SASSA Spends R150.8 Million on Social Grants for Recognised Refugees in 2025/26

Breakdown of Social Grant Payments to Refugees

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) revealed that a total of R150.8 million in social grants was allocated to recognised refugees during the 2025/26 financial year. This disclosure came in response to a parliamentary question, highlighting the scale and scope of social assistance provided to legally entitled foreign nationals residing in South Africa.

Of the total R150.8 million, more than R105 million was directed to Child Support Grants. Old Age Grants accounted for R32.7 million, while Disability Grants reached R6 million. Additionally, Care Dependency Grants comprised R5.9 million of the expenditure.

• Grant-in-Aid spent: R271,600
• Foster Child Grants spent: R198,750

This detailed breakdown emphasizes the range of social grant types accessed by recognised refugees living in South Africa.

Context: Foreign Nationals and the Social Assistance Budget

In its written parliamentary response, SASSA clarified that payments to recognised refugees form only part of government spending on foreign nationals. For the 2025/26 financial year, permanent residents received an estimated R1.12 billion in social grants, with Old Age and Child Support Grants representing the bulk of this expenditure. Additionally, R10.6 million was allocated to qualifying foreign nationals under the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

All told, the estimated combined expenditure for recognised refugees, permanent residents, and qualifying foreign nationals stood at around R1.28 billion. This figure represents less than 1% of South Africa’s total social assistance budget, with permanent residents’ share accounting for 0.45% and SRD expenditure for foreign nationals representing just 0.03% of the respective allocated budgets.

Permanent Residents: Largest Recipients Among Foreign Nationals

The parliamentary report underlined that permanent residentsforeign nationals with official permission to live in South Africareceived the bulk of grant expenditure within the foreign national category. Among permanent residents, Old Age Grants alone accounted for R931.5 million, with other major allocations as follows:

• Child Support Grants: R134.5 million
• Disability Grants: R31.7 million
• Care Dependency Grant: R8.4 million
• Grant-in-Aid: R6.6 million
• Foster Child Grant: R3.8 million

These numbers illustrate the diversity of social needs addressed across grant types for eligible permanent residents.

SRD Grants: A Closer Look at Expenditure

The SRD grant, valued at R370 per beneficiary, is designed as a form of emergency support to those facing financial hardship. Within the 2025/26 year, SASSA reported that Lesotho Exemption Permit holders received the majority of SRD payments to foreign nationals, with an estimated R9.18 million allocated.

• General asylum seekers: R962,370
• Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders: R448,810
• Angolan Special Permit holders: R24,420

Together, these SRD expenditures constituted a small proportionjust 0.03%of the total SRD grant budget, underscoring their limited impact within the broader framework of social relief.

Eligibility Criteria and Exclusions

The government reiterated its stance that social grant eligibility is tightly regulated by both the Constitution and the Social Assistance Act. Only South African citizens, permanent residents, and recognised refugees may receive social assistance.

“SASSA does not provide social grants or SRD benefits to illegal immigrants or any person unlawfully present in the Republic,” the response stated.

Categories such as general asylum seekers and specific special permit holders may also access the SRD grant, but only if they meet strict requirementssuch as insufficient resources, valid documentation, legal residence in South Africa, and meeting relevant age and eligibility criteria.

Verification and Oversight

To maintain compliance, SASSA employs verification processes that cross-reference Department of Home Affairs records. These checks ensure that only those who satisfy the legal criteria receive benefits, enhancing both transparency and accountability within the social assistance system.

Wider Context of Social Grant Scrutiny

This disclosure occurred at a time of heightened scrutiny, following reports of extensive assessments and reviews affecting approximately 400,000 beneficiaries. Parliament’s inquiry specifically sought a breakdown of payments to foreign nationals by grant type, country of origin, and residency status.

SASSA emphasised that its figures cover only those foreign nationals legally entitled to social assistance. All disbursements to refugees, permanent residents, and other qualifying groups are made strictly within the boundaries set by law.

Conclusion: Less Than 1% of Grants Go to Foreign Nationals

In summarising its response, SASSA highlighted that under 1% of South Africa’s total social assistance budget is paid to qualifying foreign nationals. The agency continues to uphold rigorous eligibility verification and excludes individuals without legal status from social grant access.

This rigorous approach aims to ensure both the integrity of South Africa’s social security system and the targeted delivery of support to those eligible under the law.