Vulnerable sections of society now have some financial respite thanks to recent increases in grant payments made by the (SASSA). To guarantee that recipients get their assistance efficiently and on schedule, SASSA has started disbursing these additional payments as of October. Paseka Letsatsi, a SASSA representative, recently provided information on the new adjustments, the management of the payment process, and what beneficiaries should anticipate moving ahead.
SASSA Grant Payment Increase Breakdown:
SASSA has raised the grant amount for the old-age pension recipients by a small amount. People under t5 used to receive R2,180, but as of October, they now receive R2,190. The payout for those 75 years of age and beyond has increased from R2,200 to R2,210. Even though the monthly increase of R10 might seem insignificant, it is a component of SASSA’s continuous efforts to offer financial support despite tight budgetary constraints.
The following other grants have experienced a little increase:
- Disability Grant: An extra R10 is given.
- Additionally, the Care Dependency Grant was raised by R10.
- War Veterans Grant: An extra R10 is given to recipients.
Notably, this modification did not increase the Child Support Grant. The most recent increases come after other award categories were also increased in April 2024.
The most recent increases affect Several important award categories, which take effect in October 2024. The payouts have altered as follows:
| Grant Type | Previous Amount (R) | Net Amount (R) | Increase (R) |
| Old Age Pension (under 75) | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| Old Age Pension (75+) | 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 |
Why the R10 Increase?
Given the growing cost of living, many may question why the grant increases have been limited to R10. Although the rise appears minor, Paseka Letsatsi clarified that it is based on more considerable financial restrictions that the National Treasury and the Department of Social Development oversee. The job of SASSA is to manage these monies by the government’s budget and policies.
The R265 billion overall budget for social grants in South Africa is a sizeable sum that will help millions of individuals in various grant categories. The National Treasury determines how much each grant can be raised after carefully weighing the state of the economy and other variables.
SASSA has also instituted a staggered payment schedule to guarantee a seamless grant distribution procedure and prevent overcrowding at payment locations. Payments are spread over several days to avoid traffic, particularly for the old and incapacitated.
According to the timetable, payments are stretched out from the second to the fourth of every month. According to Letsatsi, this strategy keeps disadvantaged people from standing in lengthy lines with younger, more physically fit recipients, such as those receiving Child Support Grants.
Addressing Issues at Cash Pay Points:
The removal of cash pay stations, which prevented many recipients from having local access to their payments, has caused several beneficiaries in rural regions to voice concerns in recent months. In response, SASSA has reexamined its rulings and is trying to guarantee that services remain available in places with inadequate infrastructure. It can be challenging for residents in distant areas to travel great distances to get funds; some may have to pay R300 for transportation.
To prevent recipients from spending much of their stipend on transportation expenses, Letsatsi underlined that SASSA is dedicated to delivering services closer to them in these locations.
Instead of taking out all their money in cash at once, SASSA has advised recipients to make transactions using their bank cards. By doing this, the danger of theft is decreased, and beneficiaries may take out cash as needed without carrying considerable sums of money. Many people find the card a safer and more handy alternative because it can be used at various retail establishments and ATMs.
Significant changes have been made to SASSA’s payment system to guarantee that vulnerable people can get the financial support they require, even during difficult circumstances. Even if the award increases are small, they are part of a larger initiative to administer the nation’s social assistance program within financial limits. Enhancing service delivery, especially for those living in remote regions, is still a top goal for SASSA.
Many may anticipate more significant increases in the future as the economy develops. Still, for the time being below, it is essential to provide security effectiveness. Recipients are urged to make purchases using their cards and have faith that their funds will always be available and safe.