I’ve been helping lots of people understand changes to the SRD grant. Today, I want to clear up some confusion about a rumored increase. Let’s dive into the facts about the SRD grant in 2024.
Is SRD Grant Increased to R624 in 2024?
No, the SRD grant isn’t going up to R624 in 2024. The grant amount is still R370 per month. This small bump from R350 happened back in April 2024. Since then, there haven’t been any new increases.
Many people hoped for a bigger raise, but the government hasn’t announced one yet. They’re still giving out the grant to help people struggling after COVID-19, but the amount stays the same for now.
Why No Big Increase?
The government has to balance helping people with what they can afford. They want to support those in need, but they also have to think about the country’s money overall.
Here are some reasons why the grant hasn’t gone up to R624:
Budget Limits: South Africa only has so much money to spend. They have to divide it between lots of important things like healthcare, schools, and helping people find jobs.
Long-Term Planning: Instead of just making the grant bigger, the government is working on ways to help people earn money on their own. They’re putting money into job programs to give people skills and work.
Other Grants: There are many types of grants in South Africa. Some of these did get small increases in October 2024. Let’s look at those changes:
SASSA Grants Payment Amount Increases October 2024
Grant Type | Previous Amount | New Amount | Increase |
Old-Age Grant (Ages 60-74) | R2,180 | R2,190 | R10 |
Old-Age Grant (Ages 75 and above) | R2,200 | R2,210 | R10 |
Disability Grant | R2,180 | R2,190 | R10 |
Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 | R2,190 | R10 |
War Veterans Grant | R2,200 | R2,210 | R10 |
Child Support Grant | R530 | R530 | No increase |
Foster Care Grant | R1,180 | R1,180 | No increase |
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) | R370 | R370 | No increase |
What’s the Government’s Plan?
The government knows people need help, but they also want to find long-lasting solutions. Here’s what they’re working on:
New Social Security Plan: They’re making a big plan to help people in need. This should be ready in about three years. It will give ideas on how to support people better in the future.
Keeping the SRD Grant: The R370 SRD grant will keep going until at least 2025. It helps about 8 million people every month.
Job Programs: The government is spending R61 billion to help create jobs. They’re also putting an extra R7 billion into the President’s job program. These programs aim to teach people skills and help them find work.
Balancing Help and Growing the Economy
The government has a tricky job. They need to:
Help people who are struggling right now Make the country’s economy stronger so there are more jobs Save money for future needs
By keeping the SRD grant at R370 and putting money into job programs, they’re trying to do both. They want to support people now, but also help them find ways to earn money on their own in the future.
What This Means for You?
If you get the SRD grant, you’ll keep getting R370 each month for now. It’s not going up to R624, but it’s not stopping either.
Keep checking for updates from SASSA. They might make changes in the future. Also, look into job training programs in your area. These might help you learn new skills or find work.
Remember, the SRD grant is here to help during tough times. The government hopes that by investing in jobs and training, fewer people will need the grant in the future. They want to build a country where everyone can earn a living and support themselves.
I’m Anele Zulu, a South African social worker dedicated to serving my country’s most vulnerable. With my degree and field expertise, I empower underprivileged communities through compassionate support and tireless advocacy on this website. My goal is simplifying access to services so families can uplift themselves