Pensioners want R3,000 a month as SASSA grant increase proposal reaches Parliament

South Africa’s old-age pension grant could become the subject of renewed debate after a public-interest campaign called on Parliament to increase the monthly payment from R2,400 to R3,000.

The proposal was presented during public hearings on the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, by the initiative Math is not Mathing.

Representing the campaign, Geraldine Prinsloo argued that the current grant was insufficient to cover the rising cost of living, particularly for older people who depend on social assistance to meet their basic needs.

The proposed adjustment would increase the monthly payment by R600, representing a 25% increase.

Prinsloo questioned how pensioners were expected to afford essential expenses such as food, electricity, accommodation, transport and medication on R2,400 a month.

She also challenged government to explain how savings identified across government departments were being allocated, arguing that older South Africans should receive greater consideration when public funds are distributed.

In response to public submissions on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, National Treasury indicated that increasing the older persons grant to R3,000 would cost the state approximately R30.2 billion annually.

Treasury’s Deputy Director in the Budget Office, Busi Mothlabedi, said government had to balance the need to address poverty and inflation against the country’s fiscal position.

She described the proposed increases as difficult to accommodate, highlighting the financial implications of expanding social assistance.

Treasury also dismissed suggestions that government was deliberately reducing the number of grant beneficiaries to save money, saying the department was focused on ensuring that payments went to people who met the legal eligibility requirements.

How much do pensioners currently receive?

According to the Department of Social Development, the older persons grant currently stands at R2,400 per month.

Beneficiaries aged 75 and older receive R2,420.The latest adjustment took effect in April 2026, when the older persons grant increased by R80.

The proposed R3,000 payment would therefore represent a significant adjustment for millions of older South Africans who rely on the grant.

Despite the proposal reaching Parliament, no decision has been announced approving the increase.The proposal forms part of the public consultation process surrounding the government’s revised fiscal framework and spending priorities.

Parliament’s finance committees are expected to consider submissions from stakeholders before finalising their reports on the revised fiscal framework in November 2026.

For now, pensioners should continue to expect the existing grant amounts rather than the proposed R3,000 payment.

The debate highlights the growing pressure on government to balance social protection, rising living costs and the sustainability of public finances.

https://www.capetownetc.com/news/sassa-pension-increase-proposal-reaches-parliament/

https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/parliament-urged-to-back-r600-old-age-grant-increase/

https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/10/28/pension-reform-campaign-petitions-parliament-to-raise-old-age-grant-to-r3-000

https://reported.co.za/old-age-grant-r3000-proposal-treasury-r30-billion-cost-2026/

https://www.dsd.gov.za/index.php/21-latest-news/680-sassa-confirms-2026-2027-social-grant-payment-schedule-and-increases

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