The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the payment schedule for March 2026, with millions of grant recipients set to receive their monthly payments during the first week of the month.
The staggered payment system ensures that different grant categories are paid on specific dates to streamline distribution and reduce congestion at payment points.
March 2026 Payment Schedule
According to SASSA’s official payment calendar for the 2025/2026 financial year, March payments will be distributed as follows:
Older Persons Grants: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Disability Grants: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Children’s Grants: Thursday, March 5, 2026
The payment dates follow SASSA’s established pattern of scheduling payments early in the month, allowing beneficiaries to access their funds promptly for essential expenses such as groceries, utilities, and other household needs.
Also Read: SASSA Suspends 70,000 Social Grants During Compliance Review Process
Understanding the Payment Categories
SASSA administers several types of social grants, each designed to support vulnerable populations across South Africa:
Older Persons Grants are paid to South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees aged 60 years and older who meet the means test requirements. This grant provides crucial financial support to senior citizens who have little or no income.
Disability Grants support individuals aged 18 to 59 who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to physical or mental disability. Medical assessment is required to qualify for this grant, and the disability must be verified by a medical officer.
Children’s Grants, including the Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, and Care Dependency Grant, provide financial assistance to caregivers responsible for children under 18 years of age.
The Child Support Grant is South Africa’s most widely distributed social grant, reaching millions of children across the country.
Also Read: SASSA Urges R370 Beneficiaries to Complete Biometric Verification
Payment Methods Available
SASSA beneficiaries can access their March payments through multiple channels:
- Bank accounts: Direct deposits for those who have provided banking details
- SASSA cards: Withdrawals at ATMs, retailers, and selected payment points
- Cash pay points: For beneficiaries in areas with limited banking infrastructure
- Retail partners: Selected supermarkets and stores participating in SASSA payment programs
Beneficiaries are encouraged to use electronic payment methods where possible, as these offer greater security and convenience compared to cash collection points.
Important Reminders for Beneficiaries
SASSA urges grant recipients to keep the following points in mind:
Avoid long queues: Payments remain available throughout the month, so there’s no need to withdraw funds on the first payment day. Beneficiaries can collect their grants at any time during the month at their convenience.
Security precautions: Grant recipients should remain vigilant when collecting payments, avoid sharing PIN numbers, and be cautious of fraudsters who may target vulnerable beneficiaries at payment points.
Updated contact information: Beneficiaries who have changed their banking details, phone numbers, or addresses should update their information with SASSA to avoid payment disruptions.
Valid identification: Always carry a valid South African ID document or alternative identification when collecting payments.
Also Read: How to Change Your Grant Payment Method Safely
Accessing SASSA Support
For beneficiaries who need assistance or have queries about their March payments, SASSA provides multiple contact channels:
- Toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
- Social media: SASSA News on Facebook and @OfficialSASSA on X (formerly Twitter)
- Local SASSA offices: Walk-in services available at regional offices nationwide
The agency’s customer care team can assist with payment queries, application status checks, and general information about grant eligibility and requirements.
The March 2026 payments form part of SASSA’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable social protection to South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
The agency continues to process new applications and conduct regular reviews of existing grants to ensure that support reaches those who genuinely need it.
Beneficiaries should note that the payment schedule extends through the entire 2025/2026 financial year, with payments continuing to follow the established pattern of early-month distributions across the three main grant categories.
Also Read
Your SASSA Survival Guide for 2026: What Every Beneficiary Must Know
SASSA Grant Not Received? Here’s the Step-by-Step Guide to Fix It Fast
