SASSA Grant Amounts Increase from 1 April 2026 - Old Age R2,400, Child Support R580

All SASSA grant amounts went up on 1 April 2026, according to the Department of Social Development (DSD) press release dated 20 March 2026. The largest percentage increase went to the Child Support Grant, which rises from R530 to R580 per month - a 9.4% jump that beats the official inflation rate of 4.1%.

This is the highest annual Child Support increase in five years. The Old Age and Disability Grants both rise from R2,310 to R2,400 - a 3.9% adjustment that broadly tracks consumer inflation.

The Full 2026 Grant Schedule

Effective 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027:

• Older Persons (Old Age) Grant: R2,400 per month (was R2,310). Top-up for over-75s: R2,420 per month (was R2,330).
• Disability Grant: R2,400 per month (was R2,310)
• Care Dependency Grant: R2,400 per month (was R2,310)
• War Veterans Grant: R2,420 per month (was R2,330)
• Foster Child Grant: R1,290 per month (was R1,250)
• Child Support Grant: R580 per month (was R530)
• Child Support Top-Up (orphan in family care): R380 (was R350)
• Grant-in-Aid: R560 per month (was R530)
• SRD R370 (Social Relief of Distress): R370 per month (no change - last increased in April 2024)

Why the Child Support Grant Got the Biggest Increase

Civil society organisations - including the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group and the Children's Institute at UCT - have spent years lobbying for the Child Support Grant to at least reach the food poverty line (R796/month for a child). The grant has historically lagged inflation by 1-2% each year, with the gap widening into a real-terms cut.

Minister Sisisi Tolashe (Social Development) framed the larger increase as "recognition of the disproportionate impact of food inflation on children in low-income households." Treasury allocated an additional R3.2 billion to fund the higher Child Support increase.

Even at R580, the Child Support Grant remains R216 below the food poverty line - which is roughly the gap that activists are now pushing to close in the 2027 budget cycle.

What About SRD R370

The SRD R370 amount stays at R370 per month. Treasury extended the SRD until 31 March 2027 but did not increase the value - despite the food poverty line sitting at R796 for an adult. See our coverage of the SRD extension announcement.

When You Get the New Amount

You do not need to do anything to receive the increase - it applies automatically from your April 2026 payment. Pay dates for April 2026 were:

• Older Persons: 2 April 2026
• Disability: 3 April 2026
• Child Support and other grants: 4 April 2026

For the upcoming month's exact dates, see our SASSA payment dates page, which is updated each month.

How to Confirm Your Increase

You can confirm your new payment amount by:

• Checking your bank or Postbank account on payment day
• Calling SASSA on 0800 60 10 11
• Visiting your nearest SASSA office

If your April payment does not reflect the increase, contact SASSA. Some payment systems have lag of a few days in updating, but you should see the new amount no later than your May payment.

Means Test Thresholds Also Adjusted

SASSA also adjusted the means-test income thresholds upward in line with the grant increases. For the Old Age and Disability Grants:

• Single applicant income limit: R107,640 per year (was R104,160)
• Married applicants combined income limit: R215,280 per year (was R208,320)
• Single applicant asset limit: R1,521,600 (was R1,484,400)
• Married applicants combined asset limit: R3,043,200 (was R2,968,800)

For full details on grant amounts and how the means test works, see our 2026 SASSA grant amounts page and our guides to the Old Age Grant and Child Support Grant.

Source: Department of Social Development press release titled "2026 Social Grant Increases" dated 20 March 2026. Treasury budget allocation details from the 2026 Budget Review.

Related SASSA Guides

• Check Your SRD R370 Status
• SASSA Payment Dates
• Appeal a Declined SRD Grant
• All SASSA News

Disclaimer: We are not associated with SASSA in any way. We provide independent information to help you. For official info visit www.sassa.gov.za or call the toll-free line 0800 60 10 11 or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.