The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has adjusted grant payments twice in 2024, offering incremental financial support to millions of beneficiaries. Starting in October, these changes aim to help vulnerable groups amid rising living costs.
While the increases are modest, they mark an ongoing commitment to assist those most in need within the constraints of the national budget.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest adjustments and improvements to the SASSA payment system.
Updated Grant Amounts
Several SASSA grants received a small increase as part of the latest adjustment. Here’s a look at the updated amounts:
| Grant Type | Old Amount (R) | New Amount (R) | Increase (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant (<75 years) | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| Old Age Grant (75+ years) | 2,200 | 2,210 | 10 |
| Disability Grant | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| Care Dependency Grant | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| War Veterans Grant | 2,200 | 2,210 | 10 |
Despite these adjustments, the Child Support Grant—currently R530 per month—remains unchanged. The increases follow an earlier adjustment in April, reinforcing SASSA’s gradual efforts to provide relief.
Why Only R10?
The R10 increase may seem insufficient in the face of rising inflation and soaring living costs. SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that the increase reflects the limitations of South Africa’s social budget.
Managed by the National Treasury, the R265 billion allocated to social grants must cover multiple categories and millions of beneficiaries. Budget constraints dictate the adjustments, with the goal of maintaining consistent, widespread support without exhausting resources.
Streamlining Payments
To improve the grant distribution process, SASSA has adopted a staggered payment schedule. Beneficiaries receive payments over several days—typically from the 2nd to the 4th of each month. This method reduces congestion and ensures a smoother experience at payment points, particularly for the elderly and disabled.
Improving Access in Rural Areas
In response to complaints about cash pay point closures in remote locations, SASSA is working to make services more accessible. Beneficiaries in rural areas often face long travel distances, spending up to R300 on transportation just to collect their grants.
To address this, SASSA is reevaluating its infrastructure to maintain cash pay points where they are most needed, ensuring vulnerable individuals retain access to their funds.
Encouraging Card Transactions
To enhance convenience and security, SASSA encourages beneficiaries to use their bank cards for transactions. Bank cards allow recipients to withdraw funds as needed and use their grants directly at stores and ATMs, reducing the risks associated with carrying cash. This move is particularly beneficial in areas where theft is a concern.
Challenges and Hope for the Future
Although the R10 increase is small, it is a step in the right direction within the constraints of the current budget. However, many beneficiaries hope for more substantial adjustments in the future as economic conditions improve.
For now, SASSA remains focused on delivering grants reliably, improving access, and refining its systems to serve the nation’s most vulnerable populations effectively.
By prioritizing safety, efficiency, and accessibility, SASSA ensures that millions of South Africans continue to receive the support they depend on, even during tough times.
