Grant Increases for 2025/2026

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced significant increases to all social grants effective from April 1, 2025. These increases are part of the government's commitment to providing adequate social protection to vulnerable South Africans.

Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, made the announcement during a press briefing in Pretoria. "These increases are aimed at helping beneficiaries cope with rising living costs and ensuring that our social security system continues to provide meaningful support," said Minister Zulu.

New Grant Amounts

The following increases will take effect from April 1, 2025:

• Old Age Grant: Increased from R2,080 to R2,190 per month
• Disability Grant: Increased from R2,080 to R2,190 per month
• Child Support Grant: Increased from R510 to R540 per month
• Foster Care Grant: Increased from R1,130 to R1,190 per month
• Care Dependency Grant: Increased from R2,080 to R2,190 per month
• Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: Increased from R370 to R400 per month

Impact on Beneficiaries

These increases will benefit approximately 18.7 million South Africans who rely on social grants for their livelihoods. The increases represent an average rise of 5.3% across all grant types, which is slightly above the projected inflation rate for 2025.

"We understand that many South Africans depend on these grants as their primary source of income. While these increases may not solve all financial challenges, they represent our commitment to progressively improving the lives of grant recipients," the Minister added.

Budget Allocation

The National Treasury has allocated an additional R14.2 billion to the Department of Social Development to fund these increases. This brings the total social grants budget to R280 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year, representing approximately 15% of total government expenditure.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana emphasized that the increases were carefully calculated to balance fiscal constraints with the need to provide adequate social protection. "We have found a sustainable way to fund these increases without compromising our fiscal stability," he stated.

Implementation Process

SASSA has assured beneficiaries that the transition to the new grant amounts will be seamless. The increased amounts will be reflected automatically in April 2025 payments, with no action required from beneficiaries.

SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula said, "Our payment systems have been updated to reflect the new amounts. Beneficiaries will receive their increased grants through their usual payment methods without any disruption."

Future Plans

The government has also announced plans to review the grant system more comprehensively in the coming years. This includes exploring the feasibility of a Basic Income Grant and improving the targeting mechanism to ensure that grants reach those most in need.

"While these increases provide immediate relief, we are working on long-term solutions to address poverty and inequality in South Africa," Minister Zulu concluded.