Provinces will receive R3.5 billion from the Department of Social Development to improve access to early childhood development services.

R6.3 billion is allocated to extend the special Covid‐19 social relief of distress grant until the end of April 2021. In addition, R678.3 million is earmarked for provincial departments of social development and basic education to continue rolling out free sanitary products for learners from low‐income households.

Regular social assistance grants are adjusted as follows:

Government remains committed to ensuring that deserving students are supported through higher education. The National Treasury is working with the Department of Higher Education and Training to work on policy and funding options that will be detailed in the MTBPS.