Last Wednesday, February 25, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana delivered the Budget Speech, outlining the priorities for the year ahead. Tabling the Budget for the 2026/27 financial year, Godongwana announced that R292.8b has been allocated to social grants for this financial year.

Grant amounts will increase as follows from April 2026: The war veterans grant will increase by R80 to R2 420; the foster child grant will increase by R40 to R1 290 in April and by a further R10 in October to R1 300.

ALSO READ: Motorists must renew vehicle and driver’s licences before Easter safety operation

Child support grants and grant-in-aid will increase by R20 to R580; Covid-19 social relief of distress will continue in its current form over the year ahead. The older persons grant, disability grant and care dependency grant will increase by R80 to R2 400.

Sassa CEO Themba Matlou, said: “We welcome the announcement by Godongwana. Social grants provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in society. This much-needed increase will help cushion our valued social grant beneficiaries against economic hardships. This further reaffirms government’s commitment to alleviating poverty and inequality.”

ALSO READ: IN PHOTOS | Mpumalangans dressed to the nines for State of the Province Address

He further welcomed the announcement about the Covid-19 grant, noting that it provides financial support and acts as a safety net for the most vulnerable in society and unemployed people who are of working age.

“We are also working tirelessly to connect social grant beneficiaries with economic opportunities, thus ensuring sustainable livelihoods,” added Matlou.