SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) made essential social grant changes in the 2026 financial year. The grants which provide essential support to millions of South Africans who depend on this funding will increase in 2026 to help them handle their growing living costs. The guide explains the new grant amounts and eligibility requirements as well as expected outcomes for beneficiaries.
Why the 2026 Grant Increase Matters
The South African government evaluates social grants every year to assist recipients with their expenses for basic needs which include essential items like food and housing. The 2026 adjustments reflect this commitment. The increases apply to major grant categories which include the Old Age Grant and Disability Grant and Care Dependency and more. The government approved these increases through the 2025/26 budget process which established funding for grants that will continue throughout the year. The uplift helps recipients manage their daily expenses by increasing their household budgets.
New 2026 SASSA Grant Amounts
The complete list of revised 2026 payment rates is available here:
- Old Age Grant : Beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 now receive monthly payments of R2 315. The grant for people aged 75 and above provides higher financial assistance because it uses a premium payment system for senior citizens.
- Disability Grant : The Disability Grant now provides R2 315 per month to adults who have permanent or temporary disabilities. The Disability Grant now provides R2 315 per month to adults who have permanent or temporary disabilities. The program requires applicants to pass SASSA’s means test to receive benefits.
- Care Dependency Grant : The Care Dependency Grant now provides R2 315 per month to caregivers who look after children with severe disabilities. The grant provides additional household support for caregivers who look after disabled children.
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant : The SRD grant, which was established at R370, will stay in effect for eligible unemployed adults who fulfill the required conditions. Payment processing starts after approval but follows a different schedule throughout each month.
Who Qualifies For These Grants?
The grants have defined eligibility criteria which determine who can receive them. The first grant requires specific eligibility criteria which must be fulfilled. The Old Age and Disability Grants require South African citizenship or permanent residency or refugee status as prerequisite. The applicant must stay within the established age limit while providing proof of medical status or disability status which they need for the Old Age program and Disability program. The applicant needs means test certification because their earnings and possessions must stay below the established threshold. The Child Support Grant requires the child to be younger than 18 years. The caregiver needs to provide necessary documents while their income must stay within the established limits. The Care Dependency Grant requires that the child possesses a severe disability which assessment has verified. The caregiver needs to pass the means test assessment. The SRD Grant provides financial assistance to unemployed individuals between 18 and 60 who do not receive any other social grants. The program requirements demand participants to fulfill particular income and asset criteria which must be confirmed for their eligibility.
How Payments Are Made
The SASSA system distributes grant payments through three methods which include direct bank deposit and SASSA gold card and over-the-counter payments at designated locations. The grant payments occur on predetermined dates which happen at the beginning of every month. The exact payment schedule gets published by SASSA which people need to check during the scheduled time period.
also read : SASSA Suspends 70,000 Grants Nationwide: R44 Million Saved Monthly In Major Crackdown