Finance Minister Godongwana Confirms Social Grant Hikes for 2026/27
South Africa is set to receive increases to social grants in the year ahead.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the adjustments during his 2026 Budget Speech on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, outlining measures aimed at supporting vulnerable populations across the country.
The adjustments, though relatively modest, are expected to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of South Africans who rely on social grants for daily living. These increases aim to provide additional financial support to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and foster families.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that for the 2026/27 financial year, social grants have been allocated R292.8 billion, setting the stage for planned increases to support beneficiaries across the country
“For 2026/27, social grants are allocated R292.8 billion, enabling the following increases,” the minister said.
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Child Support and Other Grants
The child support grant will rise by R20 to R580 in April 2026. Other grants will see larger increases:
- Old age grant, disability grant, and care dependency grant: R80 increase to R2 400
- War veterans grant: R80 increase to R2 420
- Foster care grant: R40 increase to R1 290 in April, with a further R10 rise to R1 300 in October
- Grant-in-aid grant: R20 increase alongside the child support grant
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will continue in its current form over the year ahead.
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