SASSA Pensioners Demand R5,000 Monthly Grants as Rising Food Prices Leave Millions Struggling

South African pensioners receiving social grants have called on the government to increase payments as the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on their monthly incomes.

Recipients shared their concerns on The South African’s Facebook page after the publication reported on a pensioner’s request for the Older Persons and War Veterans grants to be increased to R3 000.

Several commenters said even that amount would not provide sufficient support amid rising food prices and other household expenses.

Pensioners Call for Grants of Up to R5 000

Petunia Allan said she would prefer the Older Persons Grant to reach R5 000, arguing that the cost of living had made it increasingly difficult for pensioners to meet their daily needs.

She also proposed that government introduce two grant increases each year rather than relying on the current annual adjustment.

“The cost of living is high,” Allan wrote, adding that food prices continued to rise while grant recipients struggled to make ends meet.

Freeman Ncube also questioned whether the current payments were sufficient, saying the money often ran out after recipients had bought food and still did not cover all their needs.

Current SASSA Grant Amounts

Since April 2026, the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant have each been paid at R2 400 per month following an increase of R80.

The War Veterans Grant also increased by R80, bringing its monthly payment to R2 420.

Government currently announces social grant adjustments once a year during the national Budget Speech.

Calls for Tax Relief and More Frequent Payments

Other pensioners suggested additional measures to reduce the financial pressure on older people.

Rita Botha called for pensioners to be exempted from tax and value-added tax (VAT).

Although social grant payments are not subject to income tax, pensioners still pay VAT on most goods and services they purchase. Certain essential food products, including brown bread and maize meal, are zero-rated.

Abduragmaan Crombie proposed changing the payment system so pensioners receive their grants twice a month instead of in a single monthly payment.

SASSA Payment Date Changes Cause Questions

Michelle Naidoo raised concerns about what she described as frequent changes to payment figures, asking why the numbers kept changing.

Her comment did not specify whether she was referring to grant amounts or payment arrangements.

However, recipients have had to adjust to new grant rates introduced during 2026, as well as temporary changes to November payment dates. SASSA introduced the revised November schedule because of the Local Government Elections.

The agency has confirmed that December payments will return to the original schedule.

Older Persons Grants are scheduled for payment on 2 December 2026, followed by Disability Grants on 3 December and Children’s Grants on 4 December.

SASSA Recipients Invited to Share Their Experiences

Pensioners and other social grant recipients have been invited to participate in The South African’s SASSA grant survey to share their experiences and concerns about the support they receive.

The publication is offering participants the opportunity to enter a competition to win R2 000 through the survey.