The new grant payment schedule that now starts in January 2026, announced officially by the South African Social Security Agency. This amendment is significant to millions of South Africans dependent on social grants, such as the Old Age Grant, Disability Grant and the Child Support Grant. The idea of SASSA publishing the schedule is that it will help the beneficiaries plan ahead and reduce the stress.
With dependable information on the exact date when grant payments will be received, the family will manage their budget better and will be able to avoid unnecessary debt. SASSA has also reminded its beneficiaries about the need to monitor their payment information beforehand to prevent the delays that may arise due to erroneous information.
January 2026 Dates for SASSA Grant Disbursement
According to the revised schedule, grants will be paid on different days and not at the same time. The order in which the payment will be done is as follows; Older Persons Grants, and then Disability Grants and lastly Child Support Grants. This staggered system helps in decongesting the banks and pay points. Beneficiaries should remember it can also take up to three business days before the money will appear in their accounts. This is part of the process and does not mean that a payment has been unsuccessful.
SASSA January 2026 Grant Schedule
According to SASSA, the schedule in January is the following one:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
| Older Persons Grant | 6 January 2026 |
| Disability Grant | 7 January 2026 |
| Children’s Grants | 8 January 2026 |
| SRD R370 Grant | 25–31 January 2026 |
They will be done by means of the regular channels of payment such as bank accounts and certified pay points. To reduce delays, beneficiaries are encouraged to update their personal data by making sure that it is correct and current.
SASSA January 2026 Grant Amounts
| Grant Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Older Persons (60–74 years) | R2, 315 |
| Older Persons (75+ years) | R2, 335 |
| Disability Grant | R2, 315 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1, 250 |
| Child Support Grant | R,560 |
| SRD R370 Grant | R,370 |
New Verification Guidelines Commencing in 2026
SASSA has begun a new process of verifying all grant beneficiaries beginning in January 2026. Users must ensure that their personal details, IDs and banking details are correct and up to date. This can be done by attending an office of SASSA locally or by using SASSA official sites on the internet. The purpose of these checks is to enhance the security and ensure that grants are made to the right people.
Modifications to Payment Methods and Security
Another major change is the gradual phasing out of cash collections by the Post Office. Those beneficiaries who will keep receiving grants in this way must start making direct bank deposits by February 2026. In addition to that, SASSA will apply the biometric fingerprint verification so as to reduce cases of fraud and identity theft. These changes aim at improving the security, speed and reliability of the payment system.
What Happens If Beneficiary Information Is Not Updated?
SASSA has warned that those beneficiaries that fail to update or verify their information before the deadline can face a payment suspension. The processing of grants is not possible due to outdated or unverified personal or banking information. This makes it necessary that recipients act early enough rather than waiting until the end.
Ways for Beneficiaries to Prepare Ahead of Time
Beneficiaries should log in to the official SASSA website and thoroughly check all their details. It is important that bank account numbers, ID details, and contact information are correct. It is important for people to remain vigilant against scams as well. Never will SASSA request PINs or passwords, nor guarantee early payments via calls, messages, or social media.
Advantages of the Revised SASSA Payment System
The updated payment schedule and increased verification will help to make sure that grants are disbursed in a timely manner, without any security losses, and fairly. Transparency of the schedules reduce confusion and improves security to prevent fraud among the beneficiaries. Such improvements help SASSA to direct the nationwide payments in a more efficient way and benefit the recipients and the whole system.
Fact Check on SASSA January 2026 Grant Schedule
This article can be used to present general information. The due dates of the grants, the regulations of checking, and the ways of payment can be changed as per the official governmental decisions. Beneficiaries must always clarify information through formal SASSA communication networks or visiting a SASSA office before making any action.
What is the SASSA grant payment for January 2026 be made?
According to current updates, the Older Person Grants should be paid from January 6, 2026, followed by Disability Grants on January 7, and children’s grants on January 8.
Will the SRD grant be extended to 2026?
The Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant must also expire again in March 2026 and the government has created an information vacuum in the future of that grant.
How to apply for SRD grant 2026?
Apply at a closest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) or go to srd.sassa.gov.za/. Hand in your application to the following documents: your 13-digit bar-coded identity document and the birth certificates of your children.
Who qualifies for the SASSA old age grant 2026?
The candidates must be of South Africa, 60 years of age or above. Individuals that have Gate B permits are not eligible. The applicant is not allowed to get any other social grant conflicting with the Old Age Grant. A means test ensures that it goes to individuals who are in need the most.
FAQ’S on SASSA January 2026 Grant Schedule
When is SASSA going to pay January 2026 grants?
Since 7 January 2026, and this is based on the type of grant.
What then I have not been paid my approved grant?
Payments are done in batches.
Is it possible to make a request of SRD R370 monthly?
Yes, it is permitted to make appeals every month.
What is the duration of payment made after the approval?
Usually within 7–14 working days.