Here’s how many SASSA grant recipients there are per province

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:

Province	Grants
KwaZulu-Natal	4 161 481
Gauteng	2 932 458
Eastern Cape	2 784 989
Limpopo	2 661 473
Western Cape	1 604 924
Mpumalanga	1 594 760
North West	1 306 917
Free State	1 016 757
Northern Cape	533 505
Total	18 597 264

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%.

Rank	Province	Grants	Population	% of population
1	Limpopo	2 661 473	6 366 192	42%
2	Eastern Cape	2 784 989	7 090 788	39%
2	Northern Cape	533 505	1 379 183	39%
4	KwaZulu-Natal	4 161 481	12 232 247	34%
5	Free State	1 016 757	3 039 834	33%
6	Mpumalanga	1 594 760	5 076 133	31%
6	North West	1 306 917	4 183 947	31%
8	Western Cape	1 604 924	7 627 688	21%
9	Gauteng	2 932 458	16 104 933	18%
	South Africa	18 597 264	63 100 945	29%

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.

Province	Grants – March 2026	Grants – June 2026	Decrease
KwaZulu-Natal	4 217 843	4 161 481	56 362
Gauteng	2 972 131	2 932 458	39 673
Western Cape	1 640 074	1 604 924	35 150
Eastern Cape	2 816 867	2 784 989	31 878
Limpopo	2 684 753	2 661 473	23 280
Mpumalanga	1 610 982	1 594 760	16 222
Free State	1 032 825	1 016 757	16 068
North West	1 321 676	1 306 917	14 759
Northern Cape	541 159	533 505	7 654
South Africa	18 838 310	18 597 264	241 046