SASSA Grant Increase 2026/27 in South Africa – How Much Each Grant Will Increase

“Learn about the SASSA grant increase 2026/27 in South Africa and how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa each grant will increase.”

As we explore the details, many are curious about how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa will impact their finances.

Old age, war veterans, disability, care dependency will increase by R85; foster care will increase by R40; child support and grant-in-aid will increase by R20;  and SRD will remain the same. 

April 2026 SASSA grant amounts

Understanding the SASSA Grant Increase: how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa

• Old age grant: from R2 315 to R2 400 per month.
• War veterans grant: from R2 335 to R2 420 per month.
• Disability grant: from R2 315 to R2 400 per month.
• Care dependency grant: from R2 315 to R2 400 per month.
• Foster care grant: from R1 250 to R1 290
• Child support grant: from R560 to R580 per month.
• Grant‑in‑aid: from R560 to R580 per month.
• SRD grant: remains at R370 per month, with payments extended until 31 March 2027.

April 2026 SASSA grant dates

• Older Persons Grant: April 2, 2026 (Thursday).​
• Disability Grants: April 3, 2026 (Friday).​
• Children’s Grants and all other grants: April 6, 2026 (Monday)

Tighter checks still on

Alongside the increases, there will be tougher eligibility, verification, and fraud within the grant system. Treasury has made SASSA’s 2025/26 funding conditional on improving biometric and income verification, conducting more frequent reviews, and strengthening compliance measures.

SASSA’s upgraded systems have already led to hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries being flagged for review and tens of thousands of grants being terminated where they did not meet the criteria, contributing to projected savings of several billion rand over the medium term. 

The government argues that more accurate targeting will free up resources for those who need support most, but advocacy groups warn that aggressive verification can also exclude vulnerable people who struggle with documentation or digital processes.

How to apply for the SASSA R370 grant

Use only official SASSA channels and submit one application

Understanding how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa can help you plan better.

1. Online via the SRD website

• Go to the official SRD site: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/ 
• Select the option for South African ID holders 
• Enter your mobile number and click send sms, then enter the OTP received 
• Read and accept the declaration/consent so SASSA can verify your information, then submit.
• Enter personal details, ID number, name and surname, gender, disability status, cellphone number, and residential address.
• Enter employment information and lifestyle sustainability information
• Choose your payment option (bank account is fastest), and capture the correct banking details if you have an account.

2. WhatsApp

• Save and open the official SASSA/GovChat WhatsApp line 082 046 8553.
• Send “hi” or the keyword shown in the menu, and follow the prompts to “Apply for SRD R350/R370”.
• Enter your ID/permit details, personal information, and payment choice when asked, then confirm and submit.

3. USSD (basic phone, no data needed)

• Dial 1347737# on your cellphone and follow the menu for “SRD R350/R370”.
• Type in your ID number, personal details, and preferred payment option when prompted, then confirm the application.

This year’s discussions have raised important questions regarding how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa will address the needs of beneficiaries.

SASSA assesses applications monthly, so even after first approval, your income is re-checked every month before payment.

How to check 370 SASSA status

After applying for a SASSA grant, beneficiaries often want to know whether their application has been approved and when payments will be made. Fortunately, SASSA offers several secure and convenient ways to check your status. Don’t forget to use the same ID number and contact details you provided when applying.

1. Online:

• Visit the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
• Enter your South African ID number and the mobile number used in your application.
• Submit the form to see whether your application is approved, pending, or declined. If approved, payment dates will also be displayed.

2. WhatsApp:

• Save SASSA’s WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553
• Send a message and follow the prompts to provide your application ID and details. You will receive your grant status via chat.

3. SMS:

Remember to stay informed about how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa and apply accordingly.

• Open your messaging app and send: STATUS <space> ID number to 32555
• You will receive a reply with your current grant status. Key SASSA Grant Information (2026/2027)
• SRD Grant (COVID-19): R370 monthly (confirmed until 2027) for people between 18 and 60 with insufficient means.
• Grant Payment Schedule (2026/2027): Payments are generally staggered over three days, usually starting on the 2nd of each month (Old age), 3rd (Disability), and 4th (Children).
• Grant Increases (April 2026): Most permanent grants will see a 3.6%–3.7% increase, notes TechCabal.
• How to Apply: Applications for most grants are free at local offices. The SRD grant is applied for on the Sassa website. South African Government +4
• Main Grant Types
• Older Person’s Grant: For individuals 60 years or older.
• Disability Grant: For individuals 18-59 with a permanent or temporary medical disability.
• Child Support Grant: For primary caregivers of children.
• Foster Child Grant: For court-ordered foster care.
• Care Dependency Grant: For parents of children with severe disabilities.
• Grant-in-Aid: An additional grant for those already receiving a grant who need full-time care. South African Government +4
• Essential Requirements
• Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees residing in SA.
• Means Test: Applicants must pass a means test to prove they do not have sufficient financial means to support themselves.

Beneficiaries often inquire how much SASSA grant increase 2026 SASSA new grant amounts 2026/27 SASSA payment increase South Africa will be, so staying updated is crucial.