SASSA Pensioners Get Important Update as Godongwana Speaks Out About a Possible Grant Increase

South African pensioners who depend on the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Older Persons Grant have received an important update from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana following questions about a possible increase in their monthly payments.

Many older South Africans have been hoping for a bigger grant increase as the cost of living continues to put pressure on their household budgets. Rising food prices, electricity bills, transport costs and healthcare expenses have made it increasingly difficult for pensioners to manage their monthly expenses.

The issue was raised in Parliament by uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP Adil Nchabeleng, who asked whether government was considering a more substantial increase to provide additional support to elderly citizens.

In his response, Godongwana explained that decisions about future social grant increases are still being considered as part of the government’s budget process.

The minister also pointed out that claims suggesting the Older Persons Grant usually increases by only R10 or R20 are inaccurate. He revealed that beneficiaries received an increase of R130 per month during the 2025/26 financial year, followed by an additional R85 in the 2026/27 financial year.

However, pensioners hoping for another increase in 2027 will have to wait for the government’s next announcement.

According to Godongwana, the proposed adjustments for the 2027/28 financial year will depend on available government funds, inflation and other spending priorities. The final decision will be announced when the national budget is presented in February 2027.

This means there is currently no confirmed new Older Persons Grant amount for 2027.

For millions of elderly South Africans who depend on this financial assistance, the announcement will be important because even a small increase can make a difference when buying groceries, paying bills and covering medical expenses.

For now, beneficiaries will have to wait for the February 2027 Budget announcement to find out whether government will approve another increase.