SASSA Reveals R1.28 Billion Paid to Eligible Foreign Nationals in 2025/26

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

The figures were provided by Social Development Minister Dina Pule in a written parliamentary response to African Transformation Movement MP Vuyo Zungula, who sought details on social assistance expenditure involving foreign nationals.

According to the response, permanent residents received the largest share, with approximately R1.12 billion allocated to them during the financial year. Older Persons Grants accounted for R931.5 million of this amount, while Child Support Grants received R134.5 million and Disability Grants accounted for R31.7 million. The remainder covered other qualifying grants.

Recognised refugees received approximately R150.8 million. Of this amount, R105.8 million went towards Child Support Grants, while R32.7 million was allocated to Older Persons Grants.

A further R10.6 million was spent on the R370 SRD payment for qualifying foreign nationals. Lesotho Exemption Permit holders received R9.18 million, while asylum seekers received R962,370. Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders received R448,810, and Angolan special permit holders received R24,420.

The disclosed expenditure represents less than one per cent of South Africa’s social assistance budget, according to the information provided.

SASSA explained that social assistance is not automatically available to everyone living in the country. Eligibility depends on the applicable legal requirements, which cover South African citizens, permanent residents, recognised refugees and certain documented foreign nationals who qualify for SRD assistance.

The agency also maintained that undocumented immigrants and individuals unlawfully residing in South Africa are not eligible for social grants or SRD benefits. It said verification procedures include checks against Department of Home Affairs records to help establish applicants’ status.

The figures emerge amid continuing public debate about who should receive social assistance and whether payments are reaching only eligible beneficiaries.

The disclosure provides a breakdown of payments by beneficiary category and grant type, while SASSA’s position remains that its verification processes are intended to ensure assistance goes to people who meet the legal requirements.

The parliamentary response does not, by itself, establish that the payments were irregular. Instead, it outlines the amounts paid to categories of foreign nationals whom the agency identifies as legally eligible for assistance during the 2025/26 financial year.

Source: https://x.com/mdnnewss/status/2115884021880074443?s=46

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