According to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), approximately 1.27 billion rand in social grants was allocated to foreign nationals who met the criteria during the 2025–2026 financial year, which accounts for less than 1% of South Africa's total social assistance budget. The majority of these funds were received by permanent residents.
These figures became known in a written parliamentary response to an inquiry by Member of Parliament Vuyo Zungulu from the African Transformation Movement (ATM), who sought information on payments made to foreigners.
In response, the Department of Social Development indicated that about 1.12 billion rand was allocated to permanent residents, and approximately 150.8 million rand to recognized refugees. Additionally, another 10.6 million rand was provided to qualified foreign nationals through the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant of 370 rand. The total estimated expenditure across these three categories amounts to about 1.28 billion rand.
Permanent residents constitute the largest share of benefit expenditures
The parliamentary response showed that permanent residents received 1,116,540,950 rand in estimated social grant expenditures for the 2025/26 financial year. The largest portion was the old age grant amounting to 931.5 million rand, followed by child support grants (134.5 million rand) and disability grants (31.7 million rand).
Other payments included 8.4 million rand for dependent care grants, 6.6 million rand for assistance grants, and 3.8 million rand for foster care grants. The Ministry noted that expenditures for permanent residents accounted for only 0.45% of the country's social assistance budget. The parliamentary response explicitly stated: 'In line with the social assistance budget for 2025/2026, SASSA spent 0.45% of the Social Assistance Budget on permanent residents.'
Refugees receive 150.8 million rand in social grants
Recognized refugees residing in South Africa received an additional 150,843,110 rand in estimated social grant expenditures. Of this amount, 105.8 million rand was directed towards child support grants, and 32.7 million rand towards old age grants. Disability grants amounted to 6 million rand, and grants for dependent care totaled 5.9 million rand. Smaller amounts were allocated for assistance and foster care grants, amounting to 271,600 and 198,750 rand, respectively.
The Ministry reported that expenditures for recognized refugees constituted 0.06% of the social assistance budget.
Lesotho permit holders make up the majority of SRD payments to foreigners
The parliamentary response also provided a breakdown of the estimated SRD grant expenditures of 10,617,150 rand allocated to qualified foreign nationals during the 2025/26 financial year. Lesotho permit holders received the largest share, receiving about 9.18 million rand. Total asylum seekers received 962,370 rand, and Zimbabwe permit holders received 448,810 rand. The smallest amount was allocated to holders of special Angolan permits—24,420 rand.
The Ministry indicated that total expenditures amounted to 0.03% of the allocated SRD 370 budget. SASSA stated: 'In line with the Covid Social Relief of Distress (SRD 370) budget for 2025/2026, SASSA spent 0.03% of the allocated SRD 370 budget on foreign nationals.'
SASSA excludes illegal immigrants from social benefits
The Ministry emphasized that social assistance is provided only to individuals who meet the requirements set by South African law. It was clarified that the Constitution and the Social Assistance Act allow for social benefits 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 aid.
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 specified that certain categories of asylum seekers and special permit holders may qualify for the SRD grant if they meet the relevant conditions. These conditions include having insufficient financial means, possessing valid documentation, residing in South Africa, and meeting established age and other criteria.
Less than 1% of the social assistance budget goes to foreigners
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 question in parliament specifically demanded a breakdown of payments to foreigners by grant type, country of origin, and residency status.
In its response, the ministry stressed that the disclosed amounts pertain exclusively to foreign nationals legally entitled to receive social assistance. SASSA stated: 'According to estimates for 2025/2026, less than 1% of South Africa's social assistance budget was paid to foreign nationals.'
The Ministry also defended SASSA's verification procedures, stating that cross-referencing with Department of Home Affairs records is intended to ensure recipients comply with legal requirements. The Ministry insists that the social grant system does not provide benefits to persons illegally present in South Africa.
