Government Responds to Demands for R5 000 Increase in SASSA Pension Grant
Calls to increase the SASSA old-age grant to R5,000 per month have ignited a heated national conversation, as economic pressures continue to weigh heavily on South Africa’s senior citizens.
During a presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development, government officials acknowledged the pressing need for increased financial support but emphasized the country’s tight fiscal constraints.
Current SASSA Grant Rates and Concerns
The present old-age pension rates are:
| Age Group | Monthly Grant (Current) | Increase in Oct 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 to 74 years old | R2,310 | R10 increase |
| 75 years and older | R2,330 | R10 increase |
Despite the scheduled R10 increment in October 2025, critics argue that the increase is negligible given the surging cost of essentials like food, utilities, and housing.
Voices from the Ground: Advocating for the Elderly
Riyad Isaac, a well-known social development advocate, presented a compelling case to Parliament.
“R2,300 is simply not enough for survival. Our elders deserve better.”
He stressed that many pensioners lack access to formal retirement funds and survive solely on SASSA grants. In rural and underdeveloped regions, the situation is dire, with some seniors depending on community food parcels and donations to meet basic needs.
Isaac painted a stark picture:
“If we look past race and class, we’ll see vulnerable people who once built this country now living in deep poverty.”
Government’s Financial Struggles and Limitations
Dr. Maureen Mogotsi, the Acting Chief Director at the Department of Social Development, sympathized with the situation but delivered a sobering financial reality.
- Total budget for social grants (2025/26): R284.7 billion
- Old-age grant beneficiaries: 4.1 million
- COVID-19 SRD grant recipients: 8.5 million
Mogotsi explained that raising the pension to R5,000 would add R246 billion in expenditure — nearly doubling the current grant allocation.
“We’re between a rock and a hard place,” she said. “The financial impact would be overwhelming.”
Balancing Limited Resources Across Vulnerable Groups
Dr. Mogotsi highlighted that the old-age grant is already the highest among all SASSA benefits, even exceeding the Upper Bound Poverty Line.
In contrast, the Child Support Grant remains below the Food Poverty Line, although child poverty is more prevalent.
She posed a difficult question:
“Do we assist the elderly first, or prioritize children and the unemployed?”
The government faces impossible choices with its limited resources.
Demographic Pressures and the Ageing Population
South Africa’s senior population is growing steadily. As of 2023:
- People aged 60 and older: Approx. 5.5 million
- Gender imbalance: Majority are women
- Western Cape: Highest proportion of elderly (10.8% of population)
This ageing trend increases pressure on an already burdened welfare system and highlights the urgent need for long-term retirement planning.
Is an Incremental Increase a Practical Solution?
Isaac suggested a R500 monthly increase as a more feasible compromise. This idea has received support from social activists and some MPs, although the final decision depends on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).
While this proposed rise may not meet the R5,000 mark, it could still provide immediate relief to millions of pensioners struggling to afford basic living costs.
While South Africa’s elderly face escalating economic hardships, a full SASSA grant increase to R5,000 seems financially unrealistic in the near term. The government acknowledges the need for reform but is limited by budget realities.
As the cost of living continues to climb and the senior population grows, incremental increases may be the most viable path forward. Sustainable solutions are crucial to ensure that South Africa’s pensioners can live with dignity and security in their later years.
FAQs
What is the current SASSA old-age pension amount?
The grant is R2,310 per month for individuals aged 60–74 and R2,330 for those aged 75 and above.
Will the old-age grant increase in 2025?
Yes, the grant is scheduled to increase by R10 in October 2025, though this has been criticized as inadequate.
Why can’t the government raise the grant to R5,000?
The government cites budget constraints, stating that increasing the grant to R5,000 would require an additional R246 billion, nearly doubling current social grant spending.