‘Increase is not enough’ Springs residents respond to SASSA grant hike
Some Springs residents say the recent social grant increases announced after the February 25 budget speech will not cover their basic needs.
Following the budget speech on February 25, some Springs residents have expressed their opinions on the increases to SASSA social grants.
The grant increases are as follows:
• Old age grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400.
• War veterans grant will increase from R2 335 to R2 420.
• Disability grant will go up from R2 315 to R2 400.
• Foster care grant rises from R1 250 to R1 295.
• Care dependency grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400.
• Child support grant will go up from R560 to R580.
• The grant-in-aid will increase from R560 to R580.
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will remain at R370, with payments to continue until next year. Pensioner Lorraine Coates (77) told the Springs Advertiser that the increase is not enough to cover all her needs, but it will make a slight difference.
She said that she was shocked by the “low” increase. According to her, the increase should take into account the prices of food, electricity, and petrol, because the social grant does not cover all of them.
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She explained that she had to cut down on some basic needs, and as she lives with pets, and the grant that she receives has to cover them too.
“With the grant, I have to pay my medical aid, which increases yearly by at least 10%, which is hard, but I pay for it because at my age, I still need it,” said Coates.
Coates also said they should increase social grants for recipients by 10%. A single mother, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Advertiser that the grant is not enough.
She shared that she is unemployed with two children, with one being in crèche and the other in primary school. She said the money helps cover some of her children’s needs.
“I am lucky to have family to help from time to time, but I can’t rely on them. I have been looking for a job for months and have been fortunate to get a part-time job, but I use that money for my needs, transport and job applications,” said the woman.
She concluded that the government must have a plan regarding the grant and that the SRD grant is not enough for the unemployed.
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