INFLATION TROUBLE FOR 2026 SASSA GRANT INCREASES

In an ironic twist, 2026 SASSA grant increases may be lower than expected due to the country’s much-improved inflation. You may recall that in 2025, social-welfare payouts increased by a sizeable 4.8%, in line with the preceding year’s inflation figure (5.3%). The same increases applied to civil servants and government workers. 

Therefore, by that same measure, 2026 SASSA grant increases would be some 1.6% lower, at around 3.2%. That’s because, according to Stats SA, average inflation for the full year –January 2025 to January 2026 – levelled out at a rate of just 3.2%. Ironically, this might spell trouble for social-welfare beneficiaries …

2026 SASSA GRANT INCREASES

Typically, low inflation is a good thing for an economy. It means the prices of everyday household items are increasing at a lower rate. However, because of this, the 2026 SASSA grant increases may not be as high as in previous years. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to confirm official figures in his Budget Speech on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

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