Every month, millions of individuals receive social grant payments from Sassa. With August on the way, it’s important that beneficiaries keep up to date with how much money they will be receiving.
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) distributes more than 18 million grants to vulnerable beneficiaries every month. Sassa is responsible for the application, approval and distribution of social grants to beneficiaries across the country.
The agency plays a crucial role in providing support to vulnerable individuals and families in South Africa and assists them in affording basic goods and services.
Some of the socials grants distributed by Sassa include grants for children, the older persons grants and disability grants. Sassa also manages the R350 grant for the special relief of distress during the Covid-19 crisis.
In order to qualify for the SRD grant, all candidates must be unemployed, be between the ages of 18 and 59 years old and earn less than R624 per month.
How much Sassa grants will be for August 2023:
- Older Persons grant – R2 080
- Older Persons (75 years and older) – R2 100
- Disability grant – R2 080
- War Veterans grant – R2 100
- Child Support grant – R500
- Child Support grant (Top-up) – R500 + R250
- Care Dependency grant – R2 080
- Foster Care grant – R1 120
- Grant-In-Aid – R500
- Social Relief of Distress Grant – R350
Sassa Payment dates for August 2023
The first week of each month is usually reserved for the payment of permanent social grants. Staying updated about the Sassa payment schedule is always advisable and useful.
- Older Persons Grant – Wednesday, 2 August
- Disability Grant – Thursday, 3 August
- Children’s Grant – Friday, 4 August
It’s important to note that the special SRD grant, does not have a fixed payment date. Sassa approves applications for this grant, and beneficiaries are notified via message when their payment is available for collection.
Sassa Grant Increases
Every year, the Finance minister announces social grant increases. In 2023, permanent Sassa Grant beneficiaries will receive two rounds of increases with one already having taken place.
These grants were recently increased in April and will see another increase in October 2023. The amount of money received by grant beneficiaries will increase again in October 2023 except for the Child Support Top-up grant.
Read our article on Sassa grant increases for 2023/24 to find out more.
Will There Be R350 Grant Increases?
Government has unfortunately not increased the R350 grant since its inception due to “fiscal constraint”, as explained by the Department of Social Development (DSD).
It was revealed that the DSD had submitted a proposal to the National Treasury to increase the value of the SRD grant. However, the proposal was not favourably considered due to fiscal constraints.
Collect Your Sassa Grant
Sassa has made it clear that beneficiaries should not rush to withdraw their Sassa payment on the first day it becomes available and to remember that once the money has been sent to their accounts, it will remain there until they need it.
In addition, there are a few ways beneficiaries can collect their grants. These include:
Bank Account
Permanent grant beneficiaries and SRD recipients have the option of having their grants paid directly into their bank account. This is a convenient grant payment method as beneficiaries can access their money at any time after the payment was made by Sassa.
Retail outlets
Sassa grants are paid to selected retailers around the country. The vast geographical footprint of retail outlets makes it easy for grant recipients to find one close to where they live.
Beneficiaries can withdraw their money at any time when the retail outlet is operational. Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer stores, Usave stores and Checkers all distribute social grants.
Mobile Cash Pay Points
There are also mobile cash pay points where grant beneficiaries can collect their money. However, this is not a flexible payment option and beneficiaries may only collect their grant payment for a few hours during a grant payment cycle.
Sassa Gold Cards
In May 2023, Sassa announced that it would extend the validity of gold cards until the end of the year. This is because millions of Sassa gold cards were set to expire in the coming months.
This means that grant beneficiaries can continue using their expired Sassa gold cards until the end of 2023. Additionally, Sassa introduced a payment method which allows beneficiaries to collect their money without a Sassa gold card.
To find out more about Sassa grants, including the R350 grant, head to our Sassa section.
