National Treasury allocated R292.8 billion to social grants in the 2026/27 financial year, supporting 26.5 million beneficiaries. The budget increased old age, disability and care dependency grants to R2,400, raised the child support grant to R580, and continued the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant. These measures expand and strengthen income support for vulnerable households and improve the coverage of social protection.

Cabinet approved the submission of the Children’s Act Amendment Bill, 2026 to Parliament. The Bill streamlines early childhood development programmes and regulatory oversight by consolidating responsibility under the Department of Basic Education and introducing a single registration process and unified norms and standards for ECD centres. These reforms strengthen access to essential services for children and vulnerable families.