How Much Did Social Grants Increase in 2026?

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disburses various social grants to eligible citizens.

These grants provide a crucial lifeline for many South Africans, particularly the most vulnerable.

To help with rising living costs, the government announced increases to most social grants in the February 2026 Budget.

This article sets out what each grant pays after the April 2026 increases.

What are the types of SASSA social grants?

SASSA administers a variety of social grants to cater to the diverse needs of South Africans.

Here’s a list of the most common grants:

1. Older Persons Grant: This grant provides financial support to South African citizens aged 60 and over.
2. Disability Grant: This grant provides support to individuals with disabilities.
3. Child Support Grant: This grant supports the primary caregivers of children aged 0-18 years.
4. Foster Care Grant: This grant provides financial assistance to caregivers of orphaned or abandoned children placed in foster care.
5. Care Dependency Grant: This grant supports individuals requiring full-time care due to a severe disability.
6. War Veterans Grant: This grant provides financial assistance to South African war veterans.
7. COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: This temporary grant was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide relief to unemployed individuals.

How much did social grants increase in 2026?

The April 2026 social grant increases were:

1. Older persons, disability and care dependency grants: up R80 to R2 400 a month. War veterans: R2 420.
2. Child support grant and grant-in-aid: up R20 to R580 a month.

Foster child grant: R1 290 a month.

SRD grant: unchanged at R370 a month, and extended to 31 March 2027.

What is the current amount of the Older Persons Grant?

All of these amounts took effect with the April 2026 payment run.

The older persons grant is R2,400 a month (R2,420 from age 75). Only the foster child grant rises again in October 2026, to R1,300.

How do I know if I qualify for a social grant increase?

All existing SASSA grant recipients will automatically receive the increased amount. You don’t need to reapply for the grant.

SASSA will communicate any changes to your grant payment directly through their official channels.

Where To find more about SASSA social grants?

SASSA offers a lot of information on their website.

Here, you can find details on the various grants, eligibility criteria, application processes, and contact information for regional offices.

Also, the Department of Social Development website provides resources and information on social welfare programs in South Africa.

How can I contact SASSA if I have questions about my social grant?

SASSA offers several ways to get in touch:

1. SASSA National Toll-Free Line: 0800 60 10 11
2. Local SASSA Offices: You can find contact details for your nearest SASSA office on the SASSA website.
3. Email: SASSA has a regional email enquiry service which you can reach at grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za. Contact details are available on the website.