R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher – In a move that has brought widespread relief to millions of South Africans, the Department of Social Development has officially rolled out a new R700 monthly grocery voucher for SASSA grant recipients starting August 2025. This benefit comes at a time when food prices remain high and many households continue to struggle with rising living costs. The voucher is aimed at helping grant beneficiaries afford basic food necessities every month. This new initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to combat food insecurity and improve the standard of living for vulnerable populations. With inflation still hitting low-income households the hardest, this R700 grocery voucher can make a significant difference, especially for pensioners, child support grant holders, and disability beneficiaries. According to Minister Lindiwe Zulu, this program will be implemented nationwide and will be closely monitored for fraud prevention and fair distribution. The grocery voucher will be distributed digitally and will work in partnership with major retail chains such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Boxer. Beneficiaries will receive a unique voucher code sent via SMS or on their SASSA-linked WhatsApp number, which they can redeem in-store. This August 2025 rollout is expected to reach over 8 million eligible individuals across the country. Here’s everything you need to know.
Who Qualifies for the R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher?
This section outlines the categories of SASSA recipients eligible for the new benefit under the August 2025 update.
- Old Age Pension Grant recipients
- Child Support Grant recipients
- Disability Grant beneficiaries
- Foster Child Grant holders
- Care Dependency Grant beneficiaries
- War Veterans Grant recipients
- SRD R370 grant recipients (limited eligibility – based on reassessment)
- Individuals earning below R1,200 per month in household income
How Will the R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher Be Distributed?
The Department has partnered with several retail outlets and mobile operators to ensure safe, fast, and secure delivery of the voucher codes.
- Voucher codes will be delivered via SMS or WhatsApp
- Linked SASSA-registered mobile number required
- Can be used at Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, Checkers, and selected SPAR outlets
- Valid only for food and essential grocery items
- One voucher per beneficiary per month
- Unused voucher expires after 30 days
- Cannot be redeemed for cash
Partner Retailers Accepting the R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher
The following major stores are part of the government’s partnership network for voucher redemption.
| Retailer Name | Voucher Accepted | Redemption Method | Location Coverage | Special Conditions | Helpline Number | Website | Store Locator Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoprite | Yes | Code scan at till | Nationwide | Food items only | 0800 01 07 09 | www.shoprite.co.za | /store-locator |
| Checkers | Yes | Code scan at till | Nationwide | No alcohol/tobacco | 0800 01 07 09 | www.checkers.co.za | /store-locator |
| Boxer | Yes | Mobile code input | Rural & Urban | Limited monthly slots | 0860 02 69 37 | www.boxer.co.za | /find-store |
| Pick n Pay | Yes | QR Scan | Urban Centres | Essentials only | 0800 11 22 88 | www.pnp.co.za | /store-locator |
| SPAR (Selected) | Yes | Manual code entry | Limited Areas | Regional availability | 0800 01 41 44 | www.spar.co.za | /store-locator |
| Usave | Yes | Barcode scan | Townships & Rural | Food & hygiene only | 0860 01 07 09 | www.usave.co.za | /store-locator |
What Can You Buy With the R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher?
The R700 voucher is restricted to grocery essentials to avoid misuse. Here’s a list of what’s allowed and what’s restricted.
Allowed items:
- Maize meal, rice, and bread
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Eggs, milk, and cheese
- Frozen chicken and fish
- Baby formula and porridge
- Cleaning products (basic)
- Toiletries (soap, sanitary pads)
Restricted items:
- Alcohol and cigarettes
- Airtime and electricity
- Luxury or non-essential goods
- Kitchen appliances or electronics
Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming Your R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher
Redeeming the SASSA grocery voucher is simple if you follow the process correctly. Make sure your phone number is updated with SASSA.
- Check your SMS or WhatsApp for the voucher code
- Visit any partnered store with your SASSA-linked ID
- Select grocery items that qualify under the voucher scheme
- Inform cashier before checkout that you are redeeming a government voucher
- Present the code for scanning
- Pay any balance if your total exceeds R700
- Collect your receipt with voucher balance (if any) remaining
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Here are a few common problems SASSA recipients face during voucher redemption – and how to fix them.
- Code Not Working: Double-check the voucher code and expiry date
- Phone Number Mismatch: Ensure your SASSA profile uses your current mobile number
- Retailer Rejection: Visit a listed partner store – not all SPAR branches are eligible
- Partial Redemption Issues: You must use the full voucher within 30 days
Government’s Statement on the Voucher Scheme
The Department of Social Development released a statement confirming that the R700 monthly grocery voucher is fully funded through August to December 2025. According to the statement, this is a temporary but renewable intervention aimed at curbing hunger in impoverished households.
“This initiative is not only about food security—it’s about restoring dignity to millions of South Africans during tough times,” Minister Lindiwe Zulu said.
SASSA’s Advice for Beneficiaries
SASSA urges all beneficiaries to keep their contact details up to date. The voucher system is digital and can only work if the phone number linked to your grant is correct. You can update your mobile number at any SASSA office or via the official website.
Also, beware of scammers claiming to sell or top-up vouchers. The voucher is completely free and non-transferable.
Key Details About the R700 Grocery Voucher
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Value | R700 per beneficiary |
| Start Date | 1 August 2025 |
| End Date (Phase 1) | 31 December 2025 |
| Eligible Grants | Old Age, Child Support, Disability, SRD, Foster, etc. |
| Delivery Method | SMS/WhatsApp to registered number |
| Redemption Outlets | Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, Checkers, SPAR, Usave |
| Expiry Period | 30 Days from issuance date |
| Customer Support | SASSA Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11 |
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you experience any issues, reach out to the appropriate department below:
- SASSA General Queries: 0800 60 10 11 | www.sassa.gov.za
- WhatsApp Support Line: 082 046 8553
- Department of Social Development: 012 312 7500 | www.dsd.gov.za
- Voucher Redemption Support (Retail Helpline):
- Shoprite/Checkers/Usave: 0800 01 07 09
- Boxer: 0860 02 69 37
- Pick n Pay: 0800 11 22 88
- SPAR: 0800 01 41 44
The government’s R700 monthly grocery voucher program is a much-needed step to address hunger and uplift the quality of life for millions. While temporary for now, the initiative holds the potential to become a long-term solution if feedback remains positive and logistics are efficiently handled.
FAQs of R700 Monthly Grocery Voucher
1. Can I redeem the voucher in cash?
No, the voucher is for groceries only and cannot be exchanged for cash.
2. What if I lose my voucher code?
You can request a reissue by contacting SASSA if your phone number is verified.
3. Can I use the voucher at any store?
Only participating stores listed by the government are eligible.
4. Will this voucher continue in 2026?
As of now, it is confirmed for August to December 2025, with a possible extension.
5. Is the R700 voucher available for SRD recipients?
Yes, but only for those who have been reassessed and meet specific criteria.
