As December approaches, millions of South Africans who rely on grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) are eager to know when they will receive their payments. The agency has officially confirmed the payment schedule for December, ensuring that recipients are prepared for the festive season. However, there are some notable changes this month, especially for those receiving the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
SASSA has confirmed that grant payments will begin on 3 December, with different grants being paid out on specific dates throughout the month. However, SRD grant recipients will not receive their payment on the usual 25th of the month as they have in the past. Instead, SRD beneficiaries can expect to receive their payment between 17 and 23 December, just in time for the Christmas season.
The agency has also clarified that there will be no double payment for SRD recipients in December. This means those who receive the SRD grant will only receive their payment for December and will not receive a payment for both December and January at once. The next SRD payment will be made at the beginning of January 2025.
Payment Breakdown for December
Here is the full schedule for SASSA’s December payments:
- 3 December – Older Persons Grant
- 4 December – Disability Grant
- 5 December – Children’s Grant
- 17 to 23 December – Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
For the new year, payments will be as follows:
- 3 January 2025 – Older Persons Grant
- 6 January 2025 – Disability Grant
- 7 January 2025 – Children’s Grant
How Much Will Recipients Receive?
Grant amounts for December are as follows:
- Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and Care Dependency Grant: R2,190
- War Veterans Grant and Older Persons (75 years and older): R2,210
- Foster Care Grant: R1,180
- Child Support Grant: R530
- Child Support Grant (Top-Up): R530 + R250
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: R370
In good news for SRD recipients, the grant will be processed earlier than usual this year, allowing many to have some financial relief in time for Christmas. The SRD grant, typically paid from the 25th onward, will instead be paid between 17 and 23 December, giving recipients a much-needed boost ahead of the holidays.
While these payment dates provide some clarity, many South Africans remain frustrated with the ongoing challenges at SASSA. There has been growing discontent among the public, with reports of poor service at SASSA branches. One particularly vocal incident reported by Briefly News involved an elderly woman who was left standing outside a closed branch, leading to outrage from others who felt they were not receiving the level of service they deserved. Many netizens have expressed frustration with what they perceive as poor attitudes from some SASSA employees, exacerbating the tension surrounding grant distributions.
Despite these concerns, SASSA’s announcement of the December and January payment schedule is a welcome step towards providing grant recipients with the certainty they need as the festive season approaches.
With over 18 million people relying on some form of financial assistance from SASSA, timely and efficient payments remain crucial, especially during this time of year when many families face increased financial strain.
As December unfolds, recipients will be hoping for smooth, hassle-free payments, and that the agency continues to improve its service delivery in the months ahead.
