Beyond SASSA grant: How Stokvels and community HELP

For many South African pensioners, their SASSA grant is no longer enough, even when it’s augmented by a personal nest egg. As we know, October 2026 passed without a grant top-up, and yet the cost of living just keeps on rising.

Therefore, the old-age SASSA grant sits at R2 400 a month for 60 to 74s. And R2 420 for 75 and older. And don’t hold your breath for Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to reveal anything concrete about 2027 increases in this week’s MTBPS either …

SASSA GRANT SHRINKING

Unfortunately, Eskom pushed up prices by 8.76% back in April. And municipal customers got a 9.01% hike in July. Plus, a further 8.83% is approved for April 2027. Fuel is dearer, too, with diesel going from R17 to R33 per litre since the National Treasury’s last Budget Speech. So, if you receive a SASSA grant, how exactly are you expected to make a fixed income stretch?

While difficult, the answer is sitting in plain sight. Stokvels started as a way to support communities that banks overlooked, and many are still run by community elders, generally women. The numbers show their scale: an estimated 800 000 groups exist, with 11.5 million members, saving around R50 billion a year. These are the main types of stokvels:

• Burial: Members contribute monthly so that a funeral is covered when it happens.
• Grocery: Members pool money and spend it in bulk at year-end, often at wholesalers that offer discounts.
• Savings: This is a fixed monthly contribution, paid out in turn or on a set date.

The social side of stokvels matters, too. Members check on each other regularly, and someone will notice if you’re battling.

OTHER SUPPORT SYSTEMS BEYOND A SASSA GRANT

Don’t forget that if you’re on a SASSA grant, you probably also qualify for a municipal rebate. Johannesburg pensioners already receiving rates rebates have are covered till 30 June 2027. Cape Town residents have until 30 November 2026 before their next renewal.

Then there are indigent benefits. All municipalities offer discount electricity, water and refuse collection for households that meet a low-income threshold. Rules and figures differ by province, so, contact your local municipality.  

SASSA GRANT: WHO QUALIFIES IN 2026

The South African Social Security Agency means test still decides who gets paid a SASSA grant:

• Income: R112 200 a year (R9 350 a month) if single, R224 400 (R18 700 a month) if married.
• Assets: R1 584 000 if single, R3 168 000 if married.

As ever, when applying for a SASSA grant, be careful that large lump-sum payouts and savings don’t show up in your bank account to be counted against your means test.

Also, do your due diligence before backing a stokvel. Not every single one is safe. We’ve received reports that some burial societies run into liquidity trouble. So, at the very least ask where your group’s money is kept. Also checking whether a group is registered with the National Stokvel Association of South Africa (NASASA) is a sensible start.

But what do you think? Is there enough support for the SASSA grant through community schemes like stokvels? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …