SASSA R350 increase to 624 [What’s Truth]

SASSA will increase the Social Relief of Distress grant, and it felt like a delight, hell yes! Planned things that were under rocks, but is it true that SASSA R350 increased to 624? I wondered when a  notification popped up on my screen. 

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides SRD grants to those residents who suffer financially and lack income streams to meet their basic needs.

Various controversies are roaming the media about when the SASSA R350 will increase to 624. Here, we will discuss how it started and some facts regarding the SRD grant. 

Fasten your seatbelts—let’s dive in!

We lost the SRD grant of R350 of SASSA

While doing laundry, I was deeply involved in the climax of a mystery novel, my favorite one. I encountered a notification that popped up on my mobile screen. SASSA R350 increased to 624—-a false news. 

My head got stuck because I heard it was true. What happened? 

Well, I found a series of dots that would solve this puzzle. 

Social Media Controversy or Reality?

Social media has made life easy. We approach things quickly. The authorities said that the increase in SRD grants is not valid. Some locals make it to get some views on the internet. 

However, seeing the facts,  this statement was delivered by the Social development minister, Lindiwe Zulu, on 16 August 2022. The purpose of this step is to increase the horizon to more people. So that the majority can qualify for this fund. 

The honorable news media of South Africa, news24, and the Guardian, conveyed her message impulsively. 

They quoted her words:

“Having made the changes to the Disaster Management Act, we see that the numbers of people being paid the SRD are increasing.”

“Most importantly, we increased the income mean threshold from R350 to R624, and today we can announce that 7.5 million are receiving the benefit monthly, and we are approaching the level that we will be committed to, namely 10.5 million people.”

Meanwhile, the government beneficiaries estimated the revenue later. On 10 October 2022, they got an insane number of applications. Due to the low threshold, more than 50% of applications were rejected, limiting the ratio of people. 

“Out of 11.4 million applicants for June, only 5.2 million beneficiaries were approved. It represents less than 50% of the applications,” she said. 

Consideration for adjustment for SASSA R350 increase to 624

Moreover, she pointed out that to increase the threshold, certain adjustments are needed.

“We increased the means test threshold from R350 to R624, which is in line with the estimated Food Poverty Line for 2022 … We may have to consider a further adjustment to the threshold to enable more applicants to qualify for the benefit,” Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said in a statement.

All things happened side by side. So we can say it is not a rumor but the department’s negligence. Well, the attentions were right.

SRD grant can’t be increased to R624 per month—Stated fact

While asking questions regarding the delaying of SASSA R350 increases to 624, a social department member replied that due to “fiscal constraints,” the request was not considered. 

One of the major setbacks of this grant is inflation. More than 40% of the population is living below the poverty line. 

Who can receive the SRD grant R350? 

You should know the rules to understand the R350 SASSA grant’s concept. It is delivered to the residents of SA, Asylum seekers, and refugees—people suffering from low economic conditions. The government supports them by providing SRD R350 grants. 

Those who earn nothing or less than R350 can apply for this. The process is digitalized, and no documentation is necessary. After reviewing the required documents, you become eligible to receive the grant. 

Will the SASSA R350 grant increase in 2023?

3 months later, we will enter 2024. According to authorities, March 2023 was the month in which they were going to apply the regulation. However, it did not happen.

It will not increase this year. Well, it might be possible March 2024 will be the hit point for the rookies. 

Conclusion

The SASSA R350 increase to 624 update revolves around the Social Department and the country’s inflation condition. More people will qualify for this program, which can increase the burden on the economy. 

SASSA R350 increase to 624 news was true by the authorities, but it could not go to accomplishment. The discussed news media statistics can help you explore the SRD grant of R350 more daily. 

FAQs

What is the SASSA R350 increase to 624 update?

The social department is taking steps regarding the SASSA R350 increase to 624 update. Still, no date has been announced for the increment.

Is SASSA R350 increased to R700?

SASSA R350 increase to 624, now to R700, is no more than a rumor on social media. Unfortunately, it is not issued by SASSA and is considered fake news. 

Is the SASSA R350 grant taxable?

The SASSA SRD grant was considered taxable income, typically not subject to personal income tax.

What should I do if I receive the SASSA R350 grant after I have found employment?

If you can pay your bills, it’s necessary to inform SASSA. After getting employment, receiving the SRD grant may lead to legal and financial complications.