According to reports, there is an ongoing discussion that would kick in by 2025, during which the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will possibly raise the social grants for children and pensioners to R3,000. This adjustment hangs in a larger coat, as the Government looks to bolster the social safety net under inflation, worsening economic Mars and louder cries of the citizenry for a basic income grant.
What Is Being Proposed?
Early news from policy discussions emanating from the Department of Social Development has it that SASSA could raise the monthly grant payments for:
- Older Persons (Pensioners)
- Children through the Child Support Grant
- Caregivers under the Care Dependency and Foster Child Grants
The proposed amount is a huge R3,000 per month, jumping from current grant values. Nowadays, the Old Age Grant and Disability Grant stand between R2,115 and R2,315, whereas the Child Support Grant is a mere R510 per child.
Why the Increase?
Several factors contribute to this proposal:
- Cost-of-Living Crisis: Sharp increases in the prices of food, transport, and electricity have placed undue strain on granted-of-need intakes to meet basic ends.
- Social Justice Concerns: Advocacy groups have long been pushing for greater social assistance, especially for indigent children and seniors.
- Economic Relief Strategy: Government wants to start stimulating local economies through increased income at household level.
Who May Be Benefited?
If implemented, the raised support of R3,000 would aid:
- South Africans aged above 60 years without any dignified income or assets
- Indigent families caring for children under 18
- Caregivers of children with disabilities
- Foster parents with court guardianship
Final eligibility criteria and payment methods are still under consideration and probably will involve means-testing.
When Can This Occur?
Though no official date has been given, late 2025 remains a potential date depending on Cabinet’s approval and allocation of finances. It is expected that more details will come through in the forthcoming Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.
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