Foreign Nationals Receive R1.27 Billion in Social Grants

An estimated R1.27 billion in social grants was paid to eligible foreign nationals in South Africa during the 2025–2026 financial year, accounting for less than 1% of the country’s total Social Assistance budget, according to figures released by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

The figures have sparked renewed attention on government spending, social assistance and the eligibility of foreign nationals for taxpayer-funded grants.

The information was disclosed in a written parliamentary response from the Department of Social Development following a question submitted by African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula.

Zungula had asked the department to clarify how much money the government had spent on social grants for foreign nationals during the financial year.

According to the department’s response, permanent residents received the largest share of the funding, with approximately R1.12 billion allocated to eligible beneficiaries in this category.

Recognised refugees received an estimated R150.8 million in social assistance during the same period.

A further R10.6 million was paid to qualifying foreign nationals through the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

When combined, the three categories account for approximately R1.28 billion in estimated expenditure, although the initial overall figure was reported as R1.27 billion.

Despite the billions involved, the department indicated that spending on eligible foreign nationals represented less than 1% of South Africa’s overall Social Assistance budget.

The figures highlight the different categories of foreign nationals who may qualify for social assistance under South African regulations. Permanent residents and recognised refugees are among those who can access certain grants if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

The SRD grant also has specific qualifying conditions, meaning that not every foreign national living in the country automatically qualifies for financial assistance.

The disclosure comes amid ongoing public debate about unemployment, poverty, pressure on public resources and the government’s responsibility to support vulnerable people living in South Africa.

Social grants remain an important source of financial assistance for millions of households, particularly pensioners, people with disabilities and families caring for children.

The latest figures are likely to attract further political attention, particularly as questions continue to emerge about the allocation of public funds and whether the country’s social assistance system adequately serves its most vulnerable citizens.

However, the department’s response makes clear that the amount allocated to eligible foreign nationals remains a relatively small proportion of the overall social assistance budget.

https://iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/2026-11-01-r127-billion-in-social-grants-allocated-to-eligible-foreign-nationals-in-south-africa/

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