South African pensioners hoping for more money in their monthly SASSA payments will have to wait until February 2027 to find out whether the Older Persons Grant will increase.
Also see: SASSA confirms December 2026 grant dates, issues important warning to beneficiaries
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reportedly confirmed that no final decision has been made on the next round of social grant adjustments. Government is still considering the proposed increases as part of its 2027/28 budget process, taking into account available funds and competing spending priorities.
The announcement will be important for older South Africans who rely on the grant to cover everyday expenses, particularly as food, electricity, transport and healthcare costs continue to put pressure on household budgets.
Godongwana provided the update in a written parliamentary response to uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP Adil Nchabeleng, who asked whether government was considering a bigger increase to the Older Persons Grant.
The minister said the proposed adjustments were still being assessed through the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process and would require Cabinet approval before being announced alongside the national budget in February. There is therefore no confirmed new pension amount, despite claims that may be circulating on social media.
How much have pension grants increased?
Reportedly, Godongwana also disputed claims that annual increases to the Older Persons Grant are generally limited to between R10 and R20. He pointed out that beneficiaries received an additional R130 per month in 2025/26, representing a 5.9% increase. In 2026/27, the grant increased by R85 per month, or 3.7%.
However, he explained that inflation is only one factor considered when determining adjustments.
“While social grant increases are informed by inflation trends, including projected CPI and food price inflation, the level of adjustments ultimately depends on the fiscal resources available and prevailing economic conditions,” said Godongwana.
Also see: Fraud crackdown: SASSA dismisses 65 officials
The government aims to protect the purchasing power of grants while balancing support for vulnerable households against other public spending commitments.
Pensioners should also distinguish between annual grant increases and individual eligibility reviews.
SASSA conducts reviews to establish whether beneficiaries still qualify for assistance, including checking changes in income, employment and marital circumstances. Beneficiaries who receive review notices should respond to the agency’s requirements, as failing to cooperate can result in suspension.
Changes to payment dates are also separate from decisions about grant increases. November’s payment schedule, for example, was brought forward ahead of the local government elections, with older persons receiving their grants on 30 October.
What pensioners should know
Until the government announces its decision, existing grant amounts remain in place. Beneficiaries should keep their personal and banking details updated and rely on official SASSA announcements for information.
Pensioners should also be wary of scams promising early access to a higher grant or asking for banking details, PINs or one-time passwords. No one needs to pay a fee to receive an approved grant increase.
For now, the key date is February 2027. Godongwana has confirmed that the review is underway, but whether pensioners will receive more money will depend on what the government can afford and what Cabinet ultimately approves.
Featured image: Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams
Originally published by Cape{town}etc.
Also see: New biometric testing for SASSA beneficiaries without IDs
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!