SASSA Grants Payment Dates
One government agency. Millions of South Africans. Real help for those who need it most – SASSA
What is SASSA?
SASSA is the South African Social Security Agency. It is the government body that pays social grants to people who cannot support themselves. This includes older people who have retired, people with disabilities who cannot work, children whose parents do not earn enough, and unemployed people who need temporary help.
The system is enormous. Approximately 43% of the country’s population – around 27 million people – benefit from social assistance transfers. The government spends about R22 billion every month on permanent social grants. For millions of families, this money is the difference between eating and going hungry.
Why does this matter for you?
Because these grants put food on the table. They pay for school uniforms, electricity, transport to look for work, and medicine when you are sick. For an older person living alone, the pension means they can buy groceries without begging. For a parent who lost their job, the child support grant means their children still eat three meals a day. For someone with a disability who cannot work, the grant means they can afford basic dignity.
SASSA is not a charity. It is your right if you meet the requirements. And if you qualify, you should apply. Many people stay away because the process seems confusing or they think they will be rejected. But the only way to know is to try.
Quick Reference: SASSA Grant Amounts for 2026
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount | Important Details |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Pension (60–74 years) | R2,400 | Increased by R85 in April 2026 |
| Old Age Pension (75 years and older) | R2,420 | Higher rate for senior seniors |
| Disability Grant | R2,400 | Medical certification required |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,420 | For military veterans |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,400 | For child with severe disability |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,295 | No means test required |
| Child Support Grant | R580 | For children under 18 |
| Child Support Top‑Up | R290 | Additional for orphans |
| Grant‑in‑Aid | R580 | Added on top of main grant |
| SRD Grant (unemployed) | R370 | Extended to March 2027 |
Key things to know
SASSA pays seven main permanent grants: Old Age Pension, Disability Grant, War Veterans Grant, Foster Care Grant, Care Dependency Grant, Child Support Grant, and Grant-in-Aid
An additional SRD grant of R370 supports about eight million unemployed working‑age South Africans every month
Payment dates are staggered each month: Older persons get paid on the 2nd, disability on the 3rd, children's grants on the 4th
Apply in person at your nearest SASSA office for permanent grants; the SRD grant is applied for online at srd.sassa.gov.za