R1.27 Billion Paid to Foreign Nationals in Social Grants, SASSA Reveals

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed that approximately R1.27 billion in social grants was allocated to qualifying foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year, representing less than one per cent of the country’s total Social Assistance budget.

The disclosure provides insight into how South Africa’s social security system supports eligible non-citizens while directing the overwhelming majority of available funding towards beneficiaries across the country. According to the figures released by SASSA, permanent residents received the largest share of the funding allocated to foreign nationals.

The R1.27 billion allocation has renewed attention on the eligibility requirements governing access to social assistance, particularly as government faces competing demands to support vulnerable households, reduce poverty and ensure that public funds reach those who qualify under the law.

South Africa operates one of the continent’s largest social protection systems, providing financial assistance to millions of people through various grant programmes. These include the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant and other forms of assistance intended to protect vulnerable individuals against poverty and economic hardship.

Although citizenship is an important consideration in determining eligibility for certain benefits, South African legislation allows qualifying categories of foreign nationals to access specific social grants. Permanent residents are among those who may qualify, provided they meet the relevant statutory and administrative requirements.

The latest figures indicate that the amount allocated to eligible foreign nationals remains a relatively small proportion of the overall Social Assistance budget. However, the disclosure is likely to attract further public interest because social grants remain a crucial source of income for millions of South African households facing unemployment, rising living costs and limited economic opportunities.

The distinction between legal eligibility and general access to grants is central to understanding the figures. Foreign nationals do not automatically qualify for social assistance simply because they reside in South Africa. Applicants must fall within a recognised category and satisfy the applicable conditions for the particular grant.

The fact that permanent residents received the largest share also highlights the importance of distinguishing between different immigration statuses when assessing government expenditure. Refugees, permanent residents and other categories of foreign nationals may be subject to different legal provisions, depending on the assistance concerned.

SASSA’s disclosure offers a clearer picture of the financial contribution made towards eligible non-citizen beneficiaries during the financial year. Nevertheless, the figures alone do not establish whether any irregular payments occurred or whether the eligibility rules were improperly applied.

The broader challenge for government remains balancing lawful access to social protection with effective administration, accurate beneficiary verification and the responsible management of public resources.

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