Will your SASSA grant go up in 2027? You'll only know in February

Older people on a SASSA grant won't know until February 2027 whether their money goes up next year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in a written reply to Parliament that increases for 2027/28 are still being worked out in the budget process, and that he will announce any change when he tables the budget in February 2027 (Parliamentary reply NW5374 via PMG).

Until then, nothing changes. The older persons grant stays at R2 400 a month, or R2 420 if you're 75 or older (notice R.7287).

What did Godongwana say about a bigger increase?

MK Party MP Adil Nchabeleng asked whether Treasury was considering a "substantial" increase to the older persons grant because of rising food, transport, electricity and healthcare costs, and what it would cost (PMG).

Godongwana gave no amount. He said grant increases for 2027/28 are being considered as part of the 2027 medium-term budget process, which weighs affordability against other priorities approved by Cabinet. Once Cabinet signs off, the Finance Minister announces the changes in the February budget (PMG, IOL).

He said increases are informed by inflation, including projected CPI and food price inflation, but the final size "ultimately depends on the fiscal resources available and prevailing economic conditions" (PMG).

Is it true that pensioners only get R10 to R20 a year more?

No. Godongwana called that claim "not accurate" and pointed to the last two increases (PMG).

Source: Parliamentary reply NW5374 via PMG.

The R85 figure is the one in the minister's reply. His February 2026 Budget Speech described this year's increase to R2 400 as R80 (Parliament).

What about the R3 000 old-age grant?

That idea was put to Parliament during hearings on the October budget statement. Treasury responded on 30 October that raising the grant to R3 000 would cost about R30.2 billion a year and that the proposed increases are very hard to accommodate (EWN). We covered that in more detail here: R3 000 old-age grant? Treasury says it would cost R30.2 billion a year.

When is the next grant payment?

November's grants were paid early because of the 4 November elections. SASSA says that was a once-off, and December goes back to the normal schedule (SASSA on X).

Source: Department of Social Development.

How do I check my SASSA grant status?

Use only SASSA's own channels. Don't give your ID number, PIN or card details to anyone who calls, texts or messages you claiming to be from SASSA, or to social media pages promising a bigger grant.

If your money hasn't arrived on your payment date, go to your nearest SASSA local office (Department of Social Development).