Living on a SASSA grant can be challenging, especially when the cost of living continues to rise. Whether you receive the SASSA Old Age Grant, Child Support Grant, or the R370 SRD grant, making your money stretch is key to ensuring your basic needs are met. The good news is that with some planning and discipline, you can manage your finances and even save a little for emergencies or future goals.
In this post, we’ll break down simple and practical saving tips to help you budget on a SASSA grant—whether it's R370 or R2,000 per month. Let’s get started!
1. Understand Your Income and Expenses
The first step to budgeting is understanding how much money you have coming in and where it’s going. Take a pen and paper, or use your phone, and write down:
- How much you receive from SASSA every month.
- Any other sources of income, like part-time work, family contributions, or small business income.
Track Your Expenses
Next, track your expenses for at least one month. Include things like:
- Rent or home expenses
- Electricity, water, and prepaid airtime
- Transport or taxi fare
- Groceries
- School fees or children’s expenses
- Debt repayments
- Funeral policy contributions
Once you know where your money is going, you’ll be able to identify where you can cut back and save.
2. Create a Monthly Budget Plan
Now that you know your expenses, you need a spending plan. Your budget helps you:
- Avoid unnecessary spending
- Ensure your needs are met first
- Prevent running out of money before the month ends
Budget Example on an SRD Grant (R370)
- Groceries (maize meal, sugar, tea): R150
- Electricity (prepaid): R100
- Transport for job-seeking: R50
- Phone/Data (cheap WhatsApp bundle): R30
- Emergency savings: R40
No matter how little you have, allocating every rand ensures you control your money.
3. Prioritize Needs Over Wants
When your budget is tight, it’s important to focus on needs rather than wants.
Needs:
- Food
- Shelter
- Basic clothing
- Healthcare
- Transport (to school, work, clinic)
Wants:
- New shoes when you already have two pairs
- Expensive hairstyles
- Takeaways and snacks
- Alcohol and cigarettes
- DSTV when you can use free TV or YouTube
Cutting out or reducing spending on wants can free up money for savings or emergencies.
4. Shop Smart and Save on Groceries
Groceries are one of the biggest expenses for any family. Here are tips to save:
Buy in Bulk:
When you can, buy larger packs of staple foods like maize meal, rice, sugar, and flour. Bulk buying is often cheaper in the long run.
Stick to the Basics:
Buy nutritious, filling, and affordable foods:
- Maize meal
- Rice
- Beans and lentils (cheap protein)
- Cabbage, carrots, potatoes (long-lasting veggies)
Avoid Processed Foods:
Chips, cooldrinks, and sweets are expensive and offer little nutrition. Focus on meals you cook at home.
Use Loyalty Cards:
Shops like Shoprite, Boxer, and Pick n Pay offer loyalty programs. Use these cards to get discounts and rewards.
5. Save on Electricity and Water
Utilities can eat into your grant quickly. Here’s how to cut costs:
Electricity Tips:
- Cook with a lid on pots to save power.
- Boil water once and keep it in a flask.
- Switch off lights when you leave the room.
- Use energy-efficient LED bulbs.
Water Tips:
- Fix leaking taps.
- Collect rainwater for washing clothes.
- Don’t let the tap run while brushing teeth.
These small habits add up over time!
6. Find Free or Cheap Entertainment
Entertainment doesn’t have to cost money. Here are some ideas:
- Watch SABC channels or listen to community radio.
- Join community groups that offer free activities.
- Visit local parks or attend free events at churches or community centres.
- Get free books from libraries.
Avoid expensive outings or regular visits to bars that can drain your budget.
7. Avoid Debt (If You Can)
Loan sharks (mashonisas) or borrowing from friends can seem like a quick fix but often lead to more problems.
If you already have debt:
- Try to pay it off as soon as possible.
- Avoid borrowing again unless it’s an absolute emergency.
If you need to borrow, consider safer options:
- Stokvels or trusted community savings groups.
- Family with no interest expectations.
8. Start Saving – No Matter How Small
Even R10 a month is a start! Here’s how to start saving:
- Use a piggy bank at home.
- Open a basic savings account (Capitec or TymeBank are affordable).
- Join a stokvel or saving club in your area.
Savings help you:
- Prepare for emergencies (funerals, school fees, illness)
- Buy school clothes or supplies
- Start a small business in the future
9. Make Extra Money (Side Hustles)
Your grant may not be enough, but there are ways to make extra income:
- Sell vetkoek, atchar, or sweets at school or taxi ranks.
- Start a laundry service or cleaning business.
- Offer child-minding for working parents.
- Make beads, crafts, or sewing items to sell.
- Help others apply for SASSA grants or SRD and charge a small fee.
Use free social media like Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp groups to advertise your service.
10. Get Help When You Need It
If your grant isn’t enough, don’t be afraid to ask for help:
- Visit your local clinic for free health services.
- Apply for food parcels from churches, NGOs, or community centres.
- Reach out to social workers who can assist with additional resources.
SASSA itself also provides temporary assistance (called Social Relief of Distress) in emergencies like fires, floods, or loss of income.
Final Thoughts
Living on a SASSA grant isn’t easy, but with careful budgeting, prioritising needs, and finding smart ways to save, you can make the most of what you have. Start by understanding your expenses, creating a plan, and sticking to it.
Remember: even small savings today can help you build a better future tomorrow!