‘Thankful for the little I get’: Pensioners split over SASSA grant

Most commenters on The South African’s Facebook page called for a bigger SASSA grant, but not everyone shared that view. Anet Alchin took a different approach. “Thankful for the little I get,” she wrote, adding a thumbs-up emoji. Several other users reacted to her comment with likes and hearts.

Her view stands out in a discussion where many SASSA grant recipients demanded far larger payments. For some older South Africans, the monthly grant, however small, still provides a dependable income they can count on.

The other side of the debate

Other commenters described a very different reality. Cristal Petersen explained that she had to borrow money for a medical visit. “I must pay the money lender R1300 for the R1000 I lend to take my husband to the doctor,” she wrote. For households like hers, the grant does not stretch far enough to cover emergencies. That forces families to turn to lenders, who charge heavy interest.

Shane Mayimele pointed to the wider problem.

“They should increase it because the cost of living is too high,” he commented. Hans Mogale added his voice to the call for a bigger payment, writing, “We need that R5000.”

Questions about eligibility and timing

Some comments turned to when pensioners qualify for the grant. Galiema Saban wrote, “A day after you turn 60.” South Africans become eligible for the Older Persons Grant from age 60, provided they meet SASSA’s means test and other requirements. Applicants must apply through SASSA, and payments do not start automatically on their birthday.

The Older Persons Grant currently pays R2 400 a month to recipients aged 60 and over. SASSA has not announced any new increase. Pensioners should confirm any news about grant amounts or dates through SASSA’s official website or verified social media pages before acting on it.

Win R2 000 in the South African SASSA grant survey

If you receive a SASSA grant and want to share your story, we want to hear from you.

Take part in our survey and stand a chance to win R2 000. Your responses help us tell the stories that matter