South Africans Frustrated as SASSA Raises Grants by Just R10: Why Many Say It’s Not Enough

When SASSA quietly announced that old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants would increase by only R10 per month starting in October, many beneficiaries didn’t cheer, they braced themselves. Across social media and in communities, the message is loud and clear: people feel the cost of living is being ignored.

A Tiny Lift, A Major Disappointment

This R10 bump, just the second grant increase announced in 2025 applies only to certain grants. Notably missing from the increase are the Child Support Grant and the Social Relief of Distress Grant.

To some, R10 might sound like something, maybe enough for a few slices of bread. But when inflation, food, transport, and housing costs keep ballooning, it feels more like being barely noticed.

“Election Tactics?” The Public Wonders

On Facebook and X forums, beneficiaries expressed rage, sarcasm, and deep frustration. A few voices stood out:

• “Even a loaf of bread is R20. Why R10? Is it because elections are around the corner?”

• “And someone will vote for R10.”

• “Wow, so considerate. That should at least cover a few slices of bread.”

It’s not just about the money; it’s about the message this sends. Many are asking: is this increase meant to quell discontent ahead of elections?

The Backdrop: Cost of Living vs. Grant Levels

South Africans have been battling rising prices, groceries, electricity, fuel, rents. For many, grants aren’t just a top-up; they’re essential to survival. Even a minor increase can help, but only if it keeps up with inflation.

Historically, SASSA increases have lagged behind price hikes. When food inflation spikes or taxi fares jump, grants like the old age or disability ones struggle to maintain value. The small R10 lift, some say, is more symbolic than substantial.

What Was Announced and What Wasn’t

Here are the core changes SASSA confirmed:

• The Old Age, War Veterans, Disability, and Care Dependency grants will each increase by R10 from October.

• The Child Support Grant and Social Relief of Distress Grant got no increase this time.

This disparity has widened public complaints: why are children or households depending on distress relief left out?

Government Pushback and Opposition

There was a petition submitted to increase the Old Age Grant to R5 000, but the Department of Social Development rejected it, citing feasibility concerns.

Officials argue that budgetary constraints and policy frameworks limit what can be done. But that explanation isn’t satisfying many people who say the gap between expenses and income has been growing for years.

A Call for More Than a Band-Aid

While R10 is better than nothing and better than no increase, many argue it’s nowhere near what’s needed. A sustainable solution would involve:

• More frequent and inflation-linked adjustments.

• Inclusion of grants that cover children and distress relief.

• Better targeting of grant values to match regional cost differences.

SASSA’s R10 increase may ease one month’s burden slightly, but for many, it’s a reminder of how far behind their grants have fallen. In a country where many people live daily with tough trade-offsto eat, to travel, to stay warmthe frustration is understandable.

Unless grant increases start to reflect lived realities, gratitude will remain overshadowed by the sense that too little is being done, too slowly.

Sassa Confirms October Social Grant Increase: What R10 Means for South Africans

{Source: Briefly}

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