For millions of South Africans, social grants provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) are a vital lifeline. To help beneficiaries keep up with the rising cost of living, the government typically reviews and increases these amounts twice a year—once in April and again in October.
Here is a consolidated look at the recent 2024 updates and a historical perspective on how these grants have evolved over the last five years.
1. The 2024 Milestone: October Increases and SRD Updates
The 2024/25 financial year brought significant changes, most notably the first-ever increase to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
October 2024 Increases (Permanent Grants)
Starting October 2024, most permanent grants received a final R10 increase for the year (following a larger R90 increase in April).
- Old Age Grant (Ages 60–74): Increased to R2,190.
- Old Age Grant (Ages 75+): Increased to R2,210.
- Disability Grant: Increased to R2,190.
- Child Care Dependency Grant: Increased to R2,190.
- War Veterans Grant: Increased to R2,210.
- Child Support Grant: Remained at R530 (Note: False social media reports claiming an increase to R1,100 are scams).
The SRD R370 Increase
In April 2024, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the COVID-19 SRD grant would increase from R350 to R370. This marked the first adjustment since the grant's introduction in 2020. While civil society groups continue to push for an increase to match food poverty lines, the current R370 amount is confirmed through March 2025.
2. A 5-Year Lookback: Tracking the Growth (2020–2025)
Watching the progression of grant amounts over five years reveals the government's effort to balance fiscal constraints with inflation (CPI).
| Grant Type | 2020/21 | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
| Old Age (Under 75) | R1,860 | R1,890 | R1,980 | R2,090 | R2,190 |
| Old Age (Over 75) | R1,880 | R1,910 | R2,000 | R2,110 | R2,210 |
| Disability | R1,860 | R1,890 | R1,980 | R2,090 | R2,190 |
| Child Support | R440 | R460 | R480 | R510 | R530 |
| SRD Grant | R350 | R350 | R350 | R350 | R370 |
Key Trends Observed:
- Steady Growth: Permanent grants like Old Age and Disability have seen a total increase of roughly R330 over the last five years.
- The SRD Stagnation: The SRD grant remained frozen at R350 for four years (2020–2023) despite high inflation, only seeing its first R20 bump in 2024.
- The "Split" Increase: In 2023 and 2024, the government solidified the "split" method—giving a large increase in April (R90) and a smaller "top-up" in October (R10) to help beneficiaries manage year-end expenses.
3. How to Manage Your Increased Grant
With the new amounts in effect, beneficiaries are reminded to:
- Check Your Balance: Always verify your balance before heading to a payout point. You can do this via the USSD code associated with your bank or at an ATM.
- Use Retailers to Save: Withdrawing at retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, or Boxer often has lower fees than using "unauthorized" cash-pay points.
- Stay Informed: The next major announcement regarding grant increases will likely occur during the National Budget Speech in February 2025, which will outline the figures for the 2025/26 financial year.
Contact SASSA for Queries
If your grant does not reflect the increased amount, contact SASSA directly:
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy based on official SASSA updates, always consult official government channels for finalized payment schedules.