The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the social grant payment dates for the 2026/2027 financial year, following approval by National Treasury on March 20.

The agency follows a general principle of paying grants as early as possible each month, with payments staggered over three days. In most months, the Older Persons Grant is paid on the 2nd, the Disability Grant on the 3rd, and Children’s Grants on the 4th.

However, to ensure the smooth functioning of the National Payment System and ease of access for beneficiaries, the following factors are considered:

• Payments are not made the day after a public holiday.
• Payments are not scheduled for the 1st of the month or on a Monday.
• Payment dates do not fall on weekends.

If a payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, it will be moved to the next working day.

Also read: What you need to know about SASSA’s grant review process

• In April 2026, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on April 2, followed by the Disability Grant on April 7 and Children’s Grants on April 8.
• In May 2026, payments will be made on May 5 for the Older Persons Grant, May 6 for the Disability Grant and May 7 for Children’s Grants.
• In June 2026, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on June 2, the Disability Grant on June 3 and Children’s Grants on June 4.
• In July 2026, payments will take place on July 2 for the Older Persons Grant, July 3 for the Disability Grant and July 6 for Children’s Grants.
• In August 2026, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on August 4, followed by the Disability Grant on August 5 and Children’s Grants on August 6.
• In September 2026, payments will be made on September 2 for the Older Persons Grant, September 3 for the Disability Grant and September 4 for Children’s Grants.
• In October 2026, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on October 2, the Disability Grant on October 5 and Children’s Grants on October 6.
• In November 2026, payments will take place on November 3 for the Older Persons Grant, November 4 for the Disability Grant and November 5 for Children’s Grants.
• In December 2026, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on December 2, followed by the Disability Grant on December 3 and Children’s Grants on December 4.
• In January 2027, payments will be made on January 5 for the Older Persons Grant, January 6 for the Disability Grant and January 7 for Children’s Grants.
• In February 2027, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on February 2, the Disability Grant on February 3 and Children’s Grants on February 4.
• In March 2027, payments will take place on March 2 for the Older Persons Grant, March 3 for the Disability Grant and March 4 for Children’s Grants.

Meanwhile, as announced by the Minister of Finance during the recent Budget Speech, social grants will increase from April as follows:

• Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant, and Care Dependency Grant: increase of R80 to R2 400
• War Veterans Grant: increase of R80 to R2 420
• Foster Child Grant: increase of R40 to R1 290
• Child Support Grant and Grant-in-Aid: increase of R20 to R580

SASSA reiterated its commitment to paying social grants to eligible beneficiaries on time. Beneficiaries who do not receive their grants on the specified dates are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA office for assistance.