The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed increased grant amounts starting February 2026 which will provide essential financial support to millions of beneficiaries. The adjustment helps vulnerable households manage their rising expenses which include costs for food and transportation and electricity and healthcare. The increase applies automatically to qualifying beneficiaries who do not need to reapply for their benefits.
The government update aims to enhance social protection systems while making sure grant programs will meet existing economic requirements.
New Grant Amounts Effective in February
Starting February 2026 social grants will provide higher monthly payments to beneficiaries. The Old Age Grant and Disability Grant now provide R2,315 monthly benefits to individual recipients. Couples receiving these grants will see a combined increase reflected in their joint payments.
The War Veterans Grant has also been adjusted upward while child-focused grants such as the Child Support Grant and Foster Care Grant and Care Dependency Grant received smaller increases which help families manage their daily expenses.
When the Increased Grants Will Be Paid
The higher grant amounts will be reflected in the February 2026 payment cycle. SASSA will continue using its staggered payment system which pays older persons’ grants first followed by disability grants and then children’s grants. Beneficiaries will receive their payments through direct deposits to their bank accounts or SASSA cards or authorized retail locations.
Beneficiaries should note that they do not need to withdraw their funds on the initial payment day because money will stay accessible after it gets deposited.
Who Qualifies for the Grant Increase
All current beneficiaries who meet SASSA’s eligibility requirements will automatically receive the increased amounts. The means test determines eligibility through assessment of both income and asset resources. South African citizenship or permanent residency is also required.
People who have submitted pending applications or experienced changes in their situation should check their grant status to confirm that the correct updated amounts have been processed.
Important Reminders for Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries need to provide correct and current banking details together with their contact information to prevent payment delays. The most frequent reason for payment delays and payment failures happens when people provide incorrect or outdated information about themselves.
SASSA has also warned beneficiaries to be cautious of scams, particularly during periods when grant increases are announced.
What the Increase Means for Households
The February 2026 grant increase provides vital financial support for seniors, people with disabilities, and families caring for children. The increases deliver financial relief to households that depend on social grants but do not cover their complete expense requirements.
SASSA will maintain its dedication to making prompt payments while it develops its grant management system through the year 2026.
Also Read: SASSA Ends R350 Grant Delays as New Payment System Launches In February 2026