The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced modest increases to several grant payments, offering much-needed support for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The October 2024 increases come as part of SASSA’s mission to provide consistent financial assistance, even within tight budget constraints.
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi recently discussed the details of these new grant amounts, payment process improvements, and measures to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds securely and on time.
Grant Payment Increase Breakdown
Effective from October 2024, several SASSA grants saw slight increases:
- Old Age Pension:
- Recipients under 75 now receive R2,190 (up from R2,180).
- Recipients aged 75 and above now receive R2,210 (up from R2,200).
- Disability Grant: Increased by R10, totaling R2,190 per month.
- Care Dependency Grant: Also raised by R10 to R2,190.
- War Veterans Grant: Now R2,200, with an additional R10.
Notably, the Child Support Grant did not see an increase in this adjustment. These increases follow an earlier adjustment in April 2024, which also raised amounts across some grant categories. While the R10 monthly increase may seem small, it reflects an effort by SASSA to adjust support within limited budget allocations.
Why Only a R10 Increase?
Some may question why the increases are limited to R10 per month amid rising living costs. Paseka Letsatsi explained that SASSA’s grants are part of the R265 billion national social grant budget, managed by the Department of Social Development and National Treasury. Decisions on grant adjustments are made at the national level, balancing budget constraints and South Africa’s economic challenges.
The modest R10 increase aligns with these budgetary limitations, allowing SASSA to provide small incremental adjustments rather than no increase at all.
As the economic landscape shifts, larger increases may be considered, but they will depend on future budget allocations and economic conditions.
SASSA Payment Process Improvements
To ensure grant distribution runs smoothly, SASSA has adopted a staggered payment schedule that helps manage large crowds at payment points. Payments are distributed over several days, with the schedule as follows:
- Payout Schedule: From the 2nd to the 4th of each month.
This strategy aims to reduce long lines and crowding, particularly protecting elderly and disabled beneficiaries. By spacing out payments, SASSA can better accommodate the needs of all recipients while minimizing the risks and discomfort of large gatherings at distribution points.
Addressing Challenges at Rural Cash Pay Points
In some rural areas, beneficiaries have raised concerns over the closure of cash pay points, which has forced many to travel long distances to collect grants. In response, SASSA is reevaluating these closures and working to ensure more accessible payment options for people in remote areas.
Challenges for Rural Beneficiaries:
- Many rural beneficiaries report spending as much as R300 on transportation to collect their grants.
- Limited infrastructure makes it difficult for those in remote locations to access payment points.
Letsatsi emphasized SASSA’s dedication to providing accessible services, especially in these hard-to-reach areas, to prevent beneficiaries from spending a significant portion of their grant on travel costs.
Encouraging the Use of Bank Cards
To improve security and convenience, SASSA has been urging beneficiaries to use bank cards rather than withdrawing all their grant money at once. Using bank cards for transactions helps reduce the risk of theft, as it allows individuals to withdraw only the amount they need at any given time.
Benefits of Using Bank Cards:
- Increased Safety: Reduces the chance of theft by eliminating the need to carry large sums of cash.
- Convenient Access: Beneficiaries can use their cards at ATMs and retail stores nationwide.
- Flexibility: Allows for withdrawals as needed instead of handling all funds in cash.
This measure aligns with SASSA’s aim to provide safe and reliable access to grants, helping beneficiaries manage their funds securely.
Moving Forward
While SASSA’s recent grant increases may be modest, they reflect the agency’s commitment to delivering social support within the constraints of a limited budget.
SASSA continues to make improvements in service delivery, especially for vulnerable beneficiaries in rural areas who face unique challenges in accessing grants.
For the foreseeable future, SASSA aims to maintain safe and accessible grant distribution. Beneficiaries are encouraged to utilize bank cards and trust in SASSA’s dedication to making the grant process as smooth and secure as possible.
As the national budget and economy allow, SASSA may reassess grant amounts, with the hope that more substantial increases can be made available to better support South Africans in need.
