With inflation continuing to affect the cost of basic necessities in South Africa, millions of grant recipients are closely watching potential changes to SASSA social grants in 2026. This article explores what beneficiaries might expect in terms of increases, drawing from confirmed government updates, expert predictions, and macroeconomic trends.
2025 SASSA Grant Adjustments: A Baseline for Predictions
Understanding last year’s increases offers a helpful baseline for what might come in 2026. In 2025, the government implemented modest but meaningful increases across all major grant categories:
- Old Age Grant: Increased from R2,185 to R2,315
- War Veterans Grant: Rose from R2,205 to R2,335
- Disability Grant: Increased from R2,185 to R2,315
- Care Dependency Grant: Increased from R2,185 to R2,315
- Foster Care Grant: Increased from R1,180 to R1,250
- Child Support Grant: Increased from R530 to R560
- Grant-in-Aid: Increased from R530 to R560
- SRD (R350) Grant: Increased from R350 to R370
These changes were aimed at mitigating inflation and supporting low-income households.
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SASSA Social Grants Increase 2026 – What Are the Predictions?
Based on 2025’s adjustments and current economic conditions, the following predicted increases for 2026 reflect a similar approach:
Predicted SASSA Grant Increases (Not Yet Confirmed)
- Old Age Grant: Could rise from R2,315 to around R2,445 (+R130)
- War Veterans Grant: May increase to approximately R2,465 (+R130)
- Disability Grant: Expected to reach R2,445 (+R130)
- Care Dependency Grant: Also likely to rise to R2,445
- Foster Care Grant: Could go up from R1,250 to about R1,320 (+R70)
- Child Support Grant: May see a rise to R590 (+R30)
- Grant-in-Aid: Could increase to R590 (+R30)
- SRD Grant: Might increase modestly from R370 to R400
Again, these projections are based on trends, not official announcements. The final amounts will be detailed during the National Budget Speech expected in February or March 2026.
Factors Driving 2026 Grant Predictions
Inflation and Cost of Living
- South Africa’s inflation has hovered between 5.5% and 6%.
- Food, electricity, and fuel costs continue to strain low-income households.
Government Budget and Social Policy
- The Department of Social Development and National Treasury must balance social needs with fiscal sustainability.
- There is ongoing political and civil society pressure to raise grants in line with the cost of living.
Comparison to Food Poverty Line
- The child support grant (even with projected increases) remains below the food poverty line (approx. R624 per month).
- Advocacy groups like Black Sash continue to call for inflation-linked increases, especially for the SRD grant.
How Much Would These Increases Help Beneficiaries?
Real-World Budget Pressures
Even with predicted increases, many South Africans struggle to meet essential needs:
- Household food basket (Dec 2025): R5,277/month for a family of four (Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group)
- Electricity Tariffs: Continued increases approved by NERSA
- Transport: Rising fuel prices and taxi fares
While the proposed increases would provide some relief, they may still fall short of closing the gap between income and expenses.
Key Dates to Watch in 2026
- February/March 2026: Finance Minister’s National Budget Speech
- April 2026 (Possible): Second round of increases may be implemented, based on fiscal outlook
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FAQs on the 2026 SASSA Grant Increases
Are the 2026 grant amounts confirmed?
No. All figures presented here are predictions based on last year’s increases and economic trends.
When will the real increases be announced?
Final amounts are expected to be announced in the 2026 Budget Speech.
Will the SRD grant ever go above R500?
Possibly, but that would require structural policy changes and budget expansion.
Modest Increases Expected, But Not Confirmed
If the government follows the same trajectory as 2025, beneficiaries can expect modest increases across all grant types in 2026. These projected figures suggest a similar R30–R130 bump depending on the grant category.
However, final decisions will be shaped by inflation data, revenue collection, and political priorities. Until confirmed in the National Budget, all amounts remain speculative.
Grant recipients are advised to follow official SASSA and Treasury updates to stay informed.
