The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) distributed an estimated R150.8 million in social grants to recognized refugees residing in the country during the 2025/26 financial year. Of this amount, over R105 million was allocated to child care grants, R32.7 million to old age grants, and R6 million to disability grants.
Grants for dependent care amounted to R5.9 million, while smaller sums were allocated for assistance grants and foster care grants, totaling R271,600 and R198,750 respectively.
This data was disclosed in a written parliamentary response from the Department of Social Development to a query by Member of Parliament from the African Transformation Movement (ATM), Vuyo Zungulu, who sought clarification on the volume of state funding paid to foreign nationals.
According to the response, approximately R1.12 billion was allocated to permanent residents, whereas recognized refugees received about R150.8 million. Furthermore, another R10.6 million was allocated to qualified foreign nationals through the Social Relief of Distress (SRD 370) grant amounting to R370.
Total estimated expenditure across these three categories amounted to approximately R1.28 billion, which is less than 1% of South Africa's social welfare budget.
Permanent residents account for the largest share of grant expenditures
The parliamentary response showed that permanent residents—foreign nationals who have obtained the legal right to live in South Africa—received R1,116,540,950 in estimated social grant expenditures during the 2025/26 financial year. The largest share was taken by the old age grant, amounting to R931.5 million, followed by the child care grant at R134.5 million and the disability grant at R31.7 million.
Other allocations included R8.4 million for dependent care grants, R6.6 million for assistance grants, and R3.8 million for foster care grants. The Ministry noted that expenditures for permanent residents constituted only 0.45% of the country's social welfare budget.
The parliamentary response stated: 'In line with the 2025/2026 social welfare budget, SASSA spent 0.45% of the Social Welfare Budget on permanent residents.'
Lesotho accounts for the majority of SRD payments to foreign nationals
The parliamentary response also provided a breakdown of the estimated expenditure of R10,617,150 for the SRD grant, allocated to qualified foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year. Holders of exemption permits from Lesotho received the largest share, amounting to about R9.18 million. Overall asylum seekers received R962,370, and holders of exemption permits from Zimbabwe received R448,810. The smallest share was allocated to holders of special permits from Angola, totaling R24,420.
The Ministry indicated that total expenditures amounted to 0.03% of the allocated SRD 370 budget. SASSA stated: 'In line with the 2025/2026 Covid Social Relief of Distress (SRD 370) budget, SASSA spent 0.03% of the allocated SRD 370 budget on foreign nationals.'
SASSA excludes social grants for illegal immigrants
The Ministry emphasized that social assistance is provided only to individuals who meet the requirements set out by South African legislation. It was explained that the Constitution and the Social Assistance Act allow for social grants to be received by qualified South African citizens, permanent residents, and recognized refugees. However, individuals illegally present in the country are excluded from receiving such assistance.
The parliamentary response stated: 'SASSA does not provide social grants or SRD benefits to illegal immigrants or any person illegally present in the Republic.'
The Ministry also clarified that certain categories of asylum seekers and holders of special permits may qualify for the SRD grant provided they meet the relevant requirements. These include having insufficient financial means, possessing valid documentation, residing in South Africa, and meeting established age and eligibility criteria.
Less than 1% of the social welfare budget goes to foreign nationals
This information emerged amid close scrutiny of the social grant system following reports that around 400,000 recipients were flagged for assessment and review. Zungulu's parliamentary question specifically concerned the breakdown of payments to foreign nationals by grant type, country of origin, and residency status.
In its response, the ministry stressed that the stated amounts relate exclusively to foreign nationals who have the legal right to receive social assistance. SASSA stated: 'According to estimates for 2025/2026, less than 1% of the South African social welfare budget was paid to foreign nationals.'
The Ministry also defended SASSA's verification procedures, stating that cross-referencing with Department of Home Affairs records aims to ensure that recipients meet legal requirements. The Ministry insists that the social grant system does not provide benefits to persons illegally present in South Africa.
