Inflation increases the prices of goods and services each year, making it harder for people to afford daily essentials. In South Africa, this growing issue affects everyone, but it’s especially challenging for those relying on fixed incomes like social grants.

For example, while the SASSA SRD grant increased from R350 to R370 in 2024, the rise in living costs has outpaced this adjustment. Essentials like bread, electricity, and transport have become significantly more expensive, leaving beneficiaries with less buying power than before.

Inflation not only reduces the value of grants but also puts more pressure on already stretched household budgets. To keep up, recipients often check their SASSA SRD status to ensure they receive payments on time, but the question remains: Are these amounts enough to cover basic needs in an inflation-driven economy?