South Africa’s social assistance system continues to support more than 18 million permanent grant beneficiaries every month, with additional millions receiving the Social Relief of Distress grant. Social grants remain one of the largest areas of spending in the national budget and are reviewed annually through the fiscal process.
For the 2025 to 2026 financial year, the government implemented increases from 1 April 2025, followed by a smaller R10 adjustment from 1 October 2025 for selected grants. The revised amounts are currently in effect and remain valid until further announcements in the next national budget cycle, i.e., beyond March 2026.
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October 2025 Adjustment Confirmed for Major Grants
The October 2025 adjustment applied specifically to higher-value permanent grants. The increase was set at R10 per month and was added to the April 2025 revised amounts.
| Grant Type | Current Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Older Persons 60 to 74 years | R2,320 |
| Older Persons 75 years and above | R2,340 |
| Disability Grant | R2,320 |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,340 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,320 |
The additional R20 difference between beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 and those aged 75 and above remains in place. This age-based differentiation has been part of the grant structure for several years.
The October increase did not apply to child-related grants or the SRD grant. Those categories retained the April 2025 revised values.
Child Support and Foster Care Grants Remain Unchanged in October
Child-focused grants were adjusted in April 2025 and did not receive an additional increase in October. These grants continue to support millions of households across the country.
The current confirmed amounts are as follows:
| Grant Type | Current Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Child Support Grant | R560 |
| Child Support Top-Up | R280 |
| Foster Care Grant | R1,250 |
| Grant-in-Aid | R560 |
| Social Relief of Distress | R370 |
The Child Support Grant remains the most widely distributed social grant in South Africa. The Foster Care Grant is higher because it is linked to legal foster placements confirmed through court processes. Grant-in-Aid is paid as a supplementary amount to qualifying beneficiaries who require full-time personal care.
The Social Relief of Distress grant remains fixed at R370. No increase to this amount has been implemented during 2025.
Two-Phase Increase Model Used in 2025
The 2025 adjustments followed a structured two-phase model. The first increase took effect from 1 April 2025 at the start of the financial year. The second increase was implemented on 1 October 2025 for selected higher-value grants.
This approach allowed the government to spread fiscal pressure throughout the year rather than applying a single large increase at a single point. The April increase accounted for inflation and cost-of-living considerations, while the October addition acted as a supplementary adjustment.
Child-related grants were excluded from the October adjustment because their April increases had already been applied.
Budget Allocation and National Expenditure Context
Social grants form a major part of national expenditure, with allocations running into hundreds of billions of rand annually. The increases are determined during the National Budget process, which is typically presented in February each year.
Permanent grant values are usually revised with effect from April following the budget speech. Mid-year adjustments, such as the October 2025 R10 increase, are less common and are typically limited in value.
The government balances social protection spending against revenue collections, economic growth projections, and overall fiscal sustainability. The structure of the 2025 increase reflects that balancing process.
Payment System and Distribution Process
SASSA distributes grants through direct bank deposits, SASSA cards, and approved retail payment outlets. Payment schedules are released monthly, with Older Persons Grants generally paid first, followed by Disability Grants and then Child Support Grants.
Beneficiaries are not required to withdraw funds on the exact first payment day. Once funds are deposited, they remain available in the account until withdrawn. The agency continues encouraging the use of personal bank accounts to reduce congestion at physical pay points.
SRD Grant Status and Extension
The Social Relief of Distress grant was initially introduced as an emergency response during the pandemic period. It has since been extended multiple times under temporary arrangements.
The amount remains R370 per month. Payments are subject to monthly income verification and eligibility checks. Applicants must meet income criteria and must not be receiving certain other forms of social assistance, subject to policy conditions.
Although public discussion around potential increases continues, there has been no confirmed adjustment to the SRD amount during 2025.
What to Expect in the Next Budget Cycle
The next potential revision to permanent grant amounts would typically be announced during the February 2026 National Budget presentation, with implementation starting on April 1, 2026, if approved.
Until the official announcement, the October 2025 figures continue to represent the active and confirmed payment values. Beneficiaries are advised to rely on official SASSA and National Treasury communications for updates regarding any future increases.
For now, Older Persons and Disability Grants remain above R2,300 per month, child-related grants range between R560 and R1,250, and the SRD grant continues at R370. These are the current confirmed amounts being paid nationwide.