The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has announced an increase of R10 to several social grants which will come into effect in October 2024. This adjustment aims to offset the impact of inflation on these vital benefits.
Millions of South Africans rely on Sassa grants to meet their basic needs. The agency distributes a range of permanent grants, including the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid.
The increase in October brings the total number of grant payment adjustments for 2024 to two. The first adjustment was implemented in April.
While the R10 increase may seem small, it's important to note that it affects millions of beneficiaries.
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi explained that even a small amount can make a significant difference when multiplied by such the number of grant beneficiaries.
The budget for Social Grants is R265 billion. This is the amount which then gets allocated to the South African Social Security Agency but in my view I would simply say no amount of money is little money.
Letsatsi said Sassa is not responsible for determining how much grants are increased. This comes after criticism that the increase was very low.
He explained that the agency's mandate is to manage the distribution of grants, while policy decisions regarding the monetary increases lie with the Department of Social Development and National Treasury.
The mandate of the South African Social Security Agency is to administer the distribution of grants. The issue of policy lies squarely within the Department of Social Development and in terms of the budget, it lies with National Treasury.
Which Sassa Grants Increased By R10
October 2024 saw R10 increases for the Older Persons Grants, Disability Grants, War Veterans Grant And The Child Support Grant Top-Up. The Foster Care Grant, Child Support Grant, Grant-in-Aid and SRD grant were not increased.
Here’s How Much Sassa Grants Are Now
- Older Persons grant: R2,190
- Older Persons (75 years and older): R2,210
- Disability grant: R2,190
- War Veterans grant: R2,210
- Child Support Grant: R530
- Care Dependency grant: R2,190
- Foster Care grant: R1,180
- Child Support Grant Top-Up: R270
- Social Relief of Distress: R370
Sassa remains committed to providing timely and secure grant payments to South Africans in need.
