The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed that an estimated R1.28 billion will be paid to qualifying foreign nationals through social grants and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) benefits during the 2025/26 financial year.

The figures were revealed in a written parliamentary reply to a question from ATM MP Vuyo Zungula, who sought clarity on reports that approximately 400,000 social grant beneficiaries had been flagged for assessment and review. The question asked how much social grant funding was paid to foreign nationals who are legally and/or illegally within South Africa, broken down by grant type, country of origin and residency status.

While the reply did not provide the number of foreign nationals receiving grants, it confirmed that significant allocations have been set aside for permanent residents, recognised refugees and certain categories of foreign nationals who qualify under South African law.

Constitutional and legislative framework

According to the Department of Social Development, Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees access to social security, including appropriate social assistance for those unable to support themselves and their dependants.

The Social Assistance Act and accompanying regulations allow qualifying South African citizens, permanent residents and recognised refugees to receive social grants. SASSA stated that it is legally mandated to provide social assistance to these categories of beneficiaries provided they meet the required eligibility criteria.

The agency reiterated that social assistance is not available to people who are unlawfully present in South Africa.

More than R1.1 billion allocated to permanent residents

SASSA estimates that R1.116 billion will be spent on social grants for permanent residents during the 2025/26 financial year.

The largest share of this allocation is directed towards Old Age Grants, which account for R931.5 million. Child Support Grants are estimated at R134.5 million, while Disability Grants account for R31.7 million. Additional spending includes Care Dependency Grants, Foster Child Grants and Grant-in-Aid benefits.

According to SASSA, expenditure on permanent residents represents approximately 0.45% of South Africa's total social assistance budget.

Refugees to receive R150.8 million

Recognised refugees are expected to receive R150.8 million in social grant payments during the same financial year.

Child Support Grants make up the largest portion of this expenditure at R105.8 million, followed by Old Age Grants at R32.7 billion and Disability Grants at R6 million. Smaller amounts are allocated to Care Dependency Grants, Foster Child Grants and Grant-in-Aid beneficiaries.

SASSA noted that spending on refugees represents around 0.06% of the national social assistance budget.

SRD support for qualifying foreign nationals

The parliamentary reply also detailed expenditure relating to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

Under existing regulations, qualifying foreign nationals may receive SRD support if they have insufficient means and fall within prescribed categories. These include recognised refugees, asylum seekers with valid permits, holders of Lesotho Exemption Permits, Zimbabwe Exemption Permits and Special Angolan Dispensation Permits.

To qualify, applicants must also be registered on Department of Home Affairs or SASSA systems, possess valid identification, be between the ages of 18 and 60, reside in South Africa and meet other eligibility requirements.

For the 2025/26 financial year, SASSA expects to spend R10.6 million on SRD grants for qualifying foreign nationals.

Lesotho Exemption Permit holders account for the largest share at R9.18 million. Asylum seekers are expected to receive R962,370, while Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders are allocated R448,810. Special Angolan Dispensation Permit holders are projected to receive R24,420.

SASSA stated that this expenditure amounts to just 0.03% of the total SRD budget.

Less than one percent of social assistance budget

According to the agency, the amounts reflected in the parliamentary reply relate exclusively to foreign nationals who are legally entitled to receive social assistance under South Africa's Constitution, the Social Assistance Act and relevant regulations.

SASSA said the combined expenditure on permanent residents, refugees and qualifying foreign nationals remains below one percent of the country's overall social assistance budget.