The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has officially confirmed social grant payment dates for January 2026, bringing much-needed clarity for millions of South Africans who depend on these grants to meet their daily needs.
With over 18 million permanent grant beneficiaries and an additional 8 million Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant recipients, payment schedules are a critical lifeline for households across the country.
Below is everything you need to know about January 2026 Sassa payment dates, grant amounts, and how Sassa structures its payment calendar.
January 2026 Sassa Payment Dates
Sassa has confirmed the following grant payment dates for January 2026:
- Older Persons Grant: 6 January 2026
- Disability Grant: 7 January 2026
- Children’s Grants: 8 January 2026
These dates apply to permanent social grants, including pensions, disability support, and child-related grants.
When Will the SRD Grant Be Paid in January 2026?
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is typically paid during the final week of each month.
For January 2026, Sassa has confirmed that approved SRD grant payments will be made between 25 January and 31 January 2026. Beneficiaries are advised to regularly check their application status to confirm their exact payment date.
Current Sassa Grant Amounts (2026)
Sassa has also confirmed the current grant values payable in January 2026:
- Older Persons Grant: R2,320
(R2,340 for beneficiaries aged 75 and older) - Disability Grant: R2,320
- War Veterans Grant: R2,340
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,320
- Foster Care Grant: R1,250
- Child Support Grant: R560
- Child Support Grant (Top-Up): R560 + R280
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: R370
These amounts remain essential for food security, healthcare, education, and basic living expenses for millions of South Africans.
How Sassa Sets Grant Payment Dates
Sassa follows a structured payment system:
- Grant payments usually begin from the second day of each month
- Dates may be adjusted if they fall on weekends or public holidays
- Payment schedules are released 12 months in advance, typically covering:
- April to December of the current year
- January to March of the following year
This system helps beneficiaries plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel or overcrowding at payment points.
Important Advice for Beneficiaries
- Do not rush to withdraw funds on the first day – money remains safely in your account
- Use ATMs, retailers, or bank transfers where possible
- Regularly check official Sassa channels to avoid misinformation and scams
Final Thoughts
The confirmation of January 2026 Sassa payment dates provides peace of mind to millions of grant beneficiaries across South Africa. Staying informed about payment schedules and grant amounts is key to managing household finances effectively.
For the latest updates, beneficiaries should always rely on official Sassa announcements and verified communication platforms.