The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced a minor grant increase of R10 that will be effective as of January 2026. Although the increase is small, it is part of the government’s plan to help poor families cope with the rising cost of living, which includes food, transport, and electricity. South African social grants, even a small increase, count a lot over time, as they are the main income source of millions of people.
Reasons For The R10 Increase
The price of living in South Africa is going up, especially on essential goods. The R10 increase is meant to keep the buying power of the social grants intact and to give at least a little relief to those who are greatly affected by the price hikes. It may be a small figure, yet it is an indication of the ongoing practice of tying up grant values to the economic situation and to budgeting limitations.
Grants Affected By The Increase
The R10 increase applies, in line with the prevailing practice, to the major social grants in which the Old Age Pension, Disability Grant, and Care Dependency Grant are included. These grants provide financial aid to old people, disabled persons, and caregivers of children with special needs. Other grants like the Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, and Grant-in-Aid will, however, not be affected by the new R10 hike for January 2026, which is already frozen because of earlier increases.
No Action Required From Beneficiaries
Increased amounts will be automatically credited to the beneficiaries without their having to file new applications or change their grant status. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will consequently include the revised grant values in the January 2026 payment cycle. Payments will be made according to the already established plan and using the methods of payment that have been registered in the system, thus ensuring a seamless transition to the new amounts.
How And When Payments Will Be Made
The grant payments will be paid in accordance with SASSA’s staggered payment calendar. The payments of the older people’s grants are usually the first to be done, then the disability grants followed by the children’s grants. The funds that are going to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries may take one to two working days to be reflected, depending on the bank of the beneficiary. The beneficiaries who are using SASSA or Postbank cards can go to the ATM or participating retail outlets to withdraw their funds once the payments have been released.
Importance Of Keeping Details Updated
SASSA is asking the beneficiaries to keep their banking details, contact information, and personal records current in order to avoid payment delays or suspensions. One of the main reasons for grant interruptions is incorrect or outdated information.
Also Read: R560 Grant-In-Aid January 2026: SASSA Payment Dates And Eligibility Explained