’13th cheque please’: SASSA grant recipients share their Christmas wish list

With Christmas just over two months away, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant recipients are already thinking about how they will afford the festive season.

On The South African’s Facebook page, grant recipients shared what they would like from the government before the end of the year. Their wishes ranged from a once-off bonus to a simple food parcel.

Calls for a 13th cheque

Shireen Clur kept her request short and polite.

“We would love a 13th cheque please,” she wrote.

The idea of a 13th cheque, an extra payment at the end of the year, is common among employed South Africans. Many grant recipients feel older persons and other vulnerable groups deserve the same consideration, especially when December expenses pile up.

Her comment reflects a growing feeling among pensioners that the monthly grant leaves little room for festive extras such as gifts, travel to see family, or a special Christmas meal.

R5 000 before Christmas

Esta Claasen went further, naming a specific amount.

“We want R5 000 before Christmas,” she wrote.

For pensioners who support grandchildren or other family members, December often brings extra mouths to feed and school costs for the new year just around the corner.

The R5 000 figure appears repeatedly in conversations about grants, with many South Africans arguing that it is closer to what a person needs to live with dignity each month.

Groceries for the festive season

Not everyone asked for cash. Lenie Jacobs made a more modest request in Afrikaans.

“Gee ons ou mense.. net kruideniers v kersfees..asb,” she wrote, which translates to: “Give us old people just groceries for Christmas, please.”

Her comment highlights how basic the needs of many older persons have become. Rather than a holiday or presents, she wants enough food on the table for the festive period.

SASSA has not announced any additional Christmas payment for 2026. Grant recipients will continue to receive their regular monthly payments according to the official schedule.

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