SASSA Grant Amounts 2026: How Much Each Grant Pays

Every year, SASSA adjusts grant amounts to keep up with inflation. The 2026 increases were announced in the February Budget Speech and took effect from April 2026. Below you will find the exact amount for every SASSA grant, a comparison with previous years, and answers to the most common questions about grant increases.

All SASSA Grant Amounts for 2026

The table below shows every SASSA grant and the monthly amount you receive from April 2026 onwards:

For more details on individual grants, see: Old Age Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, or SRD R370 Grant.

History of Grant Increases (2023–2026)

SASSA grants are increased annually, usually in April. Some grants also receive a smaller October top-up. The table below shows how the main grants have changed over the past four years:

As you can see, most grants have increased steadily year on year. The SRD grant has remained at R370 since its introduction as a temporary measure during COVID-19. There is ongoing discussion about increasing the SRD amount or replacing it with a Basic Income Grant, but no changes have been confirmed for 2026.

When Do SASSA Grant Increases Take Effect?

Grant increases follow a predictable annual cycle:

1. February: The Minister of Finance delivers the Budget Speech, which announces the new grant amounts for the coming financial year.
2. April: The new amounts take effect from 1 April. Your first payment at the new rate will be your April payment (paid in early April for older persons, and a few days later for other grants).
3. October (some years): A smaller mid-year top-up may be applied to certain grants. This is not guaranteed every year.

You do not need to do anything to receive the increase. It is automatically applied to your grant. Check the 2026 payment calendar for exact payment dates each month.

How Is the Increase Calculated?

SASSA grant increases are linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation in South Africa. The goal is to ensure that grants keep pace with the rising cost of living, particularly food and basic necessities.

The National Treasury considers several factors when deciding the increase:

• CPI inflation rate: The primary benchmark. If inflation is 5%, grants typically increase by a similar percentage.
• Government fiscal position: Available budget and revenue constraints.
• Poverty levels: The number of beneficiaries and the adequacy of current amounts.
• Political considerations: Public pressure and policy priorities.

In practice, the increase for major grants (old age, disability) tends to be slightly above CPI, while smaller grants (child support, SRD) may increase at or below CPI. The exact amounts are only confirmed during the Budget Speech in February each year.

What About the SRD R370 Grant?

The SRD grant has remained at R370 per month since April 2024. Despite calls from civil society to increase it to at least R624 (the food poverty line), the 2026 Budget kept the amount unchanged. The SRD is currently classified as a temporary measure, but it has been extended year after year since the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you receive the SRD grant, your eligibility is assessed monthly. You do not need to reapply each month, but your income and other circumstances are checked automatically. For more information, see our SRD R370 Grant Hub or check your SRD status online.

Grant-in-Aid: The Extra Payment

The Grant-in-Aid is not a standalone grant. It is an additional payment of R550 per month paid to people who already receive the old age, disability, or war veterans grant and who need full-time assistance from another person due to their physical or mental condition.

If you qualify, the Grant-in-Aid is paid on top of your existing grant. Apply at your nearest SASSA office with a medical assessment confirming your need for full-time care.

How to Check Your Grant Amount

If you want to confirm that you are receiving the correct amount:

• Check your bank statement after your next payment
• Call the SASSA toll-free line: 0800 60 10 11
• WhatsApp SASSA: 082 046 8553
• Visit your nearest SASSA office

If your payment seems lower than expected, it could be due to deductions (e.g., funeral policy or loan repayments linked to your grant). SASSA has been cracking down on unauthorised deductions, so report any suspicious deductions immediately.

Do You Qualify for a SASSA Grant?

Each grant has its own income and asset limits. To find out if you qualify, check the SASSA Means Test page, which explains the income and asset thresholds for every grant type. You can also visit our individual grant pages for detailed eligibility information:

• Old Age Grant (60+)
• Disability Grant
• Child Support Grant
• Foster Child Grant
• Care Dependency Grant
• SRD R370 Application

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the old age pension from SASSA in 2026?

The old age pension is R2 400 per month for people aged 60–74 and R2 420 per month for people aged 75 and older. This applies from April 2026.

Did SASSA grants increase for 2026?

Yes. Most SASSA grants were increased from April 2026 following the February Budget Speech. The increases are linked to inflation. The SRD grant remains unchanged at R370.

How much is the child support grant in 2026?

The child support grant is R580 per month per child. Orphaned or kinship children receive an additional R280 top-up.

How much is the disability grant in 2026?

The disability grant is R2 400 per month, the same as the old age grant for people aged 60–74.

When do SASSA increases take effect?

Increases are announced in February (Budget Speech) and take effect from 1 April. You do not need to do anything — the new amount is applied automatically.

Will the SRD grant increase in 2026?

The SRD grant remains at R370 per month in 2026. There is ongoing debate about increasing it, but no change has been confirmed.

Related SASSA Pages

• SASSA Hub — All Grants & Services
• SRD R370 Grant Hub
• Check Your SRD Status
• Apply for SRD R370
• SRD Appeals Guide
• Update SRD Banking Details
• 2026 Payment Calendar
• Old Age Pension Grant
• Disability Grant
• Child Support Grant
• SASSA Contact Numbers
• SASSA Means Test Explained
• SASSA Gold Card

Source: SASSA/DSD announcements and February 2026 Budget Speech. Amounts are updated dynamically when new figures are confirmed.