The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has now confirmed the February 2026 payment dates for all eight social grants, reassuring beneficiaries that — despite ongoing legal battles, verification reviews, and online misinformation — payments will proceed as scheduled.
This update comes amid heightened anxiety around grant reviews, SRD appeals (read our SRD 370 Dos and don’ts), and widespread claims that access to grants is being deliberately restricted.
Confirmed February 2026 SASSA payment dates
SASSA will follow its standard staggered payment system, designed to reduce congestion at payment points and ensure safer access for beneficiaries.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Paid Together
- Older Persons Grant
- R2,315 (ages 60–74)
- R2,335 (ages 75+)
- War Veterans Grant
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Paid Together
- Disability Grant – R2,315
- Grant-in-Aid
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Children’s Grants
- Child Support Grant – R560
- Foster Care Grant – R1,250
- Care Dependency Grant
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant – R370
- Payments are processed from February 25, 2026 onward
- Exact dates vary depending on verification outcomes and banking checks
For January’s confirmed SRD cycle, see:
👉 SASSA Confirms January 2026 SRD Payment Dates
Why some payments are delayed
SASSA has confirmed that ongoing verification checks continue into 2026, particularly for SRD beneficiaries. These checks include:
- Monthly bank verification
- Cross-checks against external income databases
- Identity and biometric confirmation
Thousands of grants are currently under review or temporarily stopped due to these processes.
👉 Why Thousands of Grants Are Being Reviewed or Stopped
Activists say the State is blocking access to grants
Civil society groups have raised serious concerns about the way grants — particularly the SRD grant — are being administered.
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and the #PayTheGrants campaign argue that government departments are using administrative barriers to limit access and control spending.
They are opposing the government’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal after a Pretoria High Court ruling found several SRD regulations unconstitutional — including:
- The online-only application system
- Strict bank verification rules
- A broad definition of “income” that includes once-off or emergency assistance
Activists argue these systems exclude millions of poor applicants and undermine the constitutional purpose of the SRD grant.
Biometric verification help for those without smartphones
SASSA has acknowledged that many SRD beneficiaries do not have smartphones, laptops, or data.
According to SASSA Mpumalanga Acting Regional Executive Manager Ms Xolela Mpambani, all SASSA offices are equipped with:
- Biometric kiosks
- Official laptops
- Guest Wi-Fi
This assistance ensures that no qualifying beneficiary is excluded due to lack of digital access.
SASSA debunks widespread misinformation
SASSA and the Department of Social Development have categorically denied several viral claims:
- ❌ The SRD grant is NOT ending
- ❌ No new eligibility rules were introduced in 2026
- ❌ Foreign national eligibility rules have NOT changed
- ❌ Only the Minister of Finance or Social Development can announce grant changes
For clarity on false SRD shutdown claims, read:
👉 SRD Grant Ending Rumours Spark Fear — What SASSA Says
How beneficiaries can protect themselves from scams
SASSA has warned beneficiaries to remain vigilant as scammers increasingly target grant recipients.
Never share:
- ID numbers
- Banking details
- PINs or OTPs
Only use official channels to check your status:
👉 5 Official Ways to Check and Verify Your SASSA Status
👉 The Only Insurance Deduction Allowed on SASSA Grants
📞 Need help? Official SASSA contacts
For grant queries, appeals, or payment issues, contact SASSA directly:
👉 SASSA Head Office & Provincial Contact Details
What to watch in February 2026
- State of the Nation Address (SONA): February 12, 2026
👉 SONA 2026 – Government of South Africa - National Budget Speech: February 25, 2026
Any permanent grant increases will be announced here (effective from April).
Note: SRD remains a temporary grant and is not adjusted in the Budget.
Bottom line
For February 2026, all SASSA grants remain active, payment dates are confirmed, and beneficiaries are urged to rely only on verified information while protecting themselves from scams and misinformation.
