At the beginning of the year, Statistics South Africa revealed that the annual consumer price inflation was 6,9% in January 2023, down from 7,2% in December 2022.
This was followed by the Department of Social Development receiving an allocation of R66 billion over the medium term.
The Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana mentioned that R36 billion will go towards funding the extension of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant until 31 March 2024 and R30 billion will be used for inflation-linked increases for other social grants.
In a statement, Godongwana has also announced that social grants are expected to increase by at least 5%.
The increases to social grants are as follows:
- Old Age grants (Below 75 years) will increase from R1995 to R2085
- Old Age grants (Above 75 years) will increase from R2015 to R2105
- War veterans grants will increase from R2015 to R2005
- Disability grants will increase from R1995 to R2085
- Foster Child grant will increase from R1075 to R1125
- Care Dependency Grants will increase from R1985 to R2085
- Child Support Grants will increase from R485 to R505
- Child Support Grant Top Up will increase from R245 to R255
- Grant-In-Aid will increase from R480 to R505
The National Treasury explained that in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework social development is expected to receive some R1.1 trillion for ‘social grants and welfare services, and to strengthen advocacy for the empowerment of women, youth and people living with disabilities.’
According to Godongwana, the child care and old age grants continue to receive the largest proportion of government’s spending with the state anticipating growth in beneficiaries over the next three years. The two grants will be provided to a total of 17.5 million beneficiaries in 2023/24.
Here's The South African Sassa Grant Payment Schedule for April 2023:
- Older Persons Grant - 3 April 2023
- Disability Grant - 4 April 2023
- Children's Grant (and all other grants) - 5 April 2023
Sassa has assured social grant beneficiaries that they do not need to fetch their funds on the specific payment date, as their money will remain in the account until it is needed.
Social grant beneficiaries may withdraw their funds at various paypoints such Shoprite, Checkers, U-save, Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer as well as ATMs.
