South Africa’s 26 million social grant beneficiaries are getting an increase from April 2026 — but not one as big as last year’s. Finance Minister confirmed that the Old Age grant will rise to R2,400 and Child Support to R580. While the increases are slightly above inflation, they fall short of the R130 boost pensioners received in 2025.
This year’s message is clear: grants are going up — just not as dramatically as before.
New SASSA grant amounts from 1 April 2026
Here’s exactly what changes:
| Grant | Current | New Amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age | R2,315 | R2,400 | +R85 |
| War Veterans | R2,335 | R2,420 | +R85 |
| Disability | R2,315 | R2,400 | +R85 |
| Foster Care | R1,250 | R1,295 | +R45 |
| Care Dependency | R2,315 | R2,400 | +R85 |
| Child Support | R560 | R580 | +R20 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R560 | R580 | +R20 |
| SRD | R370 | R370 | No change |
Government will spend about R292.8 billion on social grants in the 2026/27 financial year. Of that, R36.9 billion is allocated to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
To compare with last year, you can check our detailed review of all eight SASSA grant increases in 2025.
Smaller than 2025 — here’s the difference
To understand why some people feel disappointed, you have to look at last year.
In 2025:
- Old Age, Disability and War Veterans grants increased by R130
- Child Support increased by R30
In 2026:
- Old Age & Disability increase by R85
- Child Support increases by R20
That means the 2026 increase is still positive — but clearly more modest.
Why “above inflation” still matters
Inflation is currently sitting at about 3.5%, according to the latest South Africa consumer inflation report..
The 2026 increases range between 3.6% and 3.7%.
That means grants are rising slightly faster than prices.
In simple terms: beneficiaries are not losing buying power — but they are not getting a major real increase either.
Treasury expects inflation to ease slightly in the next two years. But risks remain, including global instability, electricity costs and food price shocks.
So government appears to be playing it safe this year.
What about the SRD R370 grant?
The SRD grant remains at R370 per month.
President has previously said the grant will eventually be transformed into a permanent “livelihoods grant.”
For now:
- It stays at R370
- Funding is allocated for 2026/27
- More details are expected later this year
The SRD was also extended in 2025, but without an increase.
How many people depend on SASSA?
Projected beneficiaries for 2026/27:
- Child Support: 12.6 million
- Old Age & War Veterans: 4.27 million
- Disability: 1.07 million
- SRD: 8.2 million
That’s about 26.5 million South Africans receiving some form of support — nearly half the population.
Fraud clampdown and biometric checks
Treasury also revealed that:
- 292,000 grants were reviewed
- 34,600 were cancelled
- 8,600 payments were reduced
- R36.4 million was saved
New applicants must now undergo biometric verification to reduce fraud.
Treasury says stronger authentication systems could save R3 billion.
When are the next payments?
For March 2026, some key SASSA payments include:
- Child Support Grant: 23–28 March
- Old Age & Disability Grants: 25–28 March
- SRD Grant: 23–28 March
April payments will start with the new financial year. For the full schedule of all 8 grants, check our detailed guide here:
👉 March 2026 SASSA payment dates
Where to check your status or ask questions
For official information:
- SASSA website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
- SRD portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
Always use official platforms to avoid scams.
What’s next
Beneficiaries can expect the new amounts to start in April 2026. Government says the increases are designed to stay ahead of inflation, while the SRD grant remains at R370.
Officials will monitor implementation to ensure payments reach all 26.5 million eligible South Africans on time.
