2026 Budget: Social grants increased as SASSA stamps out fraud

While the increases are lower than in previous years, South African social grants are being raised in line with inflation to support millions of vulnerable citizens.

KEY GRANT ADJUSTMENTS

According to the 2026 Budget tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday afternoon by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, the following adjustments will take effect:

Old Age Pension: Increasing by R85 to R2,400 per month.

Disability Grant: Increasing by R85 to R2,400 per month.

War Veterans Grant: Increasing to R2,420 per month.

Foster Care Grant: Increasing to R1,295.

Child Support Grant: Increasing to R580.

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: Remaining unchanged at R370 for another year.

FISCAL COMMITMENT AND SYSTEM INTEGRITY

Social grants continue to constitute the largest share of spending on social development. Excluding the SRD grant, which was introduced six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, government will spend R292.8 billion this year on grants for 26.5 million beneficiaries.

Godongwana issued a stern warning that abuse of the system will not be tolerated.

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"Honourable Members, we are committed to improving access for the many South Africans deserving and eligible for social support. Abuse of the system will not be tolerated."

FRAUD PREVENTION AND SAVINGS

Following strict conditions set by the Treasury for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), a rigorous verification process was implemented.

Although this process caused significant disruptions at offices nationwide last year, it has resulted in the cancellation of 34,661 grants.

The minister noted that these security measures are a fiscal necessity.

"Enhanced targeting of social grants and authentication of beneficiaries to reduce fraud in the grant system will yield R3 billion of savings."