SASSA Beneficiaries Exceed 19 Million by End of July 2024
The number of social grant recipients has significantly increased, with the national agency reporting that SASSA beneficiaries exceed 19 million by end of July 2024. This growth reflects the importance of SASSA’s ongoing efforts to provide crucial financial support to vulnerable groups in South Africa, providing an open access through SASSA online applications for various social grants.
SASSA Beneficiaries Exceed 19 Million by End of July 2024
As of July 2024, SASSA reports having over 19 million social grant beneficiaries, representing about 45% of the country’s population. This figure excludes the 9 million individuals applying for SASSA R350 Grant (Social Relief of Distress), which in combine makes the total number of SASSA beneficiaries exceeds 28 millions before 2024 ends.
In the reflection of the South African Social Security Agency, SASSA increased grants for 2024, there is an expected growth in the number of beneficiaries throughout the remainder of 2024, with projections expected an increased number of social grant recipients surpassing 21 million by January 2025. Calculation details are as follows.
- July 2024 – 19.915 million
- August 2024 – 20.114 million
- September 2024 – 20.315 million
- October 2024 – 20.518 million
- November 2024 – 20.723 million
- December 2024 – 20.930 million
- January 2025 – 21.140 million
With this increased growth rate, the combined number of beneficiaries from the SRD grant and all other social grants can reach 30.14 million by the end of the financial year 2024.
2024 Increased Budget for Social Grants
In the expanded Budget 2024, the South African National Treasury announced increases in social grant amounts, with expenditure rising from R217.1 billion in 2024 to R259.3 billion by 2026. This budget expansion highlights the growing need for financial assistance. Similarly, the SASSA SRD grant has been extended to March 2025, with the national agency expecting a further increase in beneficiaries projected later this year.
Today rising inflation and poverty levels have made it increasingly difficult for low-income families and unemployed individuals to maintain basic living standards. At this critical time, SASSA grants provide essential support to various vulnerable groups, including the older persons, childrens, and those with disabilities.
SASSA Contribution to South Africa Development
Under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu, SASSA continues to play a vital role in providing financial support to millions of South Africans. As President Ramaphosa promised to increase the SASSA SRD R350, this has become a reality with increased SRD payments to R370 from the previous R350 amounts. Such an increase underscores our agency’s efforts in combating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for those in need.
SASSA’s stand firm on its commitment to supporting the underprivileged population is evident in its ongoing approach to expand and improve the social grants program with online applications, and efforts to block fraudulent accounts to ensure payments go to those who need it most. This ensures that more South Africans receive the assistance they need, alleviating poverty, and improving living standards.
