SASSA: R1.28bn in social grants paid to qualifying foreign nationals in 2025/26
Permanent residents accounted for most of the estimated R1.28bn paid to qualifying foreign nationals in 2025/26, according to a parliamentary reply.
In the 2025/26 financial year, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) allocated approximately R1.28 billion in social grants to qualifying foreign nationals, comprising permanent residents, refugees and others. Permanent residents received the largest share, with an estimated R1.12 billion being allocated across grants like the Old Age Grant, Child Support Grant, Disability Grant and others.
Recognised refugees accounted for about R150.8 million, with Child Support Grants and Old Age Grants being the most common allocations. Foreign nationals also received R10.6 million through the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, with Lesotho Exemption Permit holders receiving the most at around R9.18 million. The combined estimated expenditure on these three categories amounts to approximately R1.28 billion, representing just 0.45% of South Africa's social assistance budget.
SASSA emphasized that social assistance is restricted to individuals meeting specific eligibility requirements, and the agency's verification procedures include checks against Department of Home Affairs records to ensure beneficiaries are legally entitled to receive social assistance.
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