South African’s receiving a SASSA social grant, should note the following important increases in the 2026/27 financial year.

According to the 2026 Budget Review, most grants administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will increase from April 2026, providing additional relief to households facing rising living costs. The government of South Africa has allocated R292.8 billion to support millions of vulnerable citizens.

Confirmed grant increases for 2026:

From April 2026, the following social grant increases will apply:

• Old age grant will rise from R2 315 to R2 400 (an R80 increase). Read more about the old age grant/ pension here.
• War veterans grant will increase from R2 335 to R2 420 (an R80 increase). Read more about the war veterans grant here.
• Disability grant will go up from R2 315 to R2 400 (an R80 increase). Read more about the disability grant here.
• Care dependency grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400 (an R80 increase). Read more about the care dependency grant here.
• Foster care grant will increase from R1 250 to R1 295 in April (a R45 increase), with a further adjustment to R1 300 in October (an additional R5 increase). Read more about the foster child grant here.
• Child support grant will rise from R560 to R580 (a R20 increase). Read more about the child support grant here.
• Grant-in-aid will increase from R560 to R580 (a R20 increase). Read more about the grant-in-aid here.

Will the SRD Grant increase in 2026?

One grant that will not increase is the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. The SRD grant will remain at R370 per month and has been extended until 31 March 2027. Government has allocated an additional R36.4 billion to ensure payments continue in their current form.

Facts about social grants in South Africa

Social grants are the biggest part of the government’s social development spending. If we do not count the SRD grant, spending on social grants will grow from R246.6 billion in 2025/26 to R276.5 billion in 2028/29. The total Social Development budget will also increase by 4.2%, from R412.2 billion to R466.4 billion over the next few years. This money helps fight poverty and pays for welfare services, social insurance, and support programmes for children, women, young people, older persons, and people with disabilities.

SASSA payment safety checks

At the same time, National Treasury is putting stricter rules in place to prevent fraud and make sure only people who qualify receive grants. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) now uses better biometric checks (like fingerprint or identity verification) for new applicants. They have also checked millions of bank accounts and income records. By December 2025, many accounts were reviewed, and some grants were reduced or cancelled because the people no longer qualified.

The 2026 grant increases will give much-needed financial help to millions of South Africans. At the same time, stronger checks will help protect the system so that it stays fair and sustainable for the future.

article source: SA News Gov ZA