The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will pay its first social grants of 2026 in the second week of January. Beneficiaries are urged not to rush to collect funds on the first day, as all payments will remain available in accounts once disbursed.
SASSA administers over 19 million grants across the country, including the Older Persons, Disability, War Veterans, Care Dependency, Foster Child, Child Support, Child Support Top-Up, and the SRD grants.
For official information, visit the SASSA online platform.
January 2026 grant payment dates
| Grant Type | Payment Date | Amount (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant (60–74) | Tue, 6 Jan 2026 | 2 315 |
| Older Persons Grant (75+) | Tue, 6 Jan 2026 | 2 335 |
| Disability Grant | Wed, 7 Jan 2026 | 2 315 |
| War Veterans Grant | Wed, 7 Jan 2026 | 2 315 |
| Care Dependency Grant | Wed, 7 Jan 2026 | 2 315 |
| Child Support Grant | Thu, 8 Jan 2026 | 560 |
| Foster Care Grant | Thu, 8 Jan 2026 | 1 250 |
| SRD Grant (Social Relief of Distress) | Typically processed from 25th | 370 |
Note: SRD grant dates are traditionally processed in the last week of the month. The exact January 2026 date will be confirmed.
For a complete breakdown of grant schedules and updates, see SASSA January 2026 payment guide.
Important updates for beneficiaries
Changing Your Method of Payment
SASSA allows beneficiaries to select any bank of their choice. To safely update your banking information:
- Bring your valid South African ID and proof of account (new account) or 3 months bank statement (existing account)
- Visit your nearest SASSA local office to complete a consent form
- Make changes before the 19th of the month for them to apply to the following month
“After changing your method of payment please keep your PIN and account details safe,” SASSA warns.
“Social grant beneficiaries have a right to choose for their social grant to be paid to any bank of their choice. SASSA services are free of charge!”
Verification & status checks
Beneficiaries can confirm their status through these official channels:
- Online portal: 5 official ways to check SASSA status
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Biometric verifications: ongoing checks may affect eligibility — see biometric rollout warning
- USSD and SASSA office visits
Keep SASSA contacts handy for instant queries.
Avoid Payment Delays
Beneficiaries are reminded to verify details and update accounts in advance. For tips on avoiding missed January payments, see:
SASSA payment change warning: Act now
What you need to know
- Grant funds remain available until collected
- Monthly payments are automatic once eligibility is confirmed
- SASSA advises beneficiaries to not rush to the first day of collection
- The Gauteng Department of Social Development faced criticism for underspending over R100 million in the 2024/25 financial year, highlighting the importance of effective grant administration
Key takeaways for January 2026
- Older Persons & Disability: 6–7 Jan 2026
- Child & Foster Care Grants: 8 Jan 2026
- SRD R370 Grant: last week of Jan (exact date TBC)
- Keep PINs & banking info secure
- Official SASSA platforms only
For comprehensive instructions, visit SASSA official services.
