JOHANNESBURG – For more than 18 million South Africans, the first week of a new month revolves around one defining moment: the arrival of their social grant. In January 2026, that wait will stretch longer than usual.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that grant payments will only begin on Tuesday, January 6, a notable departure from the early-month norm that has left beneficiaries anxious, angry, and questioning why delays are becoming routine.
Traditionally, grants are processed between the 2nd and 4th working day of the month. Even when January presents calendar challenges, payments have historically arrived earlier. In January 2025, grants were paid from the 3rd. More recently, December 2025 payments rolled out early from the 2nd, while November 2025 payments started on the 4th (NOWinSA).
Against that backdrop, a January 6 start feels, to many, like a backward step — particularly in a month already burdened by school fees, transport costs, rent, and post-holiday debt.
Confirmed January 2026 SASSA Grant payment dates
SASSA has announced the following staggered schedule:
- Tuesday, January 6: Older Persons Grant & War Veterans Grant
- Wednesday, January 7: Disability Grant & Grant-in-Aid
- Thursday, January 8: Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care & Care Dependency)
- SRD Grant (R370): Processing from approximately January 25–27 through to month-end, subject to confirmation
Beneficiaries can collect their grants via ATMs, approved retail outlets, pay points, or bank accounts, and are urged not to rush collection points all at once to help manage queues and safety risks.
SASSA has again reminded beneficiaries to keep their SASSA cards and PINs secure and not to share them with anyone.
Understanding the delay — and why it’s wearing thin
SASSA typically attributes later payment dates to administrative sequencing and calendar alignment. January 1 is a public holiday, and when the opening days of the month cluster around weekends or Mondays, payments are often pushed to the following Tuesday.
While this explanation may be procedurally sound, it offers little comfort to households living grant-to-grant.
On social media, frustration has boiled over.
One beneficiary wrote:
“Such a disgrace to have to wait until the 6th… Bring back the 1st working day of the month like it was before!! What interest does sassa get on our money sitting in the bank?”
(X link)
Another echoed the sentiment:
“Covid is over,why don’t you bring back the 1st. The 1st was working perfectly for everyone. Imagine the 6th.”
(X link)
For many, the anger is not just about dates — but about dignity, predictability, and survival.
No increase yet: January payment amounts for all grants
When January payments finally land, most beneficiaries will receive no new increase beyond the R10 adjustment implemented in October 2025 — the second and final increase for the 2025/26 financial year.
Current monthly grant amounts stand at:
- Old Age Grant (60–74): R2,320
- Old Age Grant (75+): R2,340
- Disability Grant: R2,320
- War Veterans Grant: R2,340
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,320
- Child Support Grant: R560
- Foster Care Grant: R1,250
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: R370
SASSA has consistently maintained that increases are applied only twice annually — in April and October (explained here).
While officials argue the increases protect beneficiaries against inflation, online reaction has been blunt — with many describing the R10 boost as symbolic rather than meaningful in the face of rising food, electricity, and transport costs.
Furthermore, the SRD grant has been extended until March 2027, as confirmed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the November 2025 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, but no increase has been announced.
Despite government repeatedly positioning the SRD as a stepping stone toward a future Basic Income Grant (BIG), it continues to sit outside the biannual adjustment framework — a silence that has not gone unnoticed (NOWinSA analysis)
Biometric verification: Protection — and potential delays
Running parallel to the January rollout is SASSA’s continued enforcement of mandatory biometric verification, using fingerprint and facial recognition data captured by the Department of Home Affairs.
The agency says the process is essential:
“This process helps prevent identity theft, fraud and the misuse of social assistance,” SASSA said.
The system overhaul is expected to save the state hundreds of millions (why biometrics matter; how it saves money).
However, beneficiaries warn that failed or delayed verification can temporarily block payments — compounding stress during already tight months.
What beneficiaries should do now
To reduce the risk of payment issues, SASSA advises beneficiaries to:
- Ensure banking and personal details are up to date
- Respond promptly to official SASSA communication
- Rely only on verified SASSA platforms for updates
🔗 Grant information portal:
https://services.sassa.gov.za/portal/r/sassa/sassa/home
🔗 SRD applications and appeals:
https://srd.sassa.gov.za/
📞 Official SASSA contact details
- Toll-free call centre: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- X: @OfficialSASSA
