SASSA has added a fourth payment day to its August 2026 social grant schedule, but the extra date does not apply to everyone. Only beneficiaries selected for a grant review or eLife Certification will receive their money on that day.
The announcement follows the completion of the July 2026 SASSA payment cycle as SASSA expands grant reviews and identity verification.
It also comes amid ongoing concerns over grant access during recent illegal immigration protests. While demonstrations disrupted businesses and transport in parts of Johannesburg and Durban, SASSA has continued processing grant payments according to its published schedule.
SASSA says the additional payment day helps identify people who still need to complete a mandatory review before the next payment cycle.
Fourth payment day only applies to selected beneficiaries
The normal August payment schedule remains unchanged for most grant recipients:
- August 4: Older Persons Grants
- August 5: Disability Grants
- August 6: Children’s Grants
SASSA has added August 7 as a fourth payment day for people across all grant types who still need to complete a grant review or eLife Certification.
National spokesperson Dr Paseka Letsatsi said some recipients became concerned when their grants did not reflect during the normal three-day payment cycle, despite receiving review notifications.
“This month, for example, we paid Older Persons Grants on 2 July, Disability Grants on 3 July and Children’s Grants on 6 July. Beneficiaries who still needed to have their social grants reviewed or undergo eLife Certification were paid on 7 July, which is what we refer to as the fourth payment day.”
What you should do if you are paid on August 7
Receiving your grant on the fourth payment day does not mean SASSA has cancelled or reduced your grant.
Instead, it means SASSA still needs to confirm that you qualify for continued assistance through a grant review or eLife Certification.
Anyone who receives a review notice should complete the process before the next payment cycle, or their grant could be suspended. To avoid delays, SASSA advises affected beneficiaries to:
- Visit the nearest SASSA office
- Complete the required review or eLife Certification.
- Ensure your contact details are up to date.
Letsatsi urged grant recipients to keep their contact details up to date.
“If your personal details change and you do not notify us, we will continue sending communication to the contact number or address on our records, believing that you will receive it.”
Why SASSA reviews grants
SASSA conducts grant reviews under the Social Assistance Act, 2004, which requires the agency to confirm that beneficiaries still meet the qualifying criteria. The reviews also support Section 14(5) of the Act and Regulation 30, which require beneficiaries to report material changes in their circumstances.
The reviews help SASSA to:
- confirm continued eligibility;
- prevent payments to deceased or ineligible people;
- detect fraud;
- keep beneficiary records up to date; and
- protect public funds.
SASSA says the process keeps the social grants system accurate while ensuring support reaches people who still qualify.
Other August deadlines to remember
The fourth payment day is not the only important date for grant recipients this month.
People who still use the SASSA Gold Card should also prepare for the August 31 deadline to replace their cards. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Development continues work on a new Basic Income Support grant policy, which it hopes to finalise by March 2027.
Where to get official help
If you have questions about your payment, review or grant status, use SASSA’s official support channels:
- Toll-free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA official website
- SRD portal
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
SASSA reminded grant recipients that reviews and eLife Certification are free of charge. Anyone who receives a review notice should complete the process before the next payment cycle to avoid having their grant suspended.
