Lucky Cungwa
Senior Editor · Verified against official SASSA publications
2026 Budget: What Changed for Grant Beneficiaries
The 2026 national budget confirmed the annual adjustments to social grant amounts. Most increases took effect from 1 April 2026 and are applied automatically — beneficiaries do not need to take any action. The Foster Care Grant received a further R10 increase on 1 October 2026.
The SRD R370 grant remains at R370 per month with no increase for the 2026/27 financial year.
New Monthly Grant Amounts from April 2026
- Older Person Grant (60-74 years): R2,400 per month
- Older Person Grant (75+ years): R2,420 per month
- Disability Grant: R2,400 per month
- Foster Care Grant: R1,300 per month from 1 October 2026 (R1,290 from April 2026)
- Child Support Grant: R580 per month
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,400 per month
- War Veterans Grant: R2,420 per month
- Grant-in-Aid: R580 per month
- SRD R370 Grant: R370 per month (unchanged)
Increases Are Automatic — No Action Needed
You do not need to apply for the increase, visit a SASSA office, or submit any documents. The new amounts will reflect in your April 2026 payment automatically. If you receive your grant via bank transfer, the increased amount will be deposited on your usual payment date.
Why Was the SRD R370 Not Increased?
The SRD R370 grant has remained at R370 since 2023. It is a temporary relief measure rather than a permanent social grant, and it is reviewed month by month rather than adjusted on the same annual cycle as permanent grants.
Civil society groups have criticised the decision, arguing that R370 is below the food poverty line of R796 per person per month. The government has indicated that the proposed Basic Income Grant, if implemented, would address this gap.
Breakdown by Grant Type
Older Person Grant
The Older Person Grant increases to R2,400 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 to 74, and R2,420 for those aged 75 and older. This is an increase of R110 for the 60-74 group and R110 for the 75+ group. The higher amount for the older cohort reflects the additional care needs of older beneficiaries.
Disability Grant
The Disability Grant rises to R2,400 per month, matching the Older Person Grant amount. This R110 increase applies to all Disability Grant beneficiaries, regardless of age. Beneficiaries on temporary disability grants will receive the increased amount for the duration of their grant validity.
Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant increases from R550 to R580 per month — a R30 increase per child. For a caregiver with three children, the monthly total moves from R1,650 to R1,740. The Foster Care Grant rises by R65 to R1,295, and the Care Dependency Grant increases by R110 to R2,400.
Beware of Scammers
SASSA will never call or SMS you asking for payment to receive your grant increase. The increases are automatic and free. If anyone asks you to pay money to unlock a higher grant amount, it is a scam. Report suspicious activity to SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
When do the new grant amounts start?
The April 2026 increases applied automatically from that month. The Foster Care Grant rose again to R1,300 on 1 October 2026. You do not need to re-apply for either change.
Do I need to apply for the increase?
No. The increases are applied automatically to all eligible beneficiaries. You do not need to submit any forms or visit a SASSA office.
Why did the SRD R370 not increase?
The SRD is a temporary relief measure, not a permanent social grant. It is not subject to annual inflation adjustments. The amount remains R370 per month until government decides otherwise.
Will the Foster Care Grant increase affect my other grants?
No. Each grant is independent. Increases to one grant do not affect the amount or eligibility of other grants you may receive.
What if my April payment is still at the old rate?
If your April 2026 payment reflects the old amount, wait 1-2 business days as bank processing may cause delays. If the issue persists beyond 5 April, contact SASSA on 0800 60 10 11.
SASSA Grant Amounts Guide
Full list of all grant amounts
Older Person Grant
Eligibility and application details
Disability Grant Guide
Medical assessment requirements
Child Support Grant
Means test and application process
Need Official Assistance?
This is an independent informational resource. For official services — checking your grant status, updating your details, or submitting an appeal — please use the official SASSA portals directly: