Johannesburg – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed that the first Older Persons Grant payments for the new year will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, finally bringing relief to more than 4 million elderly beneficiaries who endured a longer-than-usual festive wait.
This confirmation directly dispels concerns of another January delay and comes after public frustration over the late payment cycle set for the start of 2026. For pensioners depending on the grant as their primary income, the reassurance could not have come sooner.
Elderly beneficiaries will receive:
- R2,320 – Ages 60 to 74
- R2,340 – Ages 75 and above
These payments remain a critical financial lifeline for households nationwide.
SASSA’s full January 2026 Grant Payment Schedule
SASSA also reconfirmed the broader January payment rollout via its official channels. The agency distributes more than 19 million permanent grants monthly.
- Elderly and War Veterans: Tuesday, January 6
- Disability Grant and Graint-in-Aid: Wednesday, January 7
- All Children’s Grants (including Care Dependency and Foster Care): Thursday, January 8
Why January 6? Understanding the “delay” that wasn’t
For many pensioners expecting their grant earlier in January, the 6th may seem like a delay. However, this date is a standard application of SASSA’s payment policy, not an administrative setback.
SASSA’s schedule is tied to a consistent rule: monthly payments begin on the second working day of the month. Because New Year’s Day (January 1) is a public holiday, with the 2nd falling on weekend (Friday), the calendar naturally pushed the first payment date of the year to Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
The agency has confirmed that all payments will be processed on this date as planned. Beneficiaries are urged not to panic or spread misinformation, as their grants will be available on time through the usual channels.
Stronger verification — and what it means for beneficiaries
Over the past year, SASSA has implemented tougher verification and monitoring systems to protect the grant system from fraud and ineligible claims. This has reportedly saved government more than R340 million, according to Parliamentary briefings.
While hundreds of thousands of reviews were initiated, only around 8,600 Older Persons and Disability Grants were affected — many involving adjustments rather than suspensions. These measures are part of a broader financial cleanup to protect genuine beneficiaries.
Key eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Older Persons Grant, applicants must meet strict income and asset thresholds, which are evaluated in a means test.
- Annual Income Threshold:
· Single: Must not exceed R107,800
· Married: Must not exceed R215,760 - Monthly Income Threshold (Equivalent):
· Single: Must not exceed R8,983
· Married: Must not exceed R17,980 - Asset Threshold:
· Single: Assets worth less than R1,524,600
· Married: Combined assets worth less than R3,049,200
Essential documentation for applicants
With stricter reviews in place, ensuring your documentation is complete and up-to-date is more critical than ever. Applicants or those undergoing reviews should prepare the following original documents and certified copies:
- A valid South African ID (Smart ID Card preferred).
- A bank statement from the last three months, certified by your bank.
- Proof of marital status (and spouse’s death certificate if applicable).
- Recent proof of residence (a utility bill in your name, not older than 3 months).
- Comprehensive proof of all income, financial dividends, and private pensions.
- Documentation detailing the valuation of any owned property or assets.
ALSO READ: 7 Strict Steps to Get Your Old Age Grant Application Approved Fast
What’s next for 2026?
Grant values are traditionally reviewed during the National Budget Speech, with possible adjustments implemented in April and October. Despite national budget pressures, Parliament was told that social grant funding is projected to increase, protecting vulnerable citizens.
Beneficiaries should follow ONLY official SASSA communication channels to avoid scams.
Official SASSA contact details
- Toll-free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- USSD: 1347737#
- Head Office Telephone: 012 400 2322
- Email: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Physical Head Office:
501 Prodinsa Building,
Corner Beatrix and Pretorius Street,
Pretoria
View regional offices - Official Website: https://www.sassa.gov.za/
- Social Media:
- X (Twitter): OfficialSASSA
- Facebook: SASSAnewsZA
For more SASSA grant updates: Visit NOWinSA’s SASSA news hub
