SASSA announces social grant payment dates for 2026/2027 – What you need to know

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released its annual payment schedule for the 2026/2027 financial year, confirming when beneficiaries can expect to receive Older Persons, Disability, and Children’s grants.

In a statement, the agency said the schedule was released following approval by the National Treasury on Friday, March 20.

For April, Older Persons grants will be paid on 2 April, Disability grants on 7 April, and Children’s grants on 8 April.

In May, Older Persons grants are scheduled for 5 May, Disability grants for 6 May, and Children’s grants for 7 May.

“The general principle for determining the grant payment dates for social grants is to ensure they are paid as early in the month as possible, staggered over three days.

''In most months, the old age grant will be paid on the 2nd of each month, disability grant on the 3rd of the month, and children's grants on the 4th of the month,” the agency said.

SASSA said additional factors are considered to ensure smooth payments, including that grants should not be paid immediately after a public holiday, should not fall on the 1st of the month or a Monday, and should not coincide with weekends.

The agency added that if a payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the grant will be paid on the next working day.

The full schedule for the year is as follows:

• June: Older Persons – 2 June, Disability – 3 June, Children – 4 June, exceptions – 5 June
• July: Older Persons – 2 July, Disability – 3 July, Children – 6 July, exceptions – 7 July
• August: Older Persons – 4 August, Disability – 5 August, Children – 6 August, exceptions – 7 August
• September: Older Persons – 2 September, Disability – 3 September, Children – 4 September, exceptions – 7 September
• October: Older Persons – 2 October, Disability – 5 October, Children – 6 October, exceptions – 7 October
• November: Older Persons – 3 November, Disability – 4 November, Children – 5 November, exceptions – 6 November
• December: Older Persons – 2 December, Disability – 3 December, Children – 4 December, exceptions – 7 December
• January 2027: Older Persons – 5 January, Disability – 6 January, Children – 7 January, exceptions – 8 January
• February 2027: Older Persons – 2 February, Disability – 3 February, Children – 4 February, exceptions – 5 February
• March 2027: Older Persons – 2 March, Disability – 3 March, Children – 4 March, exceptions – 5 March

“SASSA reiterates its commitment to paying social grants to eligible beneficiaries at the right time and appeals to all beneficiaries who may not have received their grants on these specified dates to visit their nearest SASSA local office for assistance,” the agency said. 

The agency also said the full schedule for July 2026 to March 2027 is available on the SASSA website or at local offices.

During the presentation of the 2026 budget in February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced increases to several social grants, which will take effect from April 2026.

• Old age, disability, and care dependency grants: rise by R80 to R2,400
• War veterans grant: rises by R80 to R2,420
• Foster care grant: increases to R1,290 in April and R1,300 in October
• Child support and grant-in-aid grants: increase by R20 to R580
• Social relief of distress: continues in its current form for 2026/27

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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