The 50-day problem that New Year SASSA grants sidestep

Recipients of New Year SASSA grants will break the interminably long gap between December 2024 and January 2025 paydays. Here’s how …

It's time for cheer as New Year SASSA grants do something that paid employees could only wish for. Image: File/Fotor

Beneficiaries of New Year SASSA grants should have plenty to rejoice about come Friday 3 January 2025 (when the first Older Person stipends of the year are paid). The reason for this is New Year SASSA grants actually sidestep a tricky problem that only paid employees in South Africa face over the festive season.

Essentially, anyone who is employed receiving a monthly salary has nearly a 50-day wait between December 2024 and January 2025 pay dates to endure. Making your salary last nearly double the length of time it usually does is no easy task over the festive season. Thankfully, for SASSA beneficiaries in 2025, they face no such hardship with January welfare payments taking place as per normal from the 3^rd to 7^th (more on this below).

NEW YEAR SASSA GRANTS

Most monthly salaries in South Africa are paid between the 25^th and last day of the month. However, the December 2024 will prove the exception, with salaries – and bonusses, if you’re lucky enough – most likely paid into bank accounts this week on Friday the 13^th, reports Business Tech.

That may seem excellent, and you’re bank balance will no doubt look amazing in the third week of December 2024. However, festive season celebrations, school holidays and that much-needed getaway from the daily rigours of life often leave households stretched thin. More so this year with a massive 50-day gap spanning your last 2024 and first 2025 paycheque.

JANU-WORRY 2025

Major South African banks warn that this 50-day gap could present a worry for households over the festive season. Likewise, early January tends to add financial pressure with additional spending on school or university preparation for children still in the home. Interestingly, research notes that this phenomenon is prevalent in middle- to lower-income sectors. And that higher-middle and high-income earners are able to stretch their budgets nearly twice as long as others.

Presumably this is possible because they have so much money to begin with. Nevertheless, those in line for New Year SASSA grants need not worry. Because there is no 50-day marathon in wait for them. It will be business as usual for South African Social Security Agency payments.

PAYMENT DATES IN 2025

The first three months’ worth of New Year SASSA grants are to be distributed like so:

JANUARY 2025

Older Persons Grants: (60 to 74) R2 190 and (75) R2 210 – Friday 3 January 2025.
Disability Grants R2 190 – Monday 6 January 2025.
Children’s Grants: Child Support R530, Foster Child R1 190, Care Dependency R2 190 – Tuesday 7 January 2025.

FEBRUARY 2025

Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 February 2025.
Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 February 2025.
Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 February 2025.

MARCH 2025

Older Persons Grants: Tuesday 4 March 2025.
Disability Grants: Wednesday 5 March 2025.
Children’s Grants: Thursday 6 March 2025.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2025

No matter if you’re receiving a paycheque or New Year SASSA grants, all South Africans should be mindful of their spending over the holidays. Resist impulse buys and try to budget accordingly to avoid facing financial stress in Janu-worry. Experts say you should take into account not only projected holiday expenses but also those recurring, habitual items that still occur over yearend.

Having said that, if you’re eligible, remember to present the following documents when making an application for New Year SASSA grants. These are to confirm any asset and means test requirements for the grant:

Official bar-coded identity document (ID) – smart card or green booklet.
Documents proving marital status.
Proof of residence (utility bill with your name on it).
Confirmation of your proof of income/financial dividends.
Any relevant information regarding your assets, including a valuation of your property.
Declaration of any private pension (if applicable).
Valid three months’ statements certified by your bank (no older than three months).
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous employer.
A copy of your will, and first/final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.

CONTACT SASSA HERE

SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Or email: president@presidency.gov.za

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO SAVE MONEY?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Or WhatsApp your thoughts on this article to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow The South African for the latest FREE-to-read content.