The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the payment schedule for social grants in February 2026, with millions of beneficiaries set to receive their monthly assistance during the first week of the month.
Payment Schedule
Grant payments will follow SASSA’s standard staggered schedule to ensure smooth distribution across the country:
- Old Age Grant: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Child Grants: Thursday, February 5, 2026
The payments will be processed through beneficiaries’ registered bank accounts and approved SASSA pay points nationwide.
SRD R370 Grant Payment Window
For recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, payments will be processed between February 24 and March 2, 2026.
Unlike regular grants, each SRD beneficiary has an individual payment date within this window, depending on their application approval status and banking details.
Important Reminders for Beneficiaries
SASSA urges grant recipients to ensure their personal details and banking information are up to date to avoid payment disruptions.
The agency also reminds beneficiaries that there is no need to rush to withdraw funds on the first day of payment, as money remains accessible in accounts after the payment date.
Recipients experiencing issues with their grants or requiring assistance can contact SASSA through the following channels:
- Toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8653
- Website: www.sassa.gov.za
For SRD grant recipients, payment status can be checked at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Ongoing Verification Processes
The February payments come amid SASSA’s continued efforts to strengthen grant integrity through biometric verification and beneficiary reviews.
The agency has emphasized that these measures are designed to prevent fraud and ensure that grants reach eligible recipients.
SASSA continues to warn the public about scams and fraudulent communications. The agency reminds South Africans that all social grant applications are completely free and should only be done through official SASSA channels.
Frequently Asked Questons( FAQ)
1.Will there be an SRD Grant for January 2026?
Yes. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant continues to be paid in January 2026. It is typically paid toward the end of the month (late January) and the amount is R370 for approved beneficiaries.
The South African government extended the SRD grant program through March 2026 as part of the national budget support.
2.How much is the Old Age Grant in 2026?
As of January 2026, the Old Age Grant amounts are approximately:
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R2,320 per month for most older persons (aged 60–74)
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R2,340 per month for those 75 and older
These figures reflect the increases that took effect in April and October 2025 under the 2025/26 budget.
3.Is the SASSA grant going up in 2025–26?
Yes — there were increases during the 2025/26 financial year:
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Grants (including the Old Age Grant) were increased as part of the 2025 national budget.
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A larger adjustment took effect from April 2025.
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A further small increase (about R10) was applied from October 2025.
However, as of January 2026 there were no additional new increases beyond what was already applied in 2025. Any further changes (e.g., in April 2026) would usually come through the next national budget process.
