The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) issued a media statement on March 23 confirming the social grant payment dates for the 2026/2027 financial year, following approval from the National Treasury on March 20.

The agency explained that the guiding principle for setting the grant payment schedule is to disburse funds as early in the month as possible, staggering payments over three days to streamline the system.

According to the announcement, the old-age grant will be paid on the second day of each month, the disability grant on the third day, and the children’s grants on the fourth day. SASSA also adopted specific operational rules to optimise the National Payment System and ensure beneficiaries can access their funds smoothly.

Payments may not be made on a day that follows a public holiday, they must not be scheduled for the first day of the month or for a Monday, and they must not fall on a weekend.

If any payment date lands on a weekend or public holiday, the disbursement is moved to the next working day.

The approved payment dates for the first four months of the 2026/2027 financial year are listed separately below.

• The older person’s grant will be paid on April 2, May 5, June 2, and July 2.

• The disability grant will be paid on April 7, May 6, June 3, and July 3.

• The children’s grant will be paid on April 8, May 7, June 4, July 6 – the July date being adjusted to avoid a weekend or holiday.)

SASSA stressed that the staggered payment arrangement is designed to ensure the efficient operation of the payment system and uninterrupted access to grant funds for all beneficiaries throughout the financial year.