The social grants people receive from Sassa may not be enough to cover their monthly expenses with the rising cost of living.
Debates On Whether SRD Sassa Grants Are Enough Arise
Thousands of South Africans receive monthly social grants from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) to help them cover their living expenses. South African citizens are eligible for a number of social grants.
These social grants include the following:
- Older Person’s grants
- Disability grant
- Child Support grant
- Care Dependency grant
- Foster Care grant
During the 2023/24 financial year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that all permanent social grants would increase by at least 5%. Minister Godongwana announced the new social grant totals in the 2023 Budget Speech.
From R1 985 to R2 085, the Old Age grant will increase. War veterans and those over 75 years old will receive a grant of R2 105, up from R2 005.
The Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant will both increase to R2 085 per month. To qualify for these social grants, applicants must provide proof of their medical status.
There will be an increase in the Foster Care grant from R1 070 to R1 125. There will be an increase in the Child Support grant from R480 to R505.
Finance Minister says new social grant figures will be implemented in October 2023. Are beneficiaries able to cover their basic monthly expenses with a 5% increase?
Food, utilities, rent and transportation are among the expenses beneficiaries have to pay each month. Will they be able to cover all those expenses if the social grant is their only income?