SASSA Payments are Available for Older Persons Today. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially announced the payment schedule for April 2024, with the initial disbursements commencing today. This long-awaited announcement brings relief to many beneficiaries eagerly anticipating the increase in social grants, particularly for older persons.
Collect Your Older Person Grants Today
Exciting news awaits older persons receiving SASSA grants, as the agency has confirmed that payments can be collected starting today in Pretoria. This update comes as a significant relief for beneficiaries who rely on these grants to meet their daily needs.
Payment Schedule Details
SASSA has released the payment schedule for the 2024/25 financial year, outlining the dates for various grant disbursements. Here are the payment dates for March:
- Older Persons or Pensioners Grants: Wednesday, 3 April 2024
- Disability Grants: Thursday, 4 April 2024
- Children’s and All Other Grants: Friday, 5 April 2024
Increase in Permanent Social Grants
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana recently confirmed an increase in permanent SASSA grants during his 2024 Budget Speech to Parliament. These adjustments aim to keep pace with inflation and enhance accessibility to social welfare programs. The changes include:
- A R100 increase to old age, war veterans, disability, and care dependency grants, with R90 effective from April and R10 effective from October.
- A R50 increase to the foster care grant.
- A R20 increase to the child support grant.
Moreover, the government has raised the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, commonly known as the R350 grant, to R370 starting April this year.
Government Commitment to Social Welfare
The government has allocated R33.6 billion to the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant for the 2024/25 fiscal year, with provisional allocations for subsequent years. National Treasury anticipates an increase in grant beneficiaries from 18.8 million in 2023/24 to 19.7 million in 2026/27, excluding those receiving the COVID‐19 SRD Grant.
“We are sensitive to the increase in the cost of living for the nearly 19 million South Africans who rely on these grants to make ends meet. In this regard, we have done as much as the fiscal envelope allows,” stated Godongwana during his announcement.
Contact SASSA for Further Inquiries
For any further queries or assistance, beneficiaries are encouraged to reach out to SASSA directly through the following channels:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Head Office Contact: 012 400 2322
- Email: [email protected]
Beneficiaries can also find contact details for SASSA offices nationwide for additional support.
Conclusion
With the latest payment schedule and increased grants, SASSA continues its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across South Africa.