government scare tactics sassa
Before the election, the Department of Social Development promised a Universal Basic Income Grant by 2026. But what now after the election and formation of a Government of National Unity? Image: SASSA

Home » SASSA grants to go ahead as usual after elections

SASSA grants to go ahead as usual after elections

The Minister of Social Development has released payment dates for post-election SASSA grants, in line with the Social Assistance Act.

By Ray Leathern
03-06-24 14:42
in Business and Finance
government scare tactics sassa
Before the election, the Department of Social Development promised a Universal Basic Income Grant by 2026. But what now after the election and formation of a Government of National Unity? Image: SASSA

Good news from the Minister of Social Development is that post-election SASSA grants will go ahead. Accordingly, as posted on the South African Social Security Agency website, government grant disbursements for June 2024 will go ahead as follows:

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 June 2024 (tomorrow).
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 June 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 June 2024.
  • Social Relief of Distress (SRD): Tuesday 25 June – Saturday 29 June 2024.

POST-ELECTION SASSA GRANTS

post-election SASSA grants
The fate of post-election SASSA grants hangs in the balance as parties are forced to negotiate coalitions. Image: File

Of course, the future of the African National Congress’ social-welfare system now hangs in the balance following its inability to get a majority victory in the 2024 General Elections. It is particularly interesting that after President Ramaphosa increased social grants in 2024, and for the first time ever the SRD stipend, it was not enough to guarantee the loyalty and vote of some 24-million grant recipients. As we know, the ruling party only secured 6-million national votes in 2024.

Nevertheless, as Mzansi’s top five parties scramble to form coalition governments over the next two weeks, it’s at least good news for the first post-election SASSA grants. Minister Lindiwe Zulu confirmed that the government grant payment amounts and dates are unaffected for now …

AMENDED SOCIAL GRANTS FOR 2024

post-election SASSA grants
*Graphic supplied by South African Social Security Agency

The first amended SASSA social grants were paid back in April 2024. Namely, R2 180 (over 60) and R2 200 (over 75) to old-age pensioners. Disability grant beneficiaries also received R2 180. SASSA Childcare grants – including Child Dependency also receive R2 180 per month. R1 180 is set aside for Foster Care and R530 for Child Support.

Likewise, Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants increased for the first time in history back in April 2024, up to R370. The former ruling party said its ‘pro-poor’ policies, like SRD for struggling South Africans living with zero means, has gone a long way to alleviating poverty. If you need financial assistance, you can apply for relief of distress HERE. The process is completed online only.

WHAT YOU MUST PRODUCE FOR A SASSA APPLICATION

post-election SASSA grants
All SRD applications are done online. However, the rest must be enacted at a SASSA office/branch. Image: File

Besides asset and means tests as required, all SASSA social grants say you must produce at least the following for your application:

  • Proof of residence.
  • Your bar-coded identity document (ID).
  • Proof of your marital status (id applicable).
  • Documents proving your income and/or dividends.
  • Information regarding your assets, including the value of any property you own.
  • Proof of a private pension (if any).
  • Up to date three month’s bank statements.
  • Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book/discharge certificate (if applicable).
  • Copy of your spouse’s last will and final liquidation (if dead in the last five years).
  • If you are too old/sick to travel to a SASSA office, a family member or friend can apply on your behalf, provided they produce a letter from you/your doctor explaining your ailment.

HOW LONG DO APPLICATIONS TAKE?

post-election SASSA grants
Be sure to diarise these post-election SASSA grants for the rest of 2024. Image: File

Besides SRD, securing any of the post-election SASSA grants can take up to three months says the agency. However, if and when your application is successful, your first payment will be backdated to the time of your application. Diarise the following post-election SASSA grants for the rest of 2024:

JUNE 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 June 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 June 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 June 2024.

JULY 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 2 July 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 3 July 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 4 July 2024.

AUGUST 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Friday 2 August 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Monday 5 August 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Tuesday 6 August 2024.

SEPTEMBER 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 3 September 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 4 September 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 5 September 2024.

OCTOBER 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Wednesday 2 October 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Thursday 3 October 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Friday 4 October 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 5 November 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 6 November 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 7 November 2024.

DECEMBER 2024

  • Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 3 December 2024.
  • Disability Grants: Wednesday 4 December 2024.
  • Children’s Grants: Thursday 5 December 2024.
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