SASSA confirms February 2026 COVID-19 SRD grant payment dates

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that payments for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for February 2026 will be made between February 20 and 25, 2026.

In an official notice, the agency urged beneficiaries to familiarise themselves with the rules governing the temporary relief grant, reminding applicants that the benefit is strictly for those experiencing financial hardship.

“According to COVID-19 SRD regulations a person in need of temporary assistance may qualify for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress if he or she is a person with insufficient means,” SASSA said.

SASSA explained that eligibility extends beyond citizens, provided applicants are lawfully recognised within South Africa’s systems.

Beneficiaries must be “a South African citizen; or a permanent resident; or a refugee; or a holder of a special permit or an asylum seeker, whose section 22 permit or visa is valid.”

The agency further clarified that applicants must be registered on the Department of Home Affairs database or on SASSA’s social grant system and fall within the working-age bracket.

“The applicant must also be between the age of 18-59 years, currently residing within the borders of South Africa; not a resident in a government funded or subsidised institution; and not unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities,” the agency said.

SASSA has encouraged beneficiaries to check their payment status and avoid unnecessary visits to payment points before their allocated dates, as funds will be processed progressively during the six-day payment window.

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