Cost of Living
All the government grants South Africans can apply for in 2026
For millions of South Africans, government grants are not a nice extra. They are what keep food on the table, children in school, and small businesses alive when the economy tightens. In 2026, that safety net is still firmly in place, although with a few important changes that applicants need to understand.
From pensions and child support to business funding and student bursaries, here is a clear breakdown of every major government grant you can apply for this year, who qualifies, and what has changed.
Social grants remain the backbone of support
The South African Social Security Agency continues to carry the biggest load when it comes to direct support for individuals and households. These grants are means-tested, which means income and assets are checked before approval.
The Older Person’s Grant, often called the pension, is available to South Africans aged 60 and older. In 2026, those between 60 and 74 receive about R2,320 per month, while people aged 75 and older receive roughly R2,340. For many households, this grant quietly supports entire families, not just the pensioner.
The Child Support Grant remains one of the most widely accessed grants in the country. Primary caregivers of children under 18 receive around R560 per child each month. There is also a Child Support Grant Top Up for vulnerable children, such as orphans, which adds an extra amount on top of the standard grant.
For adults who cannot work due to physical or mental disability, the Disability Grant pays approximately R2,320 per month. This applies to both temporary and permanent disabilities, provided medical assessments confirm eligibility.
Families caring for children with severe disabilities can apply for the Care Dependency Grant, also around R2,320 per month. Foster parents who have been legally appointed by a court receive the Foster Child Grant, which sits at roughly R1,250 per month.
There are also smaller but vital grants that many people overlook. The Grant in Aid is an additional amount for people already receiving an Older Person’s, Disability, or War Veteran’s Grant who require full-time care at home. The War Veteran’s Grant, paid to veterans of the Second World War or Korean War, remains in place at about R2,340 per month.
The SRD grant is still here, with strict rules
The Social Relief of Distress grant, better known as the R370 grant, has once again been extended and will run until March 2027. It is aimed at unemployed adults aged 18 to 59 who have little or no income.
In 2026, the income threshold remains strict. Applicants must earn less than R624 per month. This grant has become a lightning rod on social media, with many South Africans calling for it to be increased or converted into a basic income grant. For now, however, R370 remains the confirmed amount, despite ongoing public debate and online rumours about higher figures.
Applications must be done through official SASSA channels only, including the SRD website, WhatsApp line, or USSD service.
One grant per need: the big 2026 shift
One of the most important changes this year is the implementation of a single grant policy. From January 2026, beneficiaries are restricted to one government grant per qualifying need. This move is meant to reduce duplication and fraud, but it has sparked concern among households that rely on layered support to survive.
If you are applying this year, it is crucial to understand which grant best fits your situation before submitting an application.
Business grants focus on jobs and transformation
Beyond social support, government funding in 2026 continues to push job creation, entrepreneurship, and transformation.
Young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for the NYDA Grant Programme, which offers funding from R1,000 up to R100,000, along with business development support.
Black-owned small enterprises can access the Black Business Supplier Development Programme, a cost-sharing grant of up to R1 million to improve competitiveness through equipment, training, or systems.
Women-led businesses remain a major focus area. The Isivande Women’s Fund offers funding from R30,000 to R2 million for qualifying companies, while the NEF Women Empowerment Fund can go significantly higher for larger, scalable ventures.
For township and rural businesses, programmes like Asset Assist and TREP provide funding for machinery, equipment, and operational support. In the creative sector, the Mzansi Golden Economy continues to fund cultural and artistic projects scheduled between May 2026 and February 2027.
Education funding still opens doors
Education grants and bursaries remain one of the most powerful long-term investments by the state.
NSFAS continues to fund students from low-income households at public universities and TVET colleges, covering tuition, accommodation, and learning materials. For postgraduate students, the National Research Foundation offers funding for Master’s and Doctoral studies across various fields.
There are also targeted government bursaries offered by provincial departments and municipalities, particularly in scarce skills areas such as teaching, engineering, and town planning.
How and when to apply
SASSA grants can be applied for at local SASSA offices or through official online platforms. The SRD grant has its own dedicated application system and should never require payment or intermediaries.
Business and sector-specific grants often open on fixed annual schedules, with many 2026 and 2027 funding calls opening from late 2025 into early 2026. Missing these windows is one of the most common reasons applications fail.
Grant amounts may also change each year slightly, usually after the National Budget Speech in February, so figures should always be checked against the latest announcements.
Why these grants still matter
In a country with stubborn unemployment and rising living costs, government grants remain a quiet stabiliser. They are not a solution to every problem, but for many South Africans, they are the difference between coping and collapse.
As debates rage online about basic income, grant sustainability, and fraud, the reality on the ground remains simple. These grants feed families, keep children in school, and help small businesses survive long enough to grow.
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