SASSA Reveals R1.28 Billion Paid To Qualifying Foreign Nationals In 2025/26 Financial Year

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed that approximately R1.28 billion was paid in social grants and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) support to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year.

The amount represents less than 1% of South Africa’s total social assistance budget, according to figures disclosed in a written parliamentary response by Social Development Minister Dina Pule.

The information was provided in response to questions from African Transformation Movement (ATM) Member of Parliament Vuyo Zungula, who requested a breakdown of social grant expenditure benefiting foreign nationals.

The figures show that permanent residents received the largest portion of the payments, accounting for approximately R1.12 billion during the financial year.

Of this amount, R931.5 million went towards Older Persons Grants, while R134.5 million was allocated to Child Support Grants. A further R31.7 million was paid through Disability Grants, with the remaining amount covering other qualifying forms of social assistance.

Recognised refugees received approximately R150.8 million in social assistance during the same

The breakdown indicates that R105.8 million of the amount paid to recognised refugees went towards Child Support Grants, while R32.7 million was allocated to Older Persons Grants. The remaining funds covered other qualifying support.

The disclosure comes amid ongoing public debate about social grants, unemployment, poverty and the eligibility of foreign nationals for South Africa’s social assistance programmes.

The figures highlight that access to certain grants is not limited exclusively to South African citizens. However, foreign nationals must fall within legally recognised eligibility categories and meet the relevant requirements to receive assistance.

The R1.28 billion disclosure provides a clearer picture of how much was spent on qualifying foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year, while showing that the amount accounted for less than 1% of the overall social assistance budget.

Source : https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2115884021880074443/photo/1?a=sMGmrAdBTcpreIvXj3Q&s=19

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