The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes over 18 million permanent social grants and an additional 8 million benefits through the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
Sassa’s permanent grants include the Older Persons pension grant, Disability grant, War Veterans grant, Care Dependency grant, Foster Child grant, Child Support grant, Child Support grant Top-Up and Grant-in-aid.
The Older Persons grant, commonly known as the old-age pension, provides monthly payments to citizens, legal permanent residents, and refugees aged 60 and older who have no other source of income. This grant is intended to provide financial support to elderly individuals who can no longer work.
During the 2024 annual budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced adjustments to grant payment values. The first increase took effect in April 2024, with a second increase implemented in October.
Several grants, including the Older Persons grant, saw a R10 increase in October 2024.
Current Sassa Older Persons Grant Amounts
- Older Persons grant: R2,190
- Older Persons grant (for those aged 75 and older): R2,210
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi clarified that the agency’s role is strictly the distribution of grants and does not extend to making policy decisions regarding grant increases. He stressed that policy is the responsibility of the Department of Social Development, while budgetary decisions fall under the National Treasury.
This statement follows criticism of the modest R10 increase, but Letsatsi highlighted that even a small amount like R10 makes a significant difference when applied to millions of beneficiaries.
The social grants budget stands at R265 billion, allocated to Sassa for grant distribution. Letsatsi further emphasised that no amount of money, however small, should be considered insignificant.
Where to Collect Sassa Grants
Beneficiaries can have their grants paid directly into their bank accounts. Alternatively, grants can be collected at several payment points, including ATMs and retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, and Boxer.
Postbank has also introduced the Mzansi Debit Card to provide affordable banking solutions for all South Africans, including Sassa beneficiaries. According to Letsatsi, Sassa cards can be used like regular bank cards for purchases and payments at various pay points nationwide.
