October 2023 Sassa Grant Increases: What You Need to Know. More than 18 million permanent grants are distributed to individuals in South Africa every month, and there’s good news for beneficiaries. Starting from October 1, 2023, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will be increasing the monetary value of these grants.
Sassa Role in Social Assistance Programs
Under the framework of the Social Assistance Act, Sassa plays a vital role in overseeing and implementing various social assistance programs in South Africa. This includes the distribution of social grants to vulnerable individuals.
Types of Permanent Grants
Sassa distributes a range of permanent grants, including the Older Persons grant, War Veterans grant, Disability grant, Foster Child grant, Care Dependency grant, Child Support Grant, Top-up Child Support grant, and the Grant in Aid.
Budget Announcement
During the February budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced two sets of increases for social grants in the 2023 financial year.
October 2023 Grant Increases
- Old Age Grant (below 75 years old):
- Current amount: R2080
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R2090
- Old Age Grant (above 75 years old):
- Current amount: R2100
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R2110
- War Veterans Grant:
- Current amount: R2100
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R2110
- Disability Grant:
- Current amount: R2080
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R2090
- Foster Child Grant:
- Current amount: R1120
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R1130
- Care Dependency Grant:
- Current amount: R2080
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R2090
- Child Support Grant:
- Current amount: R500
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R510
- Child Support Grant Top-Up:
- Current amount: R250
- Increase: 0
- New amount: R250
- Grant in Aid:
- Current amount: R500
- Increase: +R10
- New amount: R510
Government Spending on Grants
Minister Godongwana also revealed that government spending on child support grants and old age grants has received the largest proportion of government spending. This is in anticipation of the growing number of beneficiaries over the next three years.
No Increase for R350 Grant
Unfortunately, these increases do not apply to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, also known as the R350 grant, due to fiscal constraints. The Department of Social Development has requested an increase, but it has not been favorably considered.
Sassa Grant Payment Dates for October 2023:
- Older Persons Grant: October 3, 2023
- Disability Grant: October 4, 2023
- Children’s Grants: October 5, 2023
R350 Grant Payment Information:
R350 grant payments for October will be made toward the end of the month. Sassa conducts verification checks to ensure eligibility, and the payment period for the October 2023 SRD grant is from October 25 to October 31. It typically takes 2-3 working days for funds to appear in beneficiaries’ bank accounts after processing.
Where to Collect Sassa Grants:
Beneficiaries can collect their grants at various payment points, including ATMs, retail stores, Post Office branches, and mobile cash pay points.
