How to Survive a Month With SASSA Grant as a Family?

Can a single social grant cover food, rent, school, and transport for everyone? It feels impossible but with careful budgeting, smarter spending, and small changes, you can make it work. Here’s a practical plan to help your family survive the month on a SASSA grant, one week at a time.

Understanding SASSA Grant Payments (2025 Update)

Before planning anything, you must know what you’re working with. SASSA grants differ based on the type of support you receive. Here are the updated amounts as of April 2025:

Grant Type	Amount (April 2025)
Older Persons (60–74)	R2,310
Older Persons (75+)	R2,330
Disability Grant	R2,310
Care Dependency Grant	R2,310
War Veterans Grant	R2,330
Foster Care Grant	R1,250
Child Support Grant	R560

If you’re supporting a household of four or more with these amounts, managing money well becomes non-negotiable.

Step-by-Step: How to Budget Your SASSA Grant

1. List All Monthly Income Sources

Start by writing down everything you earn not just the SASSA grant. Include:

• Money from side jobs
• Child maintenance
• Family contributions
• Rental income (if any)

This full picture helps you plan realistically.

2. Separate Essential and Non-Essential Expenses

Use two columns:

• Essential: food, rent, electricity, transport, school needs.
• Non-Essential: takeaways, TV subscriptions, non-urgent clothes, airtime.

Focus on essentials first.

3. Create a Spending Plan

Now, assign your income to each essential category. Prioritise:

• Food: R1,000–R1,500 (buy in bulk and plan meals)
• Electricity/Water: R400–R700
• Transport: R200–R500 (use public transport)
• School Needs: R100–R300

Adjust based on your actual family size and lifestyle.

4. Track Everything Weekly

Use a notebook or budget app. Note every cent spent. That way, you’ll see where money leaks and where you can cut back next month.

Ways to Reduce Household Expenses

A. Save on Groceries

• Buy in bulk from wholesalers or local markets.
• Plan meals in advance to avoid waste.
• Use leftovers creatively stretch a stew for two days.
• Avoid buying snacks or cold drinks these eat up your budget fast.
• Join food-sharing groups or community co-ops if available in your area.

B. Lower Utility Costs

• Switch off appliances when not in use.
• Boil water once, store in flasks.
• Use cold water for laundry where possible.
• Limit water usage: short showers, collect rainwater for the garden.

C. Transport Tips

• Use a taxi or minibus instead of Uber or private cars.
• Walk or cycle for short distances to save money.
• Plan errands to reduce repeat trips.

Healthcare and School Savings

Use Government Clinics

They offer free or low-cost medical services. Keep records for quicker service next time.

Medication

• Ask pharmacies for generic medicines they’re cheaper and work the same.
• Some clinics provide monthly meds in advance, saving travel money.

Save on School Costs

• Apply for no-fee schools.
• Seek out uniform banks where parents exchange second-hand clothes.
• Use public libraries instead of buying books.

Boosting Your Income While on a SASSA Grant

You can’t depend on the grant alone. Small extra income sources go a long way.

1. Sell or Resell Items

• Buy in bulk and sell in your area.
• Sell vegetables, snacks, or second-hand goods.

2. Offer a Service

• Babysitting, sewing, ironing, cleaning, or hair plaiting.
• Charge fair prices and build trust.

3. Try Freelancing

If you have phone or internet access, offer:

• Translation services
• Data entry
• Digital designs
• Online tutoring

Platforms like Sweatcoin, Upwork, or Fiverr are free to use.

Long-Term Planning With a Small Income

Even with a tight budget, planning ahead brings peace of mind.

1. Build an Emergency Fund

Save R20–R50 per month, even if it feels small. It will help during illness, funeral costs, or school emergencies.

2. Get Basic Funeral Cover

Funeral policies can cost under R100/month and reduce the burden on your family later.

3. Learn a New Skill

• Take free or low-cost courses.
• Libraries, NGOs, and churches sometimes offer free training.
• Use your skill to earn part-time income.

Weekly Survival Plan With a SASSA Grant (Example)

Week	Spending Focus	Tips
Week 1	Groceries & rent	Bulk shop, pay rent upfront
Week 2	Transport & school costs	Plan routes, pack lunches
Week 3	Electricity & water	Buy prepaid units, conserve usage
Week 4	Emergencies or saving	Use only if needed, else save it

This structure keeps you on track, and helps you avoid borrowing or running short by month-end.

Key Tools and Resources

• SASSA Website: www.sassa.gov.za
• Department of Social Development: For local grant info.
• NGOs like The Black Sash: Free financial rights advice.
  • 📧 help@blacksash.org.za
  • 📞 072 66 33 73

Conclusion

Living on a SASSA grant is tough but it’s not impossible. With a detailed budget, clear priorities, and cost-saving habits, you can stretch your grant to cover a month for your whole family. The key is being strict with spending, finding small extra income, and planning every week. Use what you have wisely and always think ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I save money from a small grant?

Start by saving just R10–R20 weekly. Use sealed containers or bank savings accounts that don’t charge high fees.

Q: Can I run a business while receiving a SASSA grant?

Yes, but if your income becomes too high, you must report it to avoid losing your grant unfairly.

Q: Are there food parcels available for SASSA beneficiaries?

Yes, some NGOs and community groups offer food support. Contact your local social worker or municipality.

Q: What happens if my grant finishes before month-end?

Seek temporary help from local churches, soup kitchens, or apply for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) support.

Q: Can I get help with school fees while on SASSA?

Yes, apply for fee exemptions at public schools and NSFAS if your child goes to college.