Budget Speech 3.0: Key things on social grants you should know
The Minister of Finance presented the 2025 Budget Speech for the third time today, here’s everything you need to know about social grants.
Beneficiaries can celebrate some good news! Despite the reversal of the proposed VAT hike, the government will still implement the previously announced increases to social grants.
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana confirmed this while delivering the 2025 Budget Speech for the third time on Wednesday, 21 May.
NO CHANGES TO SOCIAL GRANTS INCREASES ANNOUNCED IN MARCH
In March, Godongwana said the government is very aware of the cost of living pressures faced by households, including high food and fuel prices and rising electricity and transportation costs.
Godongwana said social grants will be allocated R284.7 billion in 2025/2026.
These are the previously announced social grants increases for 2025:
- Old age grant increases by R120 in April and will increase by R10 in October
- Disability grants – R130
- Child support grant – R30
- Foster care grant – R70
- Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant – R370
On Wednesday, Godongwana said from April 2025, the old age grant increased by R120 to R2 310 and is set to increase by an additional R10 to R2 320 in October, as originally announced in March while the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant will be extended to the end of March 2026.
Godongwana said government is actively exploring various options to better integrate this grant with employment opportunities. This includes considering a job-seeker allowance and other measures, as part of the review of Active Labour Market Programmes.
“Our goal is to not only provide immediate relief. It is also to create pathways to employment, empowering our citizens to build better futures for themselves and their families,” he said.