- Vouchers sent via SMS or SASSA-linked mobile apps
- Redeemable tokens from local municipal offices
- Wallet credit for direct load onto electricity meters
Complete List of Eligible Grants for the R600 Power Top-Ups
The R600 electricity benefit applies to all major social grants under SASSA. Here’s a breakdown:
| SASSA Grant Type | Monthly Grant (ZAR) | Receives Electricity Top-Up | Mode of Power Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,180 | Yes | Prepaid Meter |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | Yes | SMS Token |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | Yes | SASSA App Wallet |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,180 | Yes | Municipal Voucher |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,200 | Yes | Prepaid Voucher |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 | Yes | Mobile Recharge |
| Multiple Grants Holder | Variable | Yes | Consolidated Token |
Important Note:
Only beneficiaries with updated ID, proof of residence, and mobile number will be eligible for the voucher. Ensure your SASSA profile is updated before 5 September to avoid delays.
Timeline and Monthly Schedule for R600 Power Top-Ups Distribution
The Department has confirmed a recurring schedule for power voucher release aligned with monthly grant payouts. Here’s the expected timeline:
| Month | Voucher Release Date | Disbursement Window | Grant Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 10 September | 10–15 Sept | Post Pension Payment |
| October 2025 | 10 October | 10–15 Oct | Mid-Month Top-Up |
| November 2025 | 10 November | 10–15 Nov | After Child Grant |
| December 2025 | 10 December | 10–15 Dec | Holiday Boost |
How to Check and Redeem Your R600 Power Top-Ups Credit
It’s essential for all beneficiaries to verify and redeem their vouchers correctly. Here’s how to do that:
- Dial 120321# from your registered SASSA mobile number
- Login to the official SASSA app and check the voucher section
- Visit your municipality’s customer service office
- Contact Eskom toll-free number: 0800 11 27 22
- Ask your local grant office for redemption support
What If You Didn’t Receive the R600 Power Top-Ups?
If your electricity credit hasn’t arrived by 15th of the month:
- Confirm your phone number and meter number on your SASSA profile
- Contact the nearest SASSA office with ID proof
- Lodge a query via the SASSA website or WhatsApp Helpline
- File an escalation if unresolved within 5 business days
Impact on Other SASSA Grants and Services
This electricity support will not reduce or interfere with any existing grant payments. It is an additional benefit funded through the National Treasury’s cost-of-living relief fund.
Will It Affect Other Grant Increases?
No, the R600 electricity voucher is a separate relief package. Here’s a comparison of current grants and upcoming increases:
| Grant Type | July 2025 Value | Expected Increase | Power Top-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,180 | +R90 (Oct 2025) | Yes |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | +R20 (Oct 2025) | Yes |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | +R90 (Oct 2025) | Yes |
Departmental Contact Information for Assistance
Here are the official contact details for any issues related to the new electricity top-up scheme:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| SASSA National Call Centre | 0800 60 10 11 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm |
| Eskom Customer Line | 08600 37566 | [email protected] | Mon–Sun, 7am–9pm |
| DSD Electricity Relief Desk | 012 312 7500 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm |
| Local SASSA Office (Province-specific) | Varies | Check https://sassa.gov.za/contacts | Business Hours |
FAQs of R600 Power Top-Ups
1. Who qualifies for the R600 electricity voucher?
All registered SASSA grant beneficiaries with updated ID and address qualify automatically.
2. Do I need to apply for the power voucher separately?
No, it will be auto-disbursed with your grant details.
3. What if I have a postpaid meter?
Currently, the scheme only supports prepaid users. Postpaid solutions are under review.
4. Can I transfer the voucher or sell it?
No, it’s non-transferable and must be used for electricity only.
5. Will this benefit continue after December?
The government will review its continuation based on the impact and funding availability.
