Social Development spending to increase by 4.2% over three years
National Treasury has announced plans to increase spending on Social Development by 4.2% over the next three years, increasing the allocation to R466.4 billion in 2028/2029.
This will support poverty reduction by providing social grants, risk benefits through social insurance and welfare services.
It also funds development initiatives, empowerment programmes, gender equality efforts, and advocacy for children, women, youth, the elderly and people with disabilities.
The old age grant, disability grant and care dependency grant are expected to increase.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says all these grants are expected to increase by 3.7%, from R 2 315 to R 2 400. While the child support grant is expected to increase from R560 to R580.
“Social grants are allocated R 292,8 billion, enabling the following increases: the old age grant, disability grant and care dependency grant rise by R80 in April 2026, to R2 400. The same applies to the war veterans grant which also increases by R80 to R2 420.”
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivers the #BudgetSpeech2026. https://t.co/ah8uaCXAt8 pic.twitter.com/jonFa41Fag
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 25, 2026