SASSA grant recipients have called for additional financial assistance during the festive season, saying their regular monthly payments are not enough to cover household expenses throughout December.
Comments posted on The South African’s Facebook page show support for proposals to give pensioners an additional payment, with several beneficiaries describing a Christmas bonus as necessary to help families manage holiday expenses.
Sasha May called for pensioners to receive a 13th cheque or a double payment during the festive period.
Other users supported the suggestion, including Soufie Dir, who agreed with the proposal.
Andre Van Der Merwe also called for an additional Christmas payment, describing the festive season as an important time for families.
Kholeke Rafa similarly appealed for a bonus, saying beneficiaries were waiting for additional support.
Older Persons Grant Currently Pays R2,400
SASSA grant amounts are determined through the national Budget, with the current payment schedule covering the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Under the current rates, recipients of the Older Persons Grant receive R2,400 per month.
The increase in 2026 was R80, lower than the R130 adjustment implemented in 2025, when government increased permanent grants amid pressure on households from VAT-related costs.
December has 31 days, meaning pensioners aged between 60 and 74 have approximately R77 per day from their monthly grant to cover expenses such as food, transport and electricity.
The amount may also need to support other household members and additional costs associated with the festive season.
Families Also Seek More Support for Children
Calls for extra assistance have extended beyond pensioners, with beneficiaries also raising concerns about the cost of supporting children during the holidays.
Maryanne Jansen expressed hope that families receiving child-related grants would receive additional assistance in December.
The Child Support Grant currently stands at R580 per month. Some households rely on a combination of pension and child support payments to meet their monthly expenses.
SASSA Warns Beneficiaries to Check Official Announcements
Grant recipients have been advised to rely on official SASSA communication for information about payment dates, grant increases or possible additional payments.
Messages circulating on social media that promise festive bonuses should be treated with caution, as false payment announcements commonly appear during December.
No additional festive payment is confirmed in the information provided by SASSA.
