SASSA SRD and Other Grant Increases for 2024

 

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant (also known as the R350 grant) is said to increase by 5.7% (R20) from April 2024, thus making the payout R370.

This announcement was made on Wednesday 13 March 2024 by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana who also stated that the minister of social development would soon release a comprehensive social security programme. This programme will be used to define a better platform and future for the social security net within the country.

In the February 2024 State of the Nation speech, president Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the government would “extend and improve” the SRD grant, which stood at R350 per month, from its initial commencement in May 2020. However, despite this statement, no increase was announced in the Budget in February 2024.
 

Who is the SRD Grant targeted at?

The SRD Grant was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to reduce the hardships of lockdown for individuals living in poverty.

The grant was created for individuals who were:

  • South African Citizens, Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Special Permit Holders
  • Aged between 18 and 60 years old
  • Without sufficient means
  • Not receiving social grants on behalf of themselves
  • Not contributing to, or eligible for UIF payment
  • Not receiving financial support from another source

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    Since its initial launch and the lift of lockdown, the grant has been extended, with greater restrictions on the qualifying criteria. This is to ensure the grant only goes to those who do not generate any form of income and are in desperate need.

    Currently, approximately 9 million people receive the grant, costing the South African government R33.6 billion each month. The ANC government has made a commitment to making provisions for a permanent basic income grant in the near future.
     

    Other grant increases

    In South Africa, about 26 million people receive social grants, equating to a total cost of R266 billion per year.

    The following increases are to be implemented in 2024:

    • A R100 increase on the old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants. The amount will be divided into a R90 increase from April 2024, and an additional R10 increase from October 2024.
    • A R50 increase on the foster care grant.
    • A R20 increase on the child support grant.

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      Check if you qualify for a SASSA Grant here

      Godongwana further stated that the department remains sensitive to the increase in the cost of living. As nearly 19 million South Africans depend on social grants as a sole source of income, Godongwana stated that the department has done everything it can in accordance to what the fiscal envelope will allow.