The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) delivers financial assistance to millions of qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents. Initially introduced in May 2020 to combat the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SRD R350 grant has been extended until March 2025.
In his 2024 budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed these updates to address the rising cost of living and inflation, ensuring critical financial support for those in need.
Updated SASSA Grant Amounts for 2024
The government has made notable updates to the grant amounts, providing slight increases across various grant types. While the adjustments aim to address economic challenges, many recipients believe the changes are insufficient to keep up with rising living costs.
| Grant Type | Old Amount (2023) | New Amount (2024) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | R90 (April) + R10 (October) |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,110 | R2,200 | R90 (April) + R10 (October) |
| Disability Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | R90 (April) + R10 (October) |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,090 | R2,180 | R90 (April) + R10 (October) |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,130 | R1,180 | R50 |
| Child Support Grant | R330 | R350 | R20 |
| Child Support Grant (Top-up) | R580 | R750 | R250 |
| SRD Grant | R350 | R370 | R20 |
SRD Grant Changes 2024
Starting from April 2024, the SRD R350 Grant will see an increase to R370 per month. Although the increase may seem minor, it reflects the government’s effort to address inflation and the rising cost of basic necessities.
Currently, the SRD grant benefits 9 million South Africans monthly, and this adjustment will cost the government an estimated R3.2 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year.
This extension and increase demonstrate the government’s recognition of ongoing economic challenges faced by low-income households.
New SASSA Grant Eligibility Rules
To streamline the SASSA grant distribution process, new eligibility criteria and regulations will be introduced starting April 2024:
- Biometric Verification:
Recipients must verify their identity using biometric data such as fingerprints. This measure will help eliminate fraudulent claims and ensure grants are only issued to eligible beneficiaries. - Recovery of Incorrect Payments:
SASSA will recover funds that were paid to individuals who did not qualify for the grant. - Updated Contact and Banking Information:
Beneficiaries must ensure their contact details and banking information are current to avoid disruptions or suspensions in grant payments.
These measures aim to improve the efficiency of grant distribution and address ongoing challenges with administrative delays and incorrect payouts.
The Impact of SASSA Grants on South Africa
In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the vital role SASSA grants play in reducing poverty, improving school enrollment, and ensuring financial stability for vulnerable groups.
The ongoing success of the SRD grant has sparked discussions about implementing a Basic Income Grant in the future, which could offer even more extensive financial support. For now, SASSA remains a key lifeline for millions of South Africans.
How to Apply for SASSA Grants
Eligible individuals can apply for grants by visiting the official SASSA portal and following these steps:
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit relevant documents, including identification, proof of income, and banking details.
- Ensure your biometric verification is complete if applicable.
- Keep your contact and bank details up to date.
The SASSA Grant Changes for 2024 bring hope to millions of South Africans amid economic uncertainty. With increases across multiple grants and the extension of the SRD Grant to 2025, these changes aim to alleviate financial burdens, despite concerns about their adequacy.
Recipients should stay informed about eligibility updates and ensure all required information is up-to-date to avoid payment delays.
What is the new amount for the SASSA SRD grant in 2024?
The SRD grant amount will increase from R350 to R370 per month starting in April 2024.
Which grants are receiving increases in 2024?
The Old Age, Disability, War Veterans, Care Dependency, Foster Child, and Child Support grants will all receive increases.
What is biometric verification for SASSA grants?
Biometric verification involves verifying a recipient’s identity using fingerprints or other biometric data to prevent fraud.
