The South African government provides social grants to help low-income households. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) handles these benefits. Each year, SASSA adjusts the grants to keep up with the cost of living and inflation. In 2024, there will be specific increases to these grants. Let’s look at what changes are coming and how they will affect you.
SASSA Increase 2024
In 2024, SASSA will increase the financial assistance given to low-income households in South Africa. These grants help with living costs and child care. The increase is meant to help more people and reduce corruption. More than 45% of South Africans get this monthly assistance.
The SASSA Increase is for low-income recipients to help with their financial challenges. Starting in 2024, the grants will go up from R510 to R520 due to the rising cost of living and other economic reasons. However, the exact increase might change based on ongoing assessments.
How Much Will the SASSA Grants Increase?
In 2024, all federal benefits will increase by 5%. This includes the old age pension, child grants, and disability benefits. SASSA reviews grant applications and distributes benefits. The agency has set aside R66 billion for these increases, with R36 billion expected from previous payments.
The SASSA Increase is expected to rise by 5% to 5.6%, meaning the monthly assistance will help more with inflation and provide extra support for children and people with disabilities. SASSA plans to start these increased payments from January 2, 2024.
Who Is Eligible for the SASSA Increase?
The increased benefits are for people with low or moderate annual incomes. These grants depend on the income of the individual or family. The increase will help recipients manage rising costs and save for the future.
Specific Increases for 2024
The SASSA grants will increase by up to 5.6% in 2024. Here are the new amounts:
- Old age pension (age 60-75): R2,090
- Old age pension (above age 75): R2,110
- Disability grants: R2,090
- Child support grants: R510
- War veterans grants: R2,110
- Care dependency grants: R2,090
- Social relief of distress grants: R350
These monthly payments will start on January 3, 2024. Social relief of distress grants will be provided from January 25 to January 31, 2024. The increased amounts will be directly deposited into recipients’ bank accounts, SASSA gold cards, or other methods.
Eligibility Criteria for SASSA Grants
To qualify for SASSA grants, individuals must meet specific income requirements. For a single person, the income should be under R52,800 per year. For couples, it should be under R105,600 per year. Child benefits are limited to six children, and both the child and parents must meet financial conditions.
FAQs
1. Who can get the SASSA Increase in 2024?
People with low or moderate incomes who meet SASSA’s eligibility criteria.
2. How much will the old age pension increase?
The old age pension will rise to R2,090 for those aged 60-75 and R2,110 for those over 75.
3. When will the increased SASSA payments start?
The increased payments will start on January 3, 2024.
4. How are SASSA benefits paid out?
The benefits are directly deposited into recipients’ bank accounts, SASSA gold cards, or other methods.
5. What is the income limit to qualify for SASSA grants?
For a single person, the income limit is R52,800 per year, and for couples, it is R105,600 per year.