The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced slight increases in grant payments to bring much-needed financial relief to vulnerable citizens.
Starting in October, beneficiaries are receiving these increased payments, with SASSA ensuring efficient distribution to avoid delays. Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s spokesperson, recently explained these changes and how the organization is adapting the payment process to support recipients better.
Amounts
The recent adjustments, though modest, reflect SASSA’s commitment to continuous support. Here’s a breakdown of the specific increases:
| Grant Type | Previous Amount (ZAR) | New Amount (ZAR) | Increase (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Pension (<75) | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| Old Age Pension (75+) | 2,200 | 2,210 | 10 |
| Disability Grant | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| Care Dependency Grant | 2,180 | 2,190 | 10 |
| War Veterans Grant | 2,200 | 2,210 | 10 |
The Child Support Grant, however, did not receive any adjustments this time around. The R10 increase, though small, provides a consistent boost to other grants following an earlier increase in April 2024.
Reasoning
With inflation driving up the cost of living, some may find the R10 increase to be underwhelming. According to Letsatsi, the increase is set by the National Treasury and the Department of Social Development, both of which face budgetary constraints.
Despite SASSA’s R265 billion allocation for social grants, adjustments remain limited due to competing needs within the budget.
This balance aims to sustain a range of social welfare programs while adhering to national economic conditions, allowing SASSA to serve as many beneficiaries as possible without compromising the financial stability of the broader welfare program.
Payment Process
To ensure efficient distribution, SASSA has implemented a staggered payment schedule that spans several days each month.
Payments are organized by grant type to reduce long lines and prevent congestion at payout locations, especially important for elderly and disabled recipients. For instance, the payments start on the 2nd of each month, continuing until the 4th.
The improved schedule keeps beneficiaries from waiting alongside younger recipients and allows everyone to access their funds with minimal hassle.
Resolving Accessibility Issues
In recent months, some beneficiaries living in remote areas faced challenges due to the closure of certain cash pay points. In response, SASSA is actively working to ensure that people in these regions still have convenient access to their grants, particularly for those who spend large sums on transportation just to reach a payout point.
To counter the closures, SASSA is exploring alternative options, such as reopening pay points or introducing mobile services to bring assistance closer to rural beneficiaries. This initiative could ease the burden on those who currently spend up to R300 on transport costs.
Using Bank Cards for Safer Access
SASSA has also been encouraging recipients to consider using bank cards for withdrawals and payments. Instead of withdrawing their entire grant at once, beneficiaries can now withdraw small amounts as needed, minimizing the risk of theft and offering a safer way to manage funds.
Bank cards are also accepted at various retail outlets and ATMs across the country, allowing beneficiaries to use their grants conveniently and securely without carrying cash. This initiative helps beneficiaries get more control over their money while ensuring safety in every transaction.
SASSA’s approach to providing financial aid is evolving to meet the economic landscape and societal needs. Although the grant increase may seem minimal, it reflects an ongoing effort to offer support under current budget constraints.
Looking forward, SASSA remains committed to improving access, convenience, and safety for grant recipients, including those in hard-to-reach areas. With continued improvements to the payment system, beneficiaries can expect ongoing reliability and security for the funds they rely on.
