In South Africa, millions of grant recipients rely on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for financial support. The recent 2024 SASSA grant increases, which came into effect on October 1, 2023, aim to alleviate the challenges faced during the festive season and beyond. Notable changes include higher old-age pension grants, an increased disability grant, and adjustments to child support and foster child grants.
This article insights into the SASSA grant changes in 2024, shedding light on what everyone should know on the increased payments. Read on and claim your knowledge edge.
What is SASSA Grant 2024
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the government’s social grant agency, responsible for administering and distributing social grants to eligible South African citizens. These grants provide financial assistance to individuals and families facing economic challenges in the form of monthly pay checks. More than 18 million social grants are paid to South African recipients, including Disability Grants, R350-SRD Grants, and Older Persons (Pensioners) Grants.
The amounts can be withdrawn from SASSA’s rental subsidies. This amount can also be received through the direct deposit method. These grants help recipients meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life, especially in the face of rising living costs.
SASSA Grant Changes 2024
Following were the confirmed changes in SASSA Grant changes 2024:
Grant Increases:
In October 2023, several SASSA grants received a 5% increase. This includes:
- Old Age Grant was increased for the following age brackets with an increase of R10 in each bracket:
- (60-74 years): Increased from R2070 to R2080.
- (75+ years): Increased from R2100 to R2110.
- Child Support Grant: Increased from R500 to R510with an increase of R10.
- Foster Child Grant: Increased from R1120 to R1130with an increase of R10.
- Child Disability Grant: Increased from R2080 to R2090with an increase of R10.
- Care Dependency Grant: Increased from R2090 to R2090with an increase of R10.
- War Veterans Grant: Increased from R2100 to R2110 with an increase of R10.
- Grant-In-Aid: Increased from R500 to R510 with an increase of R10
Some Unchanged SASSA grant changes
- Social Relief Distress (SRD) Grant Extension: The temporary R350 SRD Grant initially ending in March 2023, was extended throughout 2024. However, the amount remains unchanged at R350 per month.
- Child Support Grant Top-Up: The grant amount programme, which was ending in April 2023, has been extended in 2024. However, the amount still remains same at R250 per month.
Overview of SASSA Grant Changes 2024
| Name | SASSA Grant Changes 2024 |
| Country of Origin | Republic of South Africa |
| Regulating body / Department | South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Government Aid Finance |
| Objective | Financially support:
· old age people · children · disabled · war veterans |
| Applicable persons | Old age, children, disabled and war veterans. |
| Age Limit | 18 – 60 years (Depends on each grant.) |
| Increased Amountin 2024 | R250 -R2090 (Depends on each grant.) |
| Expected Percentage increase in 2024 | 5% |
| Payment Duration | Every month |
| New Payment Starting Month | January 2024 |
| Website | http://sassa.gov.za/
Social benefits | South African Government (www.gov.za) |
Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grant Changes 2024
Common Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grants (Applicable to Multiple Grants):
- Citizenship: Person must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
- Age:
- For old age people, age must be 60 years or above.
- For disabled ones, age must be between 18-59.
- Dependency:
- Person should be the primary care giver of a child under 18 years old.
- The child (for child-related grants) and the caregiver must live within South Africa.
- Person shouldn’t be receiving permanent care in a state-funded institution.
Uncommon Eligibility Criteria (Specific to Individual Grants):
- War Veterans Grant: Person should be a war veteran by providing proof of army, navy, or air force ID.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: It is for individuals facing dire material need due to specific circumstances (e.g., awaiting payment of an approved social grant, medical unfitness for remunerative work, etc.).
Payment Dates for SASSA Grant Changes 2024
Payment dates for SASSA grant changes in 2024 remains almost the same as was in 2023. Payments for the dates coinciding with public holiday will be paid a day before the holiday.
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
| Older Persons/ Pensioners Grant | Friday, 2 February 2024 |
| Disability Grant | Monday, 5 February 2024 |
| All other Grants (Child Support, Foster Child, etc.) | Tuesday, 6 February 2024 |
| War Veterans Grant | Wednesday, 7 February 2024 |
| Grant-In-Aid | Wednesday, 7 February 2024 |
| Children Support Grant Top-Up | Wednesday, 7 February 2024 |
| Child Care Dependency Grants | Tuesday, 6 February 2024 |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant (February) | Payments from 23 to 29 February 2024 |
| March Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant | Payments from 25 to 29 March 2024 |
How to apply for a SASSA Grant in 2024 ?
Applying for a SASSA Grant:
Offline: Visit the nearest SASSA office and complete the application form in the presence of a SASSA officer and keep the dated stamped receipt as proof of application.
Online: Apply via SASSA services website. Register as a new user, providing ID number, phone number, and other details.
How To Check the SASSA Grant Status?
To Check the SASSA Grant Status in 2024 , you can use the both online & Offline Methods as mentioned below.
- Online:
-
- Visit the SASSA services website and enter the credentials.
- Click “Submit” to view application status.
- The status will indicate whether application is pending, approved, declined, or other relevant statuses.
- Offline:
-
- Check via phone call (0800 601 011), SMS (082 046 8553), Moya app, USSD (12069277#), or at local SASSA offices.
So All Grant recipients must aware about the SASSA Grant Changes in 2024 with payment amounts & its Eligibility to take the benefits of SASSA Grants. For more information you can get in touch with the official websites & Government Announcements.
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