Is r350 Grant Increased to r370?

In a significant development, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially announced an increase in South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, widely known as the R350 grant. During his address to the National Assembly on March 13th, 2024, Godongwana revealed that the grant amount would be raised to R370, but not immediately.

“His Excellency, the President, in his State of the Nation Address, said that the [SRD grant] is going to continue, and the R350 will be improved. My colleague, the Minister of Social Development, is going to publish for comments a comprehensive social security programme and that… will define a better platform and a future for the social security net in South Africa.”

Quoting the Minister’s statement:

Godongwana further added,

“I am pleased to say that we have found consensus that in between, subject to the finalization of the comprehensive social security [programme], we’ll increase the R350 to R370 by the 1st of April this year. That is part of the progressive realization of the basic rights of our people.”

This adjustment represents a 5.7% increase, amounting to an additional R20 per beneficiary, providing much-needed financial relief to the approximately 9 million South Africans who rely solely on the COVID-19 SRD grant amidst the rising cost of living. So, the question remains persist;

Is r350 Grant Increased to r370?

No, the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will not see an immediate increase to R370. However, the government has allocated R33.6 billion for social grants in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, signaling their commitment to continue providing financial assistance to those in need. While there is no confirmed increment as of now, this budgetary provision suggests the possibility of future support for vulnerable populations struggling with rising living costs.

Budgetary Allocation for Social Support Programs

During the Budget Speech delivered in February 2024, Finance Minister Godongwana had announced an increase in social grants across the board. The increments scheduled for implementation throughout 2024 include:

• A R100 increase to the old age, war veterans, disability, and care dependency grants, divided into R90 effective from April and R10 effective from October.
• A R50 increase to the foster care grant.
• A R20 increase to the child support grant.

Addressing the financial commitment, Godongwana stated, “We are sensitive to the increase in the cost of living for the nearly 19 million South Africans who rely on these grants to make ends meet. In this regard, we have done as much as the fiscal envelope allows.”

For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the South African government has earmarked a R33.6 billion budget for social grants, reflecting its dedication to social welfare initiatives despite budgetary constraints.

Extension of SASSA’s Relief Grant until 2025

Originally introduced as a temporary measure to assist individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SASSA SRD grant has been repeatedly extended by the government in recognition of the ongoing need for support. Building on this acknowledgment, the grant has been further extended until March 2025, with the possibility of additional extensions in the future.

Future Prospects for South Africa’s Social Assistance

While the government has expressed interest in extending the SRD grant beyond its current timeline, securing a permanent source of funding remains a significant challenge. During the Medium Term Budget Policy (MTBP) held on November 2nd, 2023, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana addressed this issue, stating:

“If that or a similar type of new grant is made permanent, beneficiaries are projected to expand from 27.3 million in 2023/24 to 40.4 million in 2040/41, which will cost 3.8% of GDP in 2040/41 and require a corresponding permanent source of funding, such as additional revenue measures.”

Efforts are underway to explore sustainable solutions that ensure consistent financial support for the program.

Conclusion: Bolstering Financial Aid for Citizens

The increase of the SASSA SRD grant from R350 to R370, not effective immediately would represent a significant step towards providing financial assistance to millions of South Africans grappling with escalating living costs. Despite budgetary constraints, the government’s commitment to social welfare is evident, reflecting its dedication to supporting citizens during challenging times.

As the government continues to explore long-term solutions, this announcement serves as a temporary relief measure, highlighting the ongoing efforts to bolster financial aid for citizens in need. With a potential expansion of beneficiaries and the need for a permanent funding source, the future of South Africa’s social assistance program remains a crucial priority for policymakers.

Key Points	Details
Grant Increase	R350 to R370 (5.7% increase)
Effective Date	Unknown (Not Immediately)
Beneficiaries	Approximately 9 million South Africans
Budget Allocation	R33.6 billion for social grants (2024/2025)
Extension Period	Until March 2025 (with potential further extensions)
Funding Challenge	Securing permanent source of funding
Additional Increases	Old age, disability, foster care, and child support grants

By addressing the immediate financial needs of vulnerable populations while simultaneously exploring sustainable long-term solutions, the South African government aims to foster an inclusive and equitable society, where no citizen is left behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the increase in the SASSA SRD grant from R350 to R370 take effect?

A: No, the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will not see an immediate increase to R370

Q: Is the SASSA SRD grant extension planned beyond March 2025?

A: While the current extension is until March 2025, the government has expressed the possibility of further extensions in the future. However, securing a permanent source of funding remains a challenge, and the government is exploring sustainable solutions to ensure consistent financial support for the program.