KwaZulu-Natal had the highest number of social grants in payment in South Africa at the end of June 2026, with more than 4.16 million, according to the latest available figures from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The province accounted for approximately 22.4% of the country’s 18.6 million social grants in payment at the end of the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
Gauteng had the second-highest number, with 2 932 458 grants, followed by the Eastern Cape with 2 784 989.
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The figures are contained in SASSA’s June 2026 Social Assistance Report, which provides a provincial breakdown of grants in payment.
SASSA grants per province at the end of June 2026
The provincial breakdown, from the highest number of grants to the lowest, is as follows:
Nearly 30% of South Africa’s population receives social grants
SASSA’s figures show that social grants in payment were equivalent to approximately 29% of South Africa’s estimated population of 63.1 million in June 2026.
Limpopo had the highest provincial proportion, with grants equivalent to 42% of its estimated population.
The Eastern Cape and Northern Cape both recorded a figure of 39%, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 34%.
Gauteng had the lowest proportion, at 18%, while the Western Cape recorded 21%.
SASSA grant numbers decline across all provinces
The total number of social grants in payment fell by 241 046 between the end of March and the end of June 2026.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded the largest decline, with 56 362 fewer grants, followed by Gauteng, which recorded a reduction of 39 673.
The Western Cape had the third-largest decrease, with 35 150 fewer grants, while the Eastern Cape recorded a decline of 31 878.
The Northern Cape recorded the smallest reduction, at 7 654.
The provincial figures show that every province recorded a decrease over the three-month period.
It is important to note that SASSA’s table counts social grants in payment, rather than necessarily representing unique individuals. Some beneficiaries may receive more than one type of grant.
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