Gladys Tshuma says her monthly SASSA Older Person’s Grant cannot even cover her household’s utility bills, let alone feed the family members who depend on her.
The Gauteng pensioner, who is over 65, shared her experience in The South African’s SASSA grant survey. She receives the grant and uses it to support five people in a shared family home.
Utility bills swallow the SASSA grant
Tshuma says the R2 400 she receives each month falls short before she even reaches the shops.
“I wish the Older people’s share could be increased a little, the R2400 is very small,” Tshuma said.
“One can only buy small items and you go empty handed for the whole of the month. The water and electric bills are more than this amount.”
Despite the shortfall, she stresses that she values the support.
“We are still grateful but struggling a lot,” she added.
Money runs out before the next payment
Tshuma has received the grant for more than three years. She spreads it across food, utilities and household necessities, but says it does not cover her basic needs. She regularly runs out of money before the month ends.
Her biggest financial worry is the rising cost of living, especially food prices. While no one in her household went without food in the past month, she says she still struggles to make ends meet.
Payments run smoothly, but the system still frustrates
Tshuma says her own grant payments have been straightforward, and she rates SASSA’s communication with recipients as adequate.
However, she lists several challenges recipients face, including gathering the required documents, long queues at SASSA offices, checking application status, payment delays or card issues, and knowing when to renew or reapply.
If she could change one thing about SASSA, Tshuma would increase the grant amount.
For pensioners like her, the monthly payment has to keep the lights on, the taps running and food on the table for an entire household, and right now it cannot stretch that far.
Win R2 000 in the South African SASSA grant survey
If you receive a SASSA grant and want to share your story, we want to hear from you.
Take part in our survey and stand a chance to win R2 000. Your responses help us tell the stories that matter.
