Great news: SASSA grant increases announced for 2024

It’s good news as 2024 SASSA grant increases are just on the horizon for cash-strapped beneficiaries who’ve stuck it out this winter. As announced by the Finance Minister back in his February budget speech, the next round of 2024 SASSA grants increase are not far off. Minister Enoch Godongwana said the National Treasury has okayed the next round of 2024 SASSA grant increases for the beginning of October. But not every grant gets one. Here’s what you can expect …

2024 SASSA GRANT INCREASES

The South African Social Security Agency will initiate the following 2024 SASSA grant increases in October:

• SASSA Older Persons: Up by R10 to R2 190 (60 years and older) and R2 210 (75 years and older).
• SASSA Disability: Up by R10 to R2 190.   
• SASSA War Veterans: Up by R10 to R2 190.
• SASSA Care Dependency: Up by R10 to R2 190.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Following the 29 May National Elections and the ANC’s loss of majority support, a new Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed. At that time, the previous Minister of Social Development was ousted and replaced by Minister Sisisi Tolashe.

She, and Deputy Minister Hendriks, are tasked with finding money to implement the conversion of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) to a Basic Income Grant (BIG). Prior to the election, the ANC promised this was on track for 2026. However, in light of the formation of GNU, who is to know how long it may take. It’s debated that wholesale tax reforms are needed to fund BIG, considering the massive unemployment numbers South Africa currently suffers from.

THE GRANTS WITH ZERO INCREASE

Unfortunately, not all government stipends are up for 2024 SASSA grant increases. The following will stay the same following their increase back in April:

• SASSA Child Support remains unchanged at R530. Plus, the Top Up of R250 is also unchanged.
• SASSA Foster Care remains unchanged at R1 180.
• SASSA SRD remains unchanged at R370.

Therefore, we await word from the Department of Social Development as to how much these will increase again in April 2025. SASSA SRD grants are expected to be extend beyond their current March 2025 deadline. SASSA grants have only been increasing by roughly 5% each year, which is way below the double-digit consumer inflation the country is living with. So, beneficiaries can expect an additional R100 added come April 2025, but this is not yet confirmed.

HOW TO APPLY AND UPCOMING DATES

If you believe you qualify for any of the aforementioned SASSA grants, be sure to follow the links below to learn about the eligibility and application process:

• SASSA Older Person grants.
• SASSA Childcare grants.
• SASSA War Veterans, Disability and Childcare Dependency.
• SASSA SRD.

And be sure to diarise the remaining SASSA grant payment dates until March 2025:

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.

JANUARY 2025

• Older Persons Grants: Friday 3 January 2025.
• Disability Grants: Monday 6 January 2025.
• Children’s Grants: Tuesday 7 January 2025.

FEBRUARY 2025

• Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 February 2025.
• Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 February 2025.
• Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 February 2025.

MARCH 2025

• Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 March 2025.
• Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 March 2025.
• Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 March 2025.