SASSA pensioner stretches Older Person’s Grant to support entire household

A retired pensioner in Gauteng holds a university degree. Even so, she now depends on her SASSA Older Person’s Grant to help support a household of up to five people.

The woman asked to remain anonymous. She shared her experience in The South African’s SASSA grant survey. Her story mirrors that of many older South Africans who have become the financial anchor of their families.

SASSA pension gone before month-end

The pensioner has received the Older Person’s Grant for more than five years. SASSA deposits the money directly into her bank account each month.

From April 2026, the grant pays R2 400 per month to recipients aged 60 and older, following an R80 increase announced in the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech.

The increase has not been enough for her household. She says nothing is left of her grant by the end of each month. She spends the money on a mix of food, utilities and household needs, and she regularly struggles to make ends meet.

Rising food prices top her worries

The pensioner names the cost of living and rising food prices as her biggest financial concern.

She has never applied for additional government support because she did not know what else was available.

Her answer to what she would change about SASSA was simple: increase the grant amount.

Pensioner shares blunt view on child grants

The retiree reports no problems with SASSA itself. She describes her grant experience as straightforward and rates the agency’s communication as adequate.

However, she holds a firm opinion on the Child Support Grant.

“Pay grant for only two kids not more,” she said.

Her comment touches on an ongoing debate about the sustainability of South Africa’s social grant system, as millions of households rely on monthly payments to survive.

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