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

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SASSA grants post this year’s budget speech

While not as radical as many in civil society anticipated, SASSA social grants post 2024 budget will payout the following.

By Ray Leathern
22-02-24 10:24
in News
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

While not as radical as many in civil society anticipated, SASSA social grants post 2024 budget will payout the following. SASSA old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants will increase by R90 this April. And again by R10 from October 2024.

These were announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in yesterday’s (21 February) budget speech. Accordingly, the South African Social Security Agency older persons grant goes up by R100 in 2024. As reported by GroundUp, SASSA old-age pensioners will rise by R90 in April 2024, and again by R10 from October 2024.

SASSA SOCIAL GRANTS POST 2024 BUDGET

GrantCurrentApril 2024October 2024IncreaseNo. of Beneficiaries
Old Age (60 years)R2 090R2 180R2 190R100 (4.8%)–
Old Age (75 years)R2 110R2 200R2 210R100 (4.7%)3 999 326 (total)
Foster CareR1 130R1 180–R50 (4.4%)222 317
Child SupportR510R530–R20 (3.9%)13 067 314
DisabilityR2 090R2 180R2 190R100 (4.8%)1 065 838
Care DependencyR2 090R2 180R2 190R100 (4.8%)–

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ELECTION YEAR

SASSA social grants post 2024 budget speech
Timing for interim increases will put the African National Congress in a good light ahead of 29 May elections. Image: File

The timing of April increases to SASSA social grants post 2024 budget will suit the African National Congress (ANC). Timed ahead of the Wednesday 29 May elections, Godongwana insisted the interim increase was so grants kept pace with inflation. “We are sensitive to the increase in the cost of living for the nearly 19-million South Africans who rely on SASSA grants,” said Godongwana.

Interestingly, despite President Ramaphosa’s SONA claims of an improved SRD grant, government aims to wind-down Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress in 2025. In ceasing the R350 monthly disbursement, the total social welfare budget will drop to R248 billion. “This termination will see a reduction in the total number of grant recipients from 27.8 million in 2023/24, to 19.7 million in 2026/27,” concluded the minister.

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Tags: Budget speech featured HNelnny Important SASSA