Social Grants
R370 Grant Beneficiaries in Tsakane Haven’t Been Paid in Months
SASSA says it will investigate the problem
Hundreds March in Pretoria in Protest Over Blocked IDs
Protesters say their identity documents are still blocked, despite a court judgment
Khayelitsha Residents Take over Sassa Meeting to Voice Grievances
“What solutions is the minister bringing?” Residents unimpressed by promised visit by Social Development Minister
Loan Company Exploited Social Grant Beneficiaries, Court Rules
JDG Trading sold disability or retrenchment insurance to people who were already disabled or unemployed
MPs Not Impressed With New SASSA Verification Process
Treasury may withhold funds if SASSA does not meet its conditions
Home Affairs Has Left a Quarter of a Million People Waiting Years for Birth Certificates
The Children’s Institute has taken government to court over its late birth registration backlog
Social Grants Go Unpaid as Beneficiaries Struggle With SASSA’s System
Activists say they get dozens of complaints weekly about the online verification process
Cabinet Sent Basic Income Grant Plan Back to the Drawing Board
Meanwhile the Department of Social Development will ask for another extension of the Social Relief of Distress grant, MPs told
In 2013, Zakes Mda Was Horrified to See 110 Learners in a Class in This School. Twelve Years Later, Nothing Has Changed
A third of schools in the Eastern Cape do not meet minimum norms and standards
Debate Over Future of Social Grants
Black Sash argues they are a vital safety net but economist questions their viability
210,000 Social Grant Beneficiaries Flagged for Not Disclosing Income
They will not receive payments until they verify their income with SASSA
SASSA warns against social grant scam
SASSA warns against social grant scam
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed claims suggesting that double grant payment will be made in June.
“These reports are untrue and should be rejected with the contempt they deserve,” SASSA national spokesperson, Paseka Letsatsi said.
In a statement on Friday, SASSA appealed to beneficiaries not to expect any double payment in June.
In line with the Ministry of Finance’s Policy Statement in March, Letsatsi said grant increases were announced and came into effect in April, and there will be another increase again in October 2025.
Any other increase not announced by credible and relevant authorities should be treated as lies,” Letsatsi said.
SASSA has also disputed reports claiming that "new rules could affect your pension” from 10 June 2025.
“On 30 April 2025, SASSA announced verification process only for targeted grant beneficiaries in the May 2025 payment run to encourage them to update their information at SASSA offices. The targeted beneficiaries were those who use alternative forms of identification other than the standard 13-digit South African identity number to receive their social grants.
“The other beneficiaries that are targeted include those identified through the bulk means test process, to check if they have some income that flows into other bank accounts that they did not disclose to SASSA. We appeal to our beneficiaries to only rely on credible sources of information on our official social media pages,” Letsatsi said.
Before anyone can share any information pertaining to social grants, they must first verify its authenticity to avoid disseminating false information that may cause anxiety and stress to our beneficiaries, he said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 15:12
Social Development gazettes social grant increases
Social Development gazettes social grant increases
The Department of Social Development has published in the government gazette the new social grants amounts effective from this month.
The new amounts, as per the gazette, are:
- Older persons grant: R2310
- Older persons grant 75 years plus (additional payment): R2310 + R20
- War veterans’ grant (including additional payment): R2310 + R20
- Disability grant: R2310
- Care dependency grant: R2310
- Foster child grant: R1250
- Child support grant: R560
- Child support grant (Top-Up): R560 + R280
- Grant-in-Aid: R560
The increases are implemented from 1 April. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/10/2025 - 13:26
63 views
Judge Puts an End to a Lifetime of Statelessness for 36-Year-Old
Department of Home Affairs must issue Primrose Modisane with an ID, court rules
Budget 2025 vital for economic growth and poverty alleviation
Budget 2025 vital for economic growth and poverty alleviation
In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the crucial role of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, which were recently passed by Parliament, in driving economic growth and relieving the effects of poverty.
The budget – tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Parliament last month – was passed by Parliament last week.
“The 2025 Budget is directed at growing the economy and supporting the livelihoods of our people.
“It is a critical instrument to drive development, eradicate poverty and narrow inequality. At a time of constrained economic growth and narrow fiscal space, the budget must direct sufficient resources to activities that encourage inclusive growth and lay the groundwork for sustained economic recovery.
“It reflects the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity: inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” he said.
Uplifting the nation
The budget has a strong focus on the social wage with 61% of resources directed at, amongst others, healthcare, education, housing and social grants.
“Over the past 24 years we have implemented an indigent policy under which free water, electricity and sanitation services are provided to qualifying households.
“Social grants, like the childcare, old age and disability grants, are another tool for alleviating poverty. This year, the value of these grants will increase at above inflation. The Social Relief of Distress grant, which has played an important role in poverty alleviation, will also be extended for another year," President Ramaphosa said.
As part of improving access to healthcare, the President said there will be a higher allocation of funding to clinics and community health centres.
He said government is investing in the recruitment and retention of health personnel, particularly doctors and nurses, and to employ newly qualified doctors after their community service ends.
The budget also allocates substantial funding to “other frontline services such as teachers, police, emergency personnel and the Border Management Authority”.
“Improving educational outcomes is key to community upliftment, development and producing the skills needed by our economy. Budgetary allocations have been made to support teacher training, for expanded mother-tongue bilingual education and for early reading programmes.
“This year sees a substantial investment in early childhood development, reflecting our commitment to establishing a solid foundation for the development of every child,” the President added.
Funding for public employment programmes and to support small businesses has also been allocated.
Driving growth
President Ramaphosa noted sustaining expenditure on the social wage requires “higher levels of economic growth”.
“The budget allocates considerable resources to encourage infrastructure development, which drives growth and job creation.
“Taken together, up to R1 trillion will be spent on infrastructure over the medium term. This includes the allocation in this budget of an additional R62 billion over the next three years for road maintenance, electricity transmission lines, water and sanitation projects, school infrastructure and to support the ongoing recovery of our rail networks.
“Support is also provided to other growth enhancing measures in the medium term, including incentive programmes in automotive, business process outsourcing, special economic zones, electric vehicle production, clothing and textiles, and other sectors,” he said.
South Africa’s municipalities will also receive adjusted budget allocations to help them address infrastructure needs and improve service delivery.
“In a challenging economic environment – both locally and globally – this year’s budget supports measures to drive growth and relieve the effects of poverty. At the same time, it aims to stabilise public finances and continue to reduce our national debt.
“The budget reflects the priorities of Government’s Medium Term Development Plan, a five-year programme of action that prioritises rapid, inclusive growth, creating a more just society and building state capacity.
“At a time when our singular focus must be the South African people, we need to use the limited resources we have to work together for the common good,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 09:37
135 views
Crime Hits Sanitation Services in Khayelitsha
City of Cape Town teams can only come out when security is available
Critical services continue amid budget consideration
Critical services continue amid budget consideration
National Treasury has moved to assure the public that critical government services will not be affected as Parliament continues to consider the 2025 budget.
This year, the budget was tabled on 12 March, instead of the customary February – eliciting questions and comments on government’s ability to deliver services while budget approval is still being considered.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, National Treasury referred to Section 29 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which allows funds to be withdrawn from the National Revenue Fund if the national annual budget is not passed before the start of the financial year.
“The funds withdrawn from the Revenue Fund may be utilised only for services for which funds were appropriated in the previous annual budget or adjustments budget. Up to 45 percent of the total amount appropriated in the previous annual budget, may be withdrawn from the Revenue Fund.
“During each month thereafter, up to 10 percent of the total amount appropriated in the previous annual budget, may be withdrawn. In aggregate, the amount withdrawn may not exceed the total amount appropriated in the previous annual budget," the department explained.
It added that these funds are not additional to funds appropriated for the relevant financial year, and "any funds withdrawn must be regarded as forming part of the funds appropriated in the annual budget for that financial year.”
Although the financial year starts on 1 April, the department noted that the Appropriation Bill is always passed later.
“This situation means that every year, departments incur spending before the Appropriation Act takes effect. Therefore, as in previous years, government departments will continue to spend as normal because funds may be withdrawn from the National Revenue Fund for the requirements of departments, from 1 April 2025 until the Appropriation Bill for the 2025/26 financial year is passed by Parliament,” the department said.
"Although expenditure may be incurred, it may not be for new requirements. [This means] requirements not funded in the 2024/25 financial year. Any new spending programmes, projects or policy adjustments may only commence after the Appropriation Act is enacted," the department said.
The department emphasised that the public should not be concerned about the delivery of critical government services, including among others, the payment of social grants, while the Parliamentary process for the 2025 Budget is ongoing.
“Despite the flexibility allowed by the Public Finance Management Act, the National Treasury is committed to supporting Parliament in its consideration and timely passage of the 2025 Budget,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:40
321 views
Window for grant recipients to switch to black cards extended
Window for grant recipients to switch to black cards extended
The Postbank has announced a two-month extension for beneficiaries using the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card to switch to the Postbank black card, allowing them to continue accessing their social grants through April and May 2025.
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe stressed that beneficiaries who have not yet replaced their gold cards with the new black Postbank black card now have additional time to make the switch.
Government had initially set the deadline for the transition to the new cards to 28 February after which a second extension was set for 20 March 2025.
Mbengashe said the extension provides relief for those who have not yet completed the card replacement process.
“This is now mainly, of course, to those beneficiaries who have not had the time to go and replace their gold card with the black card. It is quite important as well to note that the usage of the card and how it works remains the same,” she said at a media briefing on Friday.
At the briefing in Pretoria, the CEO warned that after 31 May 2025, there will be no alternative methods to access grants.
Grants will continue to be paid into bank accounts but can only be accessed using the new Postbank black card.
“There will be no new extensions. Therefore, after these two months, there'll be no alternative. If you don't have your black card, you will not be able to access your grant,” she cautioned.
She said the gold SASSA cards still work the same and can be used at all retailers and ATMs through to 31 May 2024.
For those who still need to switch to the black card, there are over 300 national sites available for card replacement.
The sites are primarily located within select outlets of major retailers that include Shoprite, Usave, Shoprite, Spar, Pick ’n Pay and Boxer and beneficiaries can dial *120*355# from any cellphone to locate a nearby site.
According to the CEO, only an ID or temporary ID document is required to get a new card.
She said the sites are currently processing approximately 30 000 card replacements daily and urged beneficiaries not to wait until the last minute to replace their cards.
According to Postbank only 1.3 million of the 2.6 million social grant beneficiaries managed to switch from SASSA gold cards to Postbank black cards.
Mbengashe encouraged those who are still using their SASSA gold cards to not use the Post Office.
“So, we are insisting that people please not use the Post Office. They will not service you if you go to them,” she said, adding that the card can be used at all retailers and ATMs.
She stated that only Mzansi Flexi card customers using the Post Office or asylum seekers can continue to use the Post Office.
“I think the most important thing as we continue to allow people to use their gold card is to emphasise that you must go and still replace this gold card and use these two months to your advantage and your benefit,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 13:59
274 views
SASSA gold card swop deadline extended to end of April 2025
SASSA gold card swop deadline extended to end of April 2025
The deadline for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries to swop their SASSA gold cards for the new Postbank cards has been extended to 30 April 2025.
“The deadline for SASSA beneficiaries to swop their SASSA gold card for the Postbank black card has been extended to 30th April 2025 to allow SASSA and the Department of Social Development to complete the migration of the outstanding beneficiaries,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
The Minister was briefing media following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday.
At the briefing in Pretoria, Ntshavheni said Cabinet received an update on the migration of SASSA grant beneficiaries to the new and secure Postbank black card.
“The Postbank has met eight of the nine requirements of the South African Reserve Bank for paying social grants, and the last outstanding item being the physical replacement of the cards,” she said.
Government had initially set the deadline for the transition to the new cards to 28 February after which a second extension was set for 20 March 2025.
The new Postbank black cards can be obtained at various retailers, including Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer. To receive a new card, beneficiaries need to present a valid South African ID or a temporary ID.
Postbank has also made it easy for beneficiaries to locate the nearest place in every province where they can collect their Postbank Black Cards. Beneficiaries can use their cellphones to:
• Dial: *120*355#
• To continue, reply by pressing number: 1
• Reply with the number representing the province you live in.
The new Postbank black cards offer several benefits, including improved security features, one free card replacement per year, three free withdrawals in stores per month, and one free monthly statement over the counter. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:02
504 views
Days of Protests in Indwe Over Hospital Downgrade
Health MEC assures residents there will be no downgrade if they are against it
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One day left until the SASSA gold card stops working
One day left until the SASSA gold card stops working
Social grant beneficiaries who have not replaced their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards with the new Postbank black cards, have only one day left to make the change, before their gold cards stop working.
After tomorrow, 20 March 2025, SASSA gold cards will be deactivated and beneficiaries who have not yet transitioned to the new Postbank black cards, may face disruptions in making any transactions from the card.
The beneficiaries would also not be able to use the SASSA gold cards to make any transaction, even if they have funds in their account.
Earlier this week, SASSA and Postbank held a media briefing to update on the process of replacing the SASSA gold cards with the Postbank black cards.
Postbank CEO Nikki Mbengashe, explained that after the deadline, beneficiaries will not be able to use SASSA gold cards to buy or withdraw cash inside stores.
“Retailers would not accept the cards for any transactions, and any attempts will result in automatic system transaction declines. Beneficiaries would also not be able to use SASSA gold cards on any ATM. The SASSA gold may be swallowed when inserted in any ATM to attempt a transaction,” Mbengashe said on Monday.
However, the CEO further explained that tomorrow’s deadline is not a cut-off date for when Postbank stops replacing SASSA gold cards.
Postbank will continue replacing SASSA gold cards with new Postbank black cards in all its card replacement sites, even after this date.
“Social grant beneficiaries may still replace their SASSA gold cards with Postbank black cards on, and after, 20th of March 2025.
“To prepare for the next grant payments that are scheduled for 3 to 5 April 2025, SASSA and Postbank encourage beneficiaries to make extra efforts to use the period between now and the payments dates to get their black cards,” Mbengashe said.
How do I access my April Grant payment if I do not have a black card yet?
Postbank and SASSA have assured social grant beneficiaries and the public that the payments of social grants will not be interrupted.
All social grant beneficiaries will continue to be paid, including all the social grant beneficiaries who have not been able to get their black cards.
“Starting from the next grant payments that are scheduled for 3 to 5 April 2025 and onwards, social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their gold cards with Postbank black cards, can go withdraw their grant at their nearest Post Office.
“There are currently 543 Post Office branches countrywide that we are working with. All that one will need to make this withdrawal is their ID (green barcoded ID, smart card ID, or temporary ID),” Mbengashe said.
Mbengashe added that the Post Office branch-based payments are a channel that many of the social grant beneficiaries have used before, and they are familiar with.
Beneficiaries are urged to note that the Post Office branch payments will be restricted to social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their SASSA gold cards, asylum seekers and Postbank green Mzansi/blue cards’ grant beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries who already have Postbank black cards are urged to use their card through ATMs and retailers to access their funds.
The initial deadline for this transition was set for 28 February 2025 but was extended to 20 March 2025 to provide beneficiaries with additional time to make the switch.
To date, over one million beneficiaries have successfully replaced their old SASSA Gold Cards with the new Postbank Black Cards.
Beneficiaries who have not yet made the switch are strongly encouraged to do so immediately to avoid any inconvenience.
The new Postbank Black Cards can be obtained at various retailers, including Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer. To receive a new card, beneficiaries need to present a valid South African ID or a temporary ID.
Postbank has also made it easy for beneficiaries to locate the nearest place in every province where they can collect their Postbank Black Cards. Beneficiaries can use their cellphones to:
- Dial: 120*355#
- To continue, reply by pressing number: 1
- Reply with the number representing the province they live in
The new Postbank Black Cards offer several benefits, including improved security features, one free card replacement per year, three free withdrawals in stores per month, and one free monthly statement over the counter. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 13:23
312 views