Millions of South Africans received higher social grant payments in 2026 after the government approved new increases during the national budget process, and these updated amounts continued into May 2026 for all qualifying beneficiaries.
The increases were confirmed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the 2026 Budget Speech and later implemented through the South African Social Security Agency payment system.
The grant adjustments were introduced to help beneficiaries cope with rising living costs, food prices, transport expenses, and other household pressures affecting many families across South Africa.
Although most permanent grants increased from April 2026, the SRD grant remained unchanged, which led to questions from many applicants about payment amounts for May 2026.
New SASSA grant amounts for May 2026
SASSA confirmed that the increased grant amounts introduced in April 2026 remained active during May 2026 payments.
The updated grant amounts are as follows:
- Older Persons Grant increased to R2 400.
- Disability Grant increased to R2 400.
- Care Dependency Grant increased to R2 400.
- War Veterans Grant increased to R2 420.
- Foster Child Grant increased to R1 290.
- Child Support Grant increased to R580.
- Grant In Aid increased to R580.
- SRD Grant remained at R370.
These increases were officially confirmed by government and SASSA statements released after the 2026 national budget announcement.
Beneficiaries started receiving the new payment amounts from April 2026 onward.
Why did SASSA increase grants in 2026?
The grant increases were approved to help vulnerable households manage the increasing cost of living in South Africa.
Government spending on social grants continues to rise because millions of citizens depend on social assistance for daily survival, especially older persons, unemployed individuals, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
National Treasury allocated billions of rand toward social grant support for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
The increases were also linked to inflation pressures affecting food, transport, electricity, and healthcare costs across the country.
According to government budget information, social grants remain one of the largest areas of social development spending in South Africa.
The official government updates can be viewed through SASSA Official Website and Department of Social Development.
Did the SRD R370 grant increase in May 2026?
No, the SRD grant did not increase in May 2026.
The government confirmed that the Social Relief of Distress grant would remain at R370 during the 2026 financial year despite increases to other permanent grants.
Many SRD beneficiaries expected another increase because of inflation and unemployment pressures, but Treasury kept the amount unchanged while extending the grant period into 2027.
Applicants approved for SRD payments therefore continued receiving R370 per month depending on verification and eligibility checks.
Beneficiaries can confirm SRD payment status through SASSA SRD Status Portal.
When were the May 2026 SASSA grants paid?
SASSA continued using its staggered payment schedule during May 2026 to reduce overcrowding at payment points and ATMs.
The official May 2026 payment dates were:
- Older Persons Grants paid on 5 May 2026.
- Disability Grants paid on 6 May 2026.
- Children’s Grants paid on 7 May 2026.
SASSA explained that payment dates are carefully selected to avoid weekends, Mondays, and periods immediately after public holidays because those periods usually create pressure on the national payment system.
Beneficiaries who did not receive payments on time were advised to contact their nearest SASSA office for assistance.
How can I check my new SASSA payment amount?
Beneficiaries can confirm their updated grant amounts using several official methods.
The easiest option is checking through the official SRD or SASSA systems linked to your application or grant profile.
You can check using:
- SASSA SRD Portal
- SASSA WhatsApp support at 082 046 8553.
- The SASSA toll free helpline at 0800 60 10 11.
- Your bank statement or payment notification SMS.
- Your nearest SASSA office.
Beneficiaries receiving permanent grants through bank accounts usually noticed the increase automatically during April and May payments.
Who qualifies for the increased SASSA grants?
Only approved beneficiaries who already qualified under SASSA rules received the increased amounts during May 2026.
Each grant category still follows its own eligibility requirements based on age, income limits, disability status, or caregiving responsibilities.
Examples include:
- Older Persons Grant for qualifying citizens aged 60 and above.
- Disability Grant for qualifying persons medically assessed as disabled.
- Child Support Grant for caregivers meeting income requirements.
- Foster Child Grant for legally recognised foster parents.
- Care Dependency Grant for caregivers of children with severe disabilities.
Applicants must continue meeting verification requirements to keep receiving payments because SASSA regularly reviews beneficiary information to prevent fraud and incorrect payments.
Will SASSA grants increase again later in 2026?
At the moment, the increases announced during the 2026 Budget Speech remain the officially confirmed adjustments for the current financial year.
However, government sometimes introduces smaller adjustments later depending on inflation, budget reviews, and economic conditions.
The Foster Child Grant already received confirmation of an additional smaller increase later in the financial cycle according to Treasury information.
Future increases for 2027 will depend on:
- National Treasury budget decisions.
- Inflation rates.
- Economic growth.
- Government social spending priorities.
- Parliamentary approval processes.