Social grants are expected to increase to keep inflation in line and increase access for those who are eligible.<\/p>\n
This does not include the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD), also known as the R350 grant.<\/p>\n
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced this during the Wednesday Budget Speech in Cape Town.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are sensitive to the increase in the cost of living for the nearly 19 million South Africans who rely on these grants to make ends meet. In this regard, we have done as much as the fiscal envelope allows,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The increases to be implemented during this year are as follows:<\/p>\n
In the expanded Budget 2024 review, the National Treasury explained that social grant expenditure \u2013 excluding the SRD grant \u2013 will increase from R217.1 billion in 2023\/24 to R259.3 billion in 2026\/27.<\/p>\n
The COVID\u201019 Social Relief of Distress Grant is allocated R33.6 billion in 2024\/25 with provisional allocations for 2025\/26 and 2026\/27.<\/p>\n
\u201cWork is underway to improve the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant by April this year. National Treasury will work with the Department of Social Development to ensure that improvements in this grant are captured in the final regulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese improvements will be within the current fiscal framework. For the extension of the grant beyond March 2025, the social security policy reforms and the funding source will be finalised,\u201d the Minister said.<\/p>\n