The South African government has announced SASSA social grants increases as well as an extension of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant until March 2026. These measures aim to provide financial relief to millions of South Africans struggling with rising living costs. The revisions to social grant amounts will help alleviate the financial burden on the most vulnerable members of society, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the specific increases for various types of social grants and how they will affect grant recipients. These adjustments reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the living standards of South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
Social Grant Increases for 2025/26 Financial Year
To make it easier for you to understand the revised social grant values, here’s a table summarizing the current and increased amounts for each type of grant:
| Grant Type | Current Amount (R) | Increased Amount (R) | Increase (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age (Under 75) | 2,190 | 2,310 | 120 |
| Old Age (Over 75) | 2,210 | 2,330 | 120 |
| War Veterans (Under 75) | 2,190 | 2,310 | 120 |
| War Veterans (Over 75) | 2,210 | 2,330 | 120 |
| Disability | 2,190 | 2,310 | 120 |
| Care Dependency | 2,190 | 2,310 | 120 |
| Foster Care | 1,180 | 1,250 | 70 |
| Child Support | 530 | 560 | 30 |
| Top-Up to Child Support (Double Orphans) | 270 | 280 | 10 |
Types of SASSA Grants
1. Old Age Grant
The Old Age Grant is one of the most widely recognized social grants in South Africa, providing essential support to the elderly. In April 2025, recipients of the Old Age Grant will see an increase of R120. The new amount will rise from R2 190 to R2 310 for individuals under 75 years of age, and from R2 210 to R2 330 for those over 75 years. This increase is aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by elderly individuals, particularly in terms of rising living costs.
2. War Veterans’ Grant
South Africa’s war veterans are another group that will benefit from the revised social grant increases. In April 2025, the War Veterans’ Grant will be increased by R120. For veterans under the age of 75, the grant will rise from R2 190 to R2 310. For those above 75, the grant will increase from R2 210 to R2 330. This increase aims to ensure that those who served the country are not left behind as the cost of living increases.
3. Disability Grant
Individuals with disabilities, who rely on the Disability Grant to cover their living expenses, will also benefit from an increase in 2025. The grant will rise by R120, from R2 190 to R2 310. This adjustment ensures that people with disabilities can continue to meet their needs, providing them with a more comfortable standard of living.
4. Care Dependency Grant
Parents or caregivers of children with severe disabilities will see their Care Dependency Grant increased by R120. The grant, which will rise from R2 190 to R2 310, is intended to support the additional care needs that children with disabilities require. This increase will help reduce the financial strain on families, offering them a better quality of life.
5. Foster Care Grant
For foster families who provide care and support to children who are not their biological children, the Foster Care Grant will see a more modest increase of R70. The grant will rise from R1 180 to R1 250 in April 2025. This increase, though smaller, still provides crucial financial support to foster families, recognizing the financial and emotional commitment required in raising children in foster care.
6. Child Support Grant
The Child Support Grant, which assists parents and caregivers in providing for children under the age of 18, will also see an increase of R30 in April 2025. The grant will rise from R530 to R560. This increase, although modest, helps families with children to better manage their financial needs and cover the costs associated with raising children.
7. Top-Up to the Child Support Grant
An additional top-up will be provided for families that care for double orphans (children who have lost both parents). The top-up will increase by R10, raising the amount from R270 to R280. This brings the total value of the Child Support Grant, including the top-up, to R800 for double orphans. This adjustment aims to ensure that vulnerable children in difficult circumstances receive adequate support.
Related: How to Change SASSA Payment Method
Why Are These SASSA Social Grants Increases Important?
Social grants are a crucial safety net for millions of South Africans. With rising inflation and the increasing cost of basic goods, many individuals and families depend on these grants to meet their daily needs. The government’s decision to increase the values of various grants is a direct response to the economic challenges faced by the most vulnerable segments of society.
By providing these increases, the government helps to reduce the financial hardships that many citizens experience, particularly among the elderly, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families with children. These increases are a step toward enhancing social security and ensuring that South Africa’s most vulnerable communities can live with dignity and access the resources they need for survival.
The increase in SASSA Social Grants Increases for the 2025/26 financial year is a positive development for millions of South Africans. By raising the values of key social grants, the government is helping to alleviate the financial pressures on those who need it most. However, while these increases are welcome, they also highlight the ongoing need for policies that address long-term economic stability and uplift the standard of living for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
It’s important for recipients of these grants to stay informed and ensure they are aware of these increases to better manage their finances in the year ahead. For those who are eligible for these grants, this increase is a step in the right direction toward financial support and security.
