South Africa: Increases in Social Grants Welcomed As a Lifeline for SA's Most Vulnerable

26 February 2026
SAnews.gov.za (Tshwane)

The South African Social Security Agency has welcomed the increase in social grant amounts announced by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday.

All social grants, barring the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, will increase in the next financial year.

The grant increases are as follows:

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

  • Old age grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400.
  • War veterans grant will increase from R2 335 to R2 420.
  • Disability grant will go up from R2 315 to R2 400.
  • Foster care grant rises from R1 250 to R1 295.
  • Care dependency grant will increase from R2 315 to R2 400.
  • Child support grant will go up from R560 to R580.
  • The grant-in-aid will increase from R560 to R580.

The SRD grant will remain at R370, with payments to continue until next year.

Read I Social grants to increase

"We welcome the announcement by Minister Godongwana. Social grants provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in society. This much needed increase will help cushion our valued social grant beneficiaries against economic hardships," said SASSA Chief Executive Officer Themba Matlou.

He said it reaffirms government's commitment to alleviating poverty and inequality.

Matlou further welcomed that the SRD grant will continue in its current form. He noted that the grant provides financial support and acts as a safety net for the most vulnerable in society and unemployed people who are of working age.

"We are working tirelessly to connect social grant beneficiaries with economic opportunities thus ensuring sustainable livelihoods," said Matlou.

Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2026 SAnews.gov.za. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.