Social Grant Increases in October | What Beneficiaries Can Expect

Social Grant Increases in October | What Beneficiaries Can Expect

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Social Grant Increases in October | What Beneficiaries Can Expect.Social grants in South Africa see adjustments twice a year, specifically in April and October. For October 2023, here’s a breakdown of the anticipated increases, which were initially announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during his February Budget Speech.

Anticipated Increases in October Social Grants

In February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana unveiled the government’s plans to increase social grants, with adjustments set to take effect on both April 1, 2023, and October 1, 2023. These adjustments aim to address the rising cost of living and provide additional support to beneficiaries.

October Social Grant Increases

As part of the budgetary allocation, the Department of Social Development is set to receive R66 billion over the medium term. This allocation encompasses two primary components:

  1. Inflation-Linked Increases: Approximately R30 billion of the budget will be allocated to provide “inflation-linked” increases in social grants.
  2. Extension of R350 Grant: The remaining R36 billion is dedicated to extending the R350 grant until March 31, 2024.

Specific Increases for October

Starting from April 1, the old age and disability grants saw a boost of R90, and this increase will continue with an additional R10 in October, resulting in a total of R2090.

  • Old Age and Disability Grants: R2090 (April and October combined increase)

The child support grant experienced a R20 increase in April, and beneficiaries can expect an additional R10 increase in October, bringing the total to R510.

  • Child Support Grant: R510 (April and October combined increase)

Foster care grants will increase by R60 in October, reaching a total of R1130.

  • Foster Care Grant: R1130 (October increase)

Military veterans received a grant of R2100 on April 1, with an additional R10 increase scheduled for October.

  • Military Veterans Grant: R2110 (October increase)

ANC Call for Further Grant Increases

Notably, Collen Malatji, the President of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, has urged the government to consider additional grant increases. Among his recommendations are the introduction of a monthly R4500 grant for unemployed graduates and increasing the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to R1500.

These calls reflect ongoing discussions about addressing the financial needs of various segments of the population and ensuring the effectiveness of social grant programs in South Africa.

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