SASSA paid an estimated R1.28 billion to eligible foreign nationals in South Africa

In the 2025/26 financial year, the South African Department of Social Development (SASSA) distributed a total of R1.28 billion in social grants and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) payments to eligible foreign nationals residing in South Africa, according to Minister of Social Development Dina Pule. This expenditure accounted for less than 1% of South Africa's social assistance budget.

The majority of the funds, R1.12 billion, were allocated to permanent residents, with the Older Persons Grant receiving the largest share at R931.5 million, followed by the Child Support Grant at R134.5 million, and the Disability Grant at R31.7 million. Recognized refugees were granted R150.8 million in social grants, with R105.8 million directed to Child Support Grants and R32.7 million to Older Persons Grants.

Additionally, SASSA provided R10.6 million in SRD payments to qualifying foreign nationals, including Lesotho Exemption Permit holders, Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders, asylum seekers, and holders of the Special Angolan Dispensation Permit. SASSA's eligibility verification processes, including checks against Department of Home Affairs records, ensure that only legally eligible individuals receive these social benefits, and the agency does not provide social grants or SRD benefits to people in the country illegally.