SASSA grants will increase this year
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced in his Budget Speech that SASSA grants are set to see a significant increace in 2024.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, in his Budget Speech delivered on Wednesday in Cape Town, announced plans to increase SASSA social grants to mitigate the impact of inflation on beneficiaries and expand access for eligible individuals.
However, these adjustments do not include the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant), commonly known as the SASSA R350 grant.
Minister Godongwana emphasised the government’s awareness of the rising cost of living for the approximately 19 million South Africans dependent on these Sassa grants for sustenance.
He stated, “We have done as much as the fiscal envelope allows.”
SASSA SOCIAL GRANTS TO INCREASE THIS YEAR
The forthcoming SASSA grant increases, slated for implementation this year, include:
- A R100 raise for old age, war veterans, disability, and care dependency grants, with R90 effective from April and R10 from October.
- A R50 boost for the foster care grant.
- A R20 uptick for the child support grant.
The expanded Budget 2024 review by the National Treasury projects a surge in Sassa social grant expenditure (excluding the SRD grant). The expenditure is projected to increase from R217.1 billion in 2023/24 to R259.3 billion in 2026/27.
For the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, the government allocates R33.6 billion for 2024/25. Furthermore, provisional allotments for subsequent years are also included.
MINISTER GODONGWANA COMMITS TO ENHANCEMENTS TO COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT
Minister Godongwana assured ongoing efforts to enhance this grant by April. Moreover, it will be within the existing fiscal framework.
The National Treasury anticipates an increase in Sassa grant beneficiaries, excluding those receiving the COVID‐19 SRD Grant. Consequently, the number is expected to rise from 18.8 million in 2023/24 to 19.7 million in 2026/27.
Future extensions beyond March 2025 will align with social security policy reforms. Additionally, this alignment will ensure continued support for those in need, considering funding considerations.