SASSA October grant increase: Beneficiaries call for R5 000

SASSA beneficiaries are already making their expectations clear ahead of October, with some calling for the Older Persons Grant to increase to R5 000.

However, there is an important point to clear up: SASSA has not confirmed an October top-up for the Older Persons Grant.

The calls for a bigger payment come from beneficiaries reacting to a recent report by The South African about the possibility of an October adjustment.

According to The South African, the Older Persons Grant currently stands at R2 400 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 to 74, following the increase announced in the April 2026 Budget Speech.

Beneficiaries say small increases are not enough

The discussion has largely centred on whether another increase would make a meaningful difference to pensioners.

One commenter, Sandy Davey, called for an increase of at least R2 000, writing: ‘Please not less than R2000 top up. PLEASE.”

Other reactions were far more critical of the possibility of a small increase.

Susan Bobat questioned whether beneficiaries could expect another R10 adjustment, while Jean Elizabeth Hitchcock described R10 as ‘LAUGHABLE.‘

These comments reflect frustration among beneficiaries who are looking for an increase they believe would provide more substantial relief.

Some are calling for R5 000

The strongest demand in the discussion came from Sabata Paulus Ramotseoa, who wrote: ‘No 2400, we want 5000.‘

Another commenter, Rashied Hartley, raised concerns about government spending priorities, writing: ‘Six hundred million for one day, ten rand to pensioners.‘

These reactions are opinions expressed by commenters and do not represent an official SASSA announcement.

What has SASSA actually confirmed?

For now, there is no confirmed October top-up for the Older Persons Grant in the information provided by SASSA.

The current grant amount remains R2 400 for beneficiaries aged 60 to 74, following the April 2026 increase.

October has previously been associated with relatively small grant adjustments, with The South African reporting that increases in past cycles have often been around R10 to R20.

That history appears to be influencing the current conversation, with some beneficiaries making it clear that they want more than a small increase.

No R5 000 increase has been announced

While the R5 000 figure is gaining attention in the online discussion, it is important not to confuse beneficiaries’ demands with a confirmed government payment.

For now, the question remains whether there will be an October adjustment at all – and, if there is, how much it will be.

Beneficiaries will therefore have to wait for an official announcement rather than relying on social media speculation.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Source: The South African