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2026 SASSA Grant Increases Confirmed: Full List of New Payment Amounts (Complete Guide)

ByWIKIBIO

South Africans who depend on social grants will receive increased payments in the new financial year. According to the 2026 Budget Review released by the National Treasury, all permanent social grants will increase — except the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

This detailed guide explains:

  • The new SASSA grant amounts for 2026
  • What happens to the SRD grant
  • Government budget allocations for social development
  • What beneficiaries should expect

Social grants are administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

2026 SASSA Grant Increases – Full Breakdown

Below are the confirmed increases announced in the 2026 Budget:

Old Age Grant

  • Current amount: R2,315
  • New amount: R2,400
  • Increase: R85

War Veterans Grant

  • Current amount: R2,335
  • New amount: R2,420
  • Increase: R85

Disability Grant

  • Current amount: R2,315
  • New amount: R2,400
  • Increase: R85

Foster Care Grant

  • Current amount: R1,250
  • New amount: R1,295
  • Increase: R45

Care Dependency Grant

  • Current amount: R2,315
  • New amount: R2,400
  • Increase: R85

Child Support Grant

  • Current amount: R560
  • New amount: R580
  • Increase: R20

Grant-in-Aid

  • Current amount: R560
  • New amount: R580
  • Increase: R20

All these increases apply in the new financial year as outlined in the Budget Review.

What About the SRD Grant in 2026?

The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will remain at:

  • R370 per month

Although the amount does not increase, the SRD grant has been allocated an additional R36.4 billion to extend payments until 31 March 2027 at the current rate of R370 per beneficiary per month.

This means beneficiaries will continue receiving the SRD grant, but without a payment increase.

Social Grants Budget Overview (2026–2029)

According to the 2026 Budget Review:

  • Social grant spending (excluding the SRD grant) will increase from R246.6 billion in 2025/26 to R276.5 billion in 2028/29.
  • The overall Social Development budget will grow by approximately 4.2%, rising from R412.2 billion in 2025/26 to R466.4 billion in 2028/29.

Social grants continue to make up the largest portion of spending within the social development function.

Why Was the Grant Allocation Adjusted?

The Budget Review explains that over the medium term:

  • Grant allocations were adjusted in line with a lower inflation outlook.
  • Improved grant targeting and verification processes are expected to generate savings of R2 billion in 2026/27 and R1 billion in 2027/28.

This suggests stronger fraud detection and verification systems, while maintaining increases for beneficiaries.

When Will the New SASSA Grant Amounts Be Paid?

The increases apply in the new financial year and are typically implemented from April. Beneficiaries will see the new payment amounts reflected in their monthly SASSA payment dates once the new financial year begins.

It is important to follow official announcements from SASSA for confirmed payment schedules.

What This Means for Beneficiaries

For millions of South Africans, these increases provide some relief against rising living costs. While the increases may seem modest, they reflect government efforts to balance fiscal pressures with social protection commitments.

Key points to remember:

  • All permanent grants increase in 2026.
  • The SRD grant remains at R370 but is extended until March 2027.
  • No reapplication is required for the increase — payments adjust automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to reapply to receive the increased amount?
No. If you are already approved for a grant, the increase is automatic.

Is the SRD grant ending?
No. It is extended until 31 March 2027 but remains at R370 per month.

Will SASSA payment dates change?
No major changes are expected, but always confirm official monthly schedules.

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