Government has announced increases to social grants for the 2026/27 financial year, with billions allocated to support vulnerable South Africans. Delivering the national Budget Speech on 25 February at 2pm, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana higlighted the latest allocations for social assistance, excluding the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
“Excluding the SRD grant, social grant spending is projected to increase from R246.6 billion in 2025/26 to R276.5 billion in 2028/29. However, the overall allocation has been adjusted downward over the medium term, in line with a lower inflation outlook and improved grant targeting and verification systems,” said Godongwana.
National Treasury expects these improved verification measures to generate savings of R2 billion in 2026/27 and R1 billion in 2027/28.
For the 2026/27 financial year, social grants have been allocated R292.8 billion, enabling increases across several categories:
- The old age grant, disability grant and care dependency grant will increase by R80 in April, bringing the total to R2,400 per month.
- The war veterans grant will also increase by R80, rising to R2,420.
- The foster care grant will increase by R40 in April to R1,290, followed by a further R10 increase in October to R1,300.
- The child support grant and the grant-in-aid will increase by R20, bringing both to R580 per month.
According to Godongwana, the adjustments aim to cushion vulnerable households against cost-of-living pressures while ensuring fiscal sustainability. “The lower projected inflation outlook has influenced the scale of increases, alongside efforts to strengthen compliance and reduce irregular payments,” he added.
