SASSA Reveals R1.28 Billion Paid To Qualifying Foreign Nationals In 2025/26
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed that an estimated R1.28 billion in social grants and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) payments went to legally eligible foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year, accounting for less than 1% of South Africa’s social assistance budget.
The figures were disclosed by Social Development Minister Dina Pule in a written parliamentary response to African Transformation Movement (ATM) MP Vuyo Zungula, who requested a breakdown of grant expenditure on foreign nationals.
According to the response, permanent residents received the largest share, accounting for approximately R1.12 billion. Of this amount, R931.5 million went towards Older Persons Grants, R134.5 million towards Child Support Grants and R31.7 million towards Disability Grants. The remaining funds covered other qualifying grants.
Recognised refugees accounted for approximately R150.8 million, with R105.8 million allocated to Child Support Grants and R32.7 million to Older Persons Grants.
A further R10.6 million was spent on R370 SRD payments to qualifying foreign nationals, including R9.18 million for Lesotho Exemption Permit holders, R962,370 for asylum seekers, R448,810 for Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders and R24,420 for Angolan special permit holders.
SASSA emphasised that social assistance is restricted to individuals who meet the legal eligibility requirements, including South African citizens, permanent residents, recognised refugees and certain documented foreign nationals who qualify for SRD assistance.
The agency maintained that it does not provide social grants or SRD benefits to undocumented immigrants or individuals unlawfully residing in South Africa. It added that eligibility checks include verification against Department of Home Affairs records.
The disclosure comes amid ongoing public debate over social grant eligibility and concerns about possible irregular payments. SASSA maintains that its verification procedures are designed to ensure that only legally qualifying beneficiaries receive assistance.