The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pays most grants on three consecutive days early in the month, with older persons first, disability grants second and children’s grants last. National Treasury approves the dates for each financial year.
What is the usual pattern?
The agency’s aim, set out in March 2026, is the earliest workable date each month, spread across three days. Normally that means the 2nd for old age grants, the 3rd for disability grants and the 4th for children’s grants.
The agency applies three rules to those dates. It avoids the day after a public holiday, the 1st of a month and Mondays. When a date lands on a weekend or public holiday, the money is paid on the next working day.
That explains why April 2026 had older persons paid on 2 April, disability grants on 7 April and children’s grants on 8 April. In May the dates were 5, 6 and 7 May.
What changed for November 2026?
The local government elections take place on 4 November 2026. SASSA said that after consultation with stakeholders, and with National Treasury approval, the November payments move earlier.
Before April 2026From April 2026
Source: SASSA statement of 23 March 2026, as reported by SAnews. Earlier amounts are the new amount less the stated increase. Chart: Rand Desk
Under the revised schedule, announced in mid-October 2026, the older persons grant is paid on Friday 30 October. The disability grant follows on Monday 2 November and children’s grants on Tuesday 3 November. A further date, Thursday 5 November, is set aside for beneficiaries whose grants are under review.
SASSA asked beneficiaries to stay away from its offices unless they need help, since payments follow the schedule.
How much is each grant?
The Minister of Finance announced the 2026/27 increases in the February 2026 Budget, and SASSA confirmed them in its March statement. From April 2026 the older persons, disability and care dependency grants are R2,400 a month, up R80. The war veterans grant is R2,420, also up R80.
The foster child grant is R1,290, up R40. The child support grant and the grant-in-aid are R580, up R20.
What if the money does not arrive?
A beneficiary who is not paid on the scheduled date is told to go to the nearest SASSA local office. For other questions the agency points people to its official communication channels, and warns about false information on grants.
The full payment calendar for the financial year is published on the SASSA website. Amounts in this story are those in force from April 2026. See also how the fuel price is set and how the repo rate works.
