The SASSA Child Grant increased from R530 to R560 per child per month in 2024. This additional R30 might seem small, but for families relying on the grant, every cent counts. Many parents and caregivers appreciate the increase, but the big question remains:
Is R560 enough to feed a child for an entire month?
With the rising cost of food, inflation, and other household expenses, let’s break down whether this amount is truly sufficient to sustain a child’s basic nutritional needs.
Learn More: SASSA Social Grants Increase & SRD Grant Extended Until March 2026
The Reality of Raising a Child on the SASSA Grant
For thousands of South African families, the SASSA Child Grant increased amount is a lifeline, helping cover food, school expenses, clothing, and medical needs. However, opinions are divided on whether R560 is truly enough to sustain a child.
Let’s explore both sides of the argument.
For Some, It’s Enough
Some households manage to stretch the grant, especially if they have other sources of income or support, such as:
- Additional Income: Some parents receive other grants, such as the Foster Care Grant or Disability Grant, or have small jobs.
- Bulk Buying: Parents who shop smart and buy maize meal, rice, and sugar in bulk can make the food last longer.
- Home Gardening: Families in rural areas who grow their own vegetables can supplement their food supply.
- Feeding Schemes: Many children benefit from school feeding programs that provide meals during school hours.
For Others, It’s Too Little
For families who rely solely on the SASSA grant, the increase is not enough to keep up with the rising cost of living.
- Rising Food Prices: The cost of basic groceries has increased.
- A loaf of bread costs around R18.
- A 10kg bag of maize meal costs over R100.
- A 2L bottle of cooking oil is around R80.
- Nutritional Needs: A child requires a balanced diet with proteins, dairy, fruits, and vegetables—many of which are expensive.
- Multiple Children: Some households have more than one child, meaning the grant must stretch further.
Even though the SASSA Child Grant increased, it still falls short for families who depend on it entirely.
Read This: Budget Speech 2025: SASSA Child Support Grant Increase Kicks In from 1 April – Here’s the New Amount
What Can You Buy with R560?
If a caregiver spends the entire grant on food, here’s a basic shopping list of what they could buy:
Basic Grocery List for a Month
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 10kg Maize Meal | R120 |
| 2kg Rice | R45 |
| 2kg Sugar | R50 |
| 2L Cooking Oil | R80 |
| 1kg Frozen Chicken | R60 |
| 1L Milk | R20 |
| 1 Dozen Eggs | R45 |
| 2kg Potatoes | R40 |
| 2kg Cabbage | R30 |
| 1kg Carrots | R20 |
| 2 Loaves of Bread | R36 |
| Small Essentials (Salt, Spices, Peanut Butter) | R50 |
Total: ±R560
This grocery list covers the basics, but it lacks variety and fresh fruits. Plus, some of these items won’t last an entire month. Even though the SASSA Child Grant increased, the cost of living has also increased, making it difficult to survive on the grant alone.
How Parents Can Stretch the Grant Further
If the SASSA Child Grant increased amount is the main source of income, here are a few budgeting tips to make it last longer:
1. Buy in Bulk
- Purchase maize meal, rice, sugar, and beans in bulk to save money.
- Compare prices at wholesale stores like Boxer, Shoprite, and Makro.
2. Look for Cheaper Protein Sources
- Instead of fresh meat, consider canned fish, beans, and eggs as affordable alternatives.
- Chicken feet and liver are often cheaper than standard meat cuts.
3. Cook at Home
- Avoid takeaways and processed foods, which are expensive.
- Cook in batches and freeze meals to reduce daily cooking costs.
4. Shop Smart
- Look out for discounts, special deals, and supermarket promotions.
- Consider store-brand products, which are often cheaper than well-known brands.
5. Grow Your Own Food
- If possible, plant vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and tomatoes.
- Even a small backyard garden can provide fresh food and reduce grocery costs.
Even though the SASSA Child Grant increased, smart planning and community support are necessary to make it stretch.
Final Verdict – Is R560 Enough?
The reality is that R560 is not enough for most families, but it can be stretched with careful planning and additional support.
For families with no extra income, it’s a struggle to provide nutritious meals throughout the month. The rising cost of food makes it difficult to rely solely on the grant. Many caregivers seek additional support from:
- Community feeding schemes
- School nutrition programs
- Food parcels from NGOs or religious organizations
- Family members who contribute extra funds
However, for families with other income sources, the SASSA Child Grant increased amount helps ease the financial burden but is still not enough to cover all a child’s nutritional needs.
What Do You Think?
Is R560 enough to feed a child for an entire month?
