How some SASSA pensioners stretch their grants each month

Many South Africans receiving SASSA pension grants say 2026 has been particularly hard. According to The South African, the year saw a minimal grant increase of 3.4%, and readers who depend on the grants have been sharing how they make ends meet each month.

Pressure on small, fixed grants

According to The South African, pensioners with SASSA grants told the publication that the increases in 2026 are insufficient for rising daily costs. The South African reports that the old-age grant pays R2 400 a month for recipients aged 60 to 74, and R2 420 for those 75 and older.

The South African says a growing number of pensioners have taken to its Facebook page to describe the strain. One reader, Andrea Kruger, was quoted by The South African:

“Pension must be equal to minimum wage. How can you expect the elderly not to have the same costs as workers, especially when they need more healthcare? They still pay rent and still need to eat.”

The South African also quoted reader Josephine Schmal summarising typical monthly costs: “Hospital visits, ongoing prescription costs, grandchildren living in the home, and rates and taxes.”

Another reader, Nola Van Loggerenberg, told The South African: “A single room alone costs around R3 500 to rent before a single light bulb or grocery item is added.” The South African reports Van Loggerenberg suggested roughly doubling the grant as a fix so pensioners could live independently.

Six practical steps readers shared

The South African says it reached out to its audience for budgeting tips. The publication compiled six common suggestions readers offered to stretch limited monthly grants.

1. Budget what you can

The South African recommends trying a written budget that separates essentials like rent, electricity, medication and groceries from non-essentials.

2. Shop smart, not cheap

The South African advises planning meals, shopping with a strict list, buying high-quality staples in bulk and comparing prices and specials across supermarkets.

3. Ask about pensioner discounts

The South African reports that many retailers and banks offer reduced rates for grant recipients, often limited to specific days or services.

4. Lean on community

According to The South African, local stokvels and community organisations can provide access to food banks and meal schemes and offer social support.

5. Check indigent status

The South African says pensioners should contact their municipalities to apply for indigent benefits. The publication notes local government must offer rebates on services for grant recipients over 60, though the paperwork can be onerous.

6. Be careful with extra income

The South African warns that taking on additional work can affect SASSA means tests. The publication lists the thresholds: single recipients may not show income above R8 070 a month (R96 840 per year), couples are capped at R16 140 a month (R193 680 per year), and asset limits are R1 372 800 for singles and R2 745 600 for couples.

Readers’ view versus policy

According to The South African, many pensioners told the publication that budgeting tips only go so far when the core issue is the size of the grant itself. The South African reports readers are debating whether practical measures are enough or whether the grant must be increased to meet basic costs.