Finance minister announces increases to social grants in budget speech

Millions of South Africans are set to benefit from bigger social grants after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced increases during his recent budget speech in parliament.

by Staff Reporter | Mar 6, 2026 | 0 comments

Godongwana said that the government will spend R2,67 trillion in 2026/27, with R292,8 billion allocated for social grants. The minister announced social-grant increases as follows:

Old-age, disability, and care-dependency grants: rise by R80 to R2 400
War-veterans grant: rises by R80 to R2 420
Foster-care grant: increases to R1 290 in April and R1 300 in October
Child-support and grant-in-aid grants: increase by R20 to R580
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will remain at R370 a month.

The social grants will increase in April 2026.

finance minister announces — *The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) chief executive officer Themba Matlou has welcomed the increase in social-grant amounts.*

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) chief executive officer Themba Matlou has welcomed the increase in social-grant amounts.

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“Social grants provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in society. This much-need increase will help cushion our valued social-grant beneficiaries against economic hardships. This further reaffirms government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and inequality,” he said

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