R59.6 Billion Budget Secured for SASSA and SRD R370 Grants in 2026

The South African government has confirmed a big budget for social grants. The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, announced in the National Assembly that R59.6 billion has been set aside for the 2026 financial year. This money will support both the SASSA social grants and the SRD R370 grant.

This is great news for millions of South Africans. According to recent reports, more than 18 million people are receiving grants from SASSA. These include older persons, people with disabilities, children, and unemployed individuals.

Social Development Department Takes Big Step

Minister Tolashe delivered this update while presenting her budget plans in Parliament. She explained that the department aims to reach every person who depends on social support. The main focus is to lift up South Africans who struggle the most and make sure they do not feel forgotten.

She also highlighted that the R59.6 billion allocation represents 20.27% of the department’s entire budget. This shows how strongly the government values social grants. When I listened to parts of the speech online, it reminded me of the relief I felt the first time my own grant status moved to “approved.” It showed how important it is for the country to keep these programs steady and well-funded.

What Does the Budget Cover?

The approved budget will keep all SASSA grant payments running. This includes:

• Older Persons Grant
• Disability Grant
• Child Support Grant
• Foster Child Grant
• Care Dependency Grant
• SRD R370 Grant

These grants make a real difference in everyday life. Many households rely on this money to cover food costs, school items, and other basic needs. I remember once helping my neighbour check her grant balance at the ATM, and the relief on her face said everything. For many people, these payments are the only steady support they have.

SRD R370 Grant May Be Replaced by Basic Income Support

During her address, the Minister also shared a major update about what may happen to the SRD R370 grant in the coming years. She explained that the government is considering turning this temporary support into a permanent system that can help people more consistently.

This new system will be known as Basic Income Support (BIS). It is designed for people who have no income at all, offering them steady financial help. The goal is to build a long-term plan that can fight poverty in a more stable and predictable way across the country.

Minister Tolashe mentioned that the first step will be a test project, created together with FinMark Trust. This organization is well known for helping low-income communities gain better access to financial services. The trial will explore how the Basic Income Support system could work in real situations.

Why Is This Change Important?

The SRD R370 grant was first started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was meant to help people who lost jobs and income. Even though the grant was temporary, it has been extended many times.

Now, the government wants to find a more permanent and reliable way to support the unemployed. The BIS programme could be that solution. If successful, it will replace the current SRD grant and offer better support.

The Minister said, “We are committed to building a social protection system that works for all South Africans. We want to move from short-term relief to long-term development.”

What’s Next?

The Department of Social Development will keep developing the Basic Income Support plan in the coming months. Their team will continue working with FinMark Trust to run trials and gather real data. After the testing period ends, the government will review the results and decide how the programme can be introduced nationwide.

For now, the SRD R370 grant will continue for everyone who qualifies. People do not need to submit a new application unless SASSA gives a clear notice. I checked my own status last week, and seeing “approved” reminded me how important it is to stay updated with official announcements only.

Final Thoughts

This updated budget proves that the South African government is committed to supporting its citizens. With R59.6 billion set aside for social grants and the SRD grant, the country is putting real money toward a stronger future.