SASSA Grant Amounts 2020–2026: Complete History & Annual Increases

The SRD grant started in May 2020 at R350 per month during the COVID-19 lockdown. It remained at R350 for four years. In April 2024, the grant increased to R370. It has stayed at R370 through 2025 and 2026. The 2026 Budget confirmed the grant continues until 31 March 2027 at R370. A planned transition to a Basic Income Support (BIS) grant may happen after March 2027, but no amount has been confirmed.

The Old Age Grant (also called the SASSA pension) has increased every year. In 2020, the maximum amount was R1,860 per month (60-74 years) and R1,880 (75+). By 2024, it had risen to R2,180 (60-74) and R2,200 (75+). In April 2026, the grant increased to R2,400 (60-74) and R2,420 (75+). The 75+ top-up has been R20 above the standard rate since 2020.

The Disability Grant has matched the Old Age Grant amount since 2020. It was R1,860 in 2020 and increased to R2,400 in April 2026. The grant is paid at the same rate regardless of age. Unlike Old Age, there is no higher rate for older recipients. The grant is reviewed every 6 to 12 months to confirm the disability condition persists.

The Child Support Grant (CSG) was R460 per month in 2020. It increased to R530 in 2024, then R560 in 2025, and reached R580 in April 2026. A R280 top-up is available for orphaned children living with relatives. The CSG is paid to the primary caregiver, not necessarily the biological parent. It covers children under 18 who meet the means test.

The Foster Child Grant was R1,070 per month in 2020. It increased to R1,250 in 2024, then R1,290 in April 2026. This grant is paid for children placed in foster care by a children's court. Unlike the Child Support Grant which continues until age 18, the Foster Child Grant can continue until age 21 if the child is still in education or training.

SASSA grant increases follow a predictable schedule. Increases are announced in the national Budget speech (usually February) and take effect on 1 April each year. The Ministry of Finance publishes a Policy Statement that sets the new amounts. A second smaller adjustment may happen in October, though this is less common. The increase cycle for 2026/2027: permanent grants increased by 3.6% to 3.7% in April 2026 (effective 1 April). The SRD R370 remained unchanged — the 2026 Budget did not allocate funds for an SRD increase. The next scheduled increase for permanent grants is April 2027, with amounts announced in the February 2027 Budget. The next possible SRD increase depends on whether the government transitions to a Basic Income Support (BIS) grant after March 2027 — no amounts have been confirmed. Important: Any claim of a grant increase that is not announced by the Ministry of Finance or SASSA official channels is false. SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi warned in May 2025: 'Any other increase not announced by credible and relevant authorities should be treated as lies.' Only trust increase announcements from National Treasury, the Ministry of Finance, and official SASSA channels.