Good news is on the horizon for many South Africans as the 2024 SASSA grant increases are set to kick in during October 2024.
However, not all beneficiaries will see an increase, and there are mixed reactions to the new figures.
2024 SASSA Grant Increases: What to Expect
The wait is nearly over for the 2024 SASSA grant increases, which are scheduled to take effect next month. For many who rely on these grants to cover basic living expenses, October will bring some relief. But it is important to note that while some grants are getting a small boost, others will remain unchanged.
Let’s dive into the details of these increases.
Which Grants Are Increasing?
Here is a summary of the SASSA grants that will see a slight increase starting in October 2024:
- Old Age Grants (Ages 60-74): Beneficiaries in this category will receive R2,190 starting in October. This marks a R10 increase compared to the previous month. Over the entire year, this equates to a R100 or 4.8% increase.
- Old Age Grants (Ages 75 and Older): Those aged 75 and above will see their grant increase to R2,210, which is also a R10 monthly boost. This also adds up to a R100 increase over the course of the year, amounting to a 4.8% rise.
- Disability Grants: This grant will rise by R10, bringing it to R2,190 per month.
- Child Care Dependency Grants: Beneficiaries under this category, which covers children with disabilities, will also see a R10 increase, bringing the monthly amount to R2,190.
- War Veterans Grant: Similar to the other grants, this will increase by R10, reaching R2,190.
While these increments may seem small, they represent a continuation of the 4.8% annual increase that has been applied throughout the year.
However, for many, this slight boost is seen as insufficient to meet the rising cost of living in South Africa.
Important Dates for the SASSA Grant Increases
The increases will be rolled out on the following dates:
- Old Age Grants (Ages 60 and above): Wednesday, 2 October 2024.
- Disability and War Veterans Grants: Thursday, 3 October 2024.
- Child Care Dependency Grants: Friday, 4 October 2024.
Make sure to mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you receive your updated payments on time.
Read More: Top 10 Tips to Stay Safe When Collecting Your SASSA Social Grant in South Africa
Which Grants Remain Unchanged?
Unfortunately, not all grants will benefit from an increase in October. The following grants will remain unchanged from their last adjustment in April 2024:
- Child Support Grant: This will stay at R530 per month.
- Child Support Top-Up Grant: No change here, as it remains R250.
- Foster Care Grant: The amount remains R1,180.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: This will stay at R370.
These grants will not see another adjustment until April 2025, and there has been no official word on how much the increases will be at that time.
However, based on past trends, beneficiaries can likely expect a 5% increase, amounting to around R100 or R110 for the year.
What About the Future of SRD Grants?
The SRD grant, which has provided relief to millions of South Africans during challenging economic times, is currently scheduled to end in March 2025. No decisions have been made yet about whether it will be extended or adjusted, leaving many in uncertainty.
Read More: Department of Social Development Reports Only 2% of 10 Million SASSA SRD Appeals Approved
How to Apply for SASSA Assistance
If you’re in need of financial assistance and qualify for any of the above grants, you can apply through the SASSA service portal. Here are some important points to keep in mind when applying:
- Book an Appointment: To avoid wasting time at a SASSA office, it’s recommended to book an appointment online before visiting a branch.
- Processing Time: Applications may take up to three months to be processed. If your application is successful, payments will be backdated to the date you submitted your application.
- Asset and Means Tests: Certain grants, like the Old Age and Disability Grants, require applicants to undergo asset and means tests. This means you will need to provide proof of your income and assets, and if these exceed a certain threshold, you may not qualify for assistance.
For detailed information on eligibility and how to apply for specific grants, simply search for the grant type in the SASSA service portal or visit the nearest SASSA office.
Remaining SASSA Payment Dates for 2024
Make sure you don’t miss any upcoming payment dates for the rest of 2024. Here’s a list of the scheduled payment days:
November 2024:
- Old Age Grants: Tuesday, 5 November 2024.
- Disability Grants: Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
- Children’s Grants: Thursday, 7 November 2024.
December 2024:
- Old Age Grants: Tuesday, 3 December 2024.
- Disability Grants: Wednesday, 4 December 2024.
- Children’s Grants: Thursday, 5 December 2024.
Make sure to diaries these dates so you can plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts on the 2024 SASSA Grant Increases
While the 2024 SASSA grant increases provide a small boost to millions of beneficiaries, there is still much frustration among those who feel the increases are not enough to keep up with rising inflation and living costs. Additionally, the fact that several grants, such as the Child Support and SRD grants, remain unchanged until 2025 adds to the burden faced by many struggling South Africans.
For those who rely on these grants, every bit counts, but there is still a long road ahead in the fight for more substantial social assistance. Keep an eye on future announcements from SASSA, especially regarding the SRD grant, which could end in March 2025.