SASSA paid R1.28bn to foreigners. Who qualifies and who doesn't
SASSA spent an estimated R1.28 billion on grants for permanent residents, refugees and permit holders in 2025/26, under 1% of the grant budget. Undocumented foreigners don't qualify.
SASSA spent an estimated R1.28 billion on social grants for foreign nationals in the 2025/26 financial year, and every rand went to people the law says may claim. That's according to a written reply to Parliament from the Minister of Social Development, answering ATM MP Vuyo Zungula.
Permanent residents got R1.12 billion, recognised refugees R150.8 million and qualifying foreign nationals R10.6 million in R370 SRD grants. Permanent residents' share works out to 0.45% of the social assistance budget, and refugees' to 0.06%, the reply says.
Who got the money?
| Group | Estimated 2025/26 spend | Share of budget |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residents | R1 116 540 950 | 0.45% of social assistance budget |
| Recognised refugees | R150 843 110 | 0.06% of social assistance budget |
| Foreign nationals on the SRD grant | R10 617 150 | 0.03% of SRD budget |
Source: Minister of Social Development reply to question NW3776
Which grants did permanent residents and refugees get?
Most of the money went on old age grants for permanent residents. Refugee spending was mostly child support grants.
| Grant | Permanent residents | Refugees |
|---|---|---|
| Older person's grant | R931.5 million | R32.7 million |
| Child support grant | R134.5 million | R105.8 million |
| Disability grant | R31.7 million | R6 million |
| Care dependency grant | R8.4 million | R5.9 million |
| Grant-in-aid | R6.6 million | R271 600 |
| Foster child grant | R3.8 million | R198 750 |
Source: Minister of Social Development reply to question NW3776
Who got the R370 SRD grant?
Lesotho Exemption Permit holders took most of the SRD money paid to foreign nationals.
| Permit or status | Estimated 2025/26 SRD spend |
|---|---|
| Lesotho Exemption Permit holders | R9 181 550 |
| Asylum seekers | R962 370 |
| Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders | R448 810 |
| Angolan Special Permit holders | R24 420 |
Source: Minister of Social Development reply to question NW3776
Can undocumented foreigners get a SASSA grant?
No. The reply states that social assistance is not available to people who are in South Africa unlawfully, and that the amounts listed relate only to foreign nationals legally entitled to grants (PMG).
Under the Social Assistance Regulations, the regular grants (old age, child support, disability and the rest) are open to South African citizens, permanent residents and recognised refugees living in the country (PMG).
SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said earlier this month that the agency pays only refugees who qualify, after social media posts claimed asylum seekers could suddenly get grants (eNCA).
Who qualifies for the SRD grant as a foreigner?
The SRD rules are slightly wider. Besides citizens, permanent residents and refugees, they cover holders of Angolan, Lesotho and Zimbabwe special permits, and asylum seekers whose section 22 permit is still valid (SASSA).
Applicants must also:
- be between 18 and 60
- be registered on the Home Affairs database or on SASSA's system with a unique identifying number
- live in South Africa and not in a state-funded institution
- pass the means test and not get another grant for themselves
Source: SASSA SRD requirements
Why is this coming up now?
Zungula's question referred to reports that SASSA had flagged about 400 000 grant beneficiaries for review, and asked how much was paid to foreign nationals in the country legally or illegally (PMG). The figures were reported again today by IOL and are drawing searches.
To check your own grant or SRD status, use the official SASSA SRD site.
FAQ
How much did SASSA pay foreign nationals in 2025/26?
An estimated R1.28 billion: R1.12 billion to permanent residents, R150.8 million to recognised refugees and R10.6 million in R370 SRD grants, according to the Minister of Social Development's reply to Parliament.
Can undocumented foreigners get SASSA grants?
No. The minister's reply says social assistance is not available to people unlawfully in South Africa.
Can asylum seekers get the R370 SRD grant?
Yes, if their section 22 asylum permit is valid and they meet the other SRD rules, including age 18 to 60, registration and the means test.
Which foreigners can get the old age or child support grant?
Permanent residents and recognised refugees living in South Africa who meet the grant's other requirements.