SASSA Grant Amounts for 2026 — Updated Payment Dates and Eligibility

SASSA (the South African Social Security Agency) pays social grants to over 18 million South Africans every month. Here are the current grant amounts, payment dates, eligibility criteria, and how to apply or check your status.

Current SASSA grant amounts (2026)

| Grant Type | Monthly Amount | |---|---| | Old Age Grant (60–74) | R2,185 | | Old Age Grant (75+) | R2,205 | | Disability Grant | R2,185 | | War Veterans Grant | R2,205 | | Care Dependency Grant | R2,185 | | Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | | Child Support Grant | R530 | | Grant-in-Aid (top-up) | R530 | | Social Relief of Distress (SRD) | R370 |

These amounts reflect the April 2026 adjustment. Grant amounts are reviewed annually by the Minister of Finance during the February budget speech.

Payment dates for 2026

SASSA pays grants on a staggered schedule:

| Month | Old Age | Disability | Children's Grants | |---|---|---|---| | April 2026 | 1 April | 2 April | 3 April | | May 2026 | 2 May | 5 May | 6 May | | June 2026 | 2 June | 3 June | 4 June | | July 2026 | 1 July | 2 July | 3 July |

Old age grants are always paid first, followed by disability grants, then children's grants (child support, foster care, care dependency).

Payment methods: SASSA card at ATMs, retailers (Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer), Post Office, or direct bank deposit.

Eligibility requirements

Old Age Grant

• SA citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• 60 years or older
• Not receiving another social grant (except Grant-in-Aid)
• Pass the means test: single person income below R93,372/year, assets below R1,372,800

Disability Grant

• SA citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Between 18 and 59 years old
• Medical assessment confirming disability (temporary or permanent)
• Pass the means test (same thresholds as Old Age Grant)

Child Support Grant

• Primary caregiver of a child under 18
• SA citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Caregiver income below R55,800/year
• Child not in a state-funded institution

Foster Child Grant

• Court-appointed foster parent
• Child placed in your care by a court order
• No means test required

Care Dependency Grant

• Parent or caregiver of a child under 18 with a severe disability
• Child requires permanent home care
• Medical assessment confirming the disability

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant

• SA citizen between 18 and 59
• Unemployed with no income or other grant
• Not receiving UIF or any other government assistance
• Reapply monthly — this is not an automatic renewal

How to apply for a SASSA grant

New applications

1. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID document
2. Complete the application form (staff will assist)
3. Provide supporting documents: ID, proof of address, bank statement, medical report (for disability)
4. SASSA processes the application within 30–90 days

SRD grant applications

1. Apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za
2. You need your SA ID number, phone number, and banking details
3. Applications are reviewed monthly
4. Status updates are sent via SMS

How to check your SASSA payment status

Online: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and enter your ID number.

WhatsApp: Send "Hi" to 082 046 8553 (SASSA's official WhatsApp line). Follow the menu to check your payment date and status.

Phone: Call the SASSA toll-free line at 0800 60 10 11. Available Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00.

In person: Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID.

What to do if your grant is declined

1. Request the reason in writing from SASSA
2. Appeal within 90 days at your local SASSA office
3. Provide additional documents that address the reason for rejection
4. If the appeal fails, you can escalate to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals

Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, income above the means test threshold, or an expired medical assessment for disability grants.

Managing your money

If you receive a SASSA grant, every rand counts. Use our free Tax Calculator to understand your tax obligations, or explore our Payslip Generator if you're doing part-time work alongside your grant.

Need extra income?

Odyssey Earn offers mobile-friendly tasks you can complete from your phone. No qualification needed — earn airtime and cash between grant payments.

Join Odyssey Earn

FAQ

Can I receive a SASSA grant and work part-time?

For the Child Support Grant, your income must stay below R55,800/year. For the SRD grant, you cannot have any income. For Old Age and Disability grants, your total income (including earnings) must stay below the means test threshold.

When does the SRD grant expire?

The SRD grant is reviewed by government annually. As of 2026, it remains active but must be reapplied for each month. Check srd.sassa.gov.za for the latest status.

Can I change my SASSA payment method?

Yes. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and new bank card to update your payment method. You can switch between SASSA card, bank account, or Post Office collection.