SASSA Grant Update — January 2026: What Beneficiaries Need to Know

As the new year begins, millions of South Africans who rely on social assistance can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the payment schedule and grant amounts for January 2026 — bringing certainty and planning power to households that depend on these essential funds.

Confirmed Payment Dates for January 2026

SASSA has officially released the January 2026 payment dates for its major social grants. According to the schedule, payments will be staggered throughout the first week of January so that beneficiaries can collect or receive their grants without unnecessary delays. Older Persons’ Grants will be disbursed first, followed by Disability Grants and then the Children’s Grants. 

This structured payment calendar ensures that millions of recipients — including pensioners, caregivers, disabled individuals, and child support recipients — know exactly when they can expect their funds. Planning ahead is especially crucial at the beginning of the year when financial pressure is often high following the holiday season.

Grant Amounts for 2026

For January 2026, beneficiaries can expect the following grant values:

Old Age Grant (ages 60–74) – approximately R2 315

Old Age Grant (75+ years) – roughly R2 335

Disability Grant – about R2 315

War Veterans Grant, Care Dependency Grant – around R2 315

Child Support Grant – R560

Foster Child Grant – R1 250

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – R370

These figures reflect the existing levels confirmed by recent reporting and align with official expectations for 2026 payments. 

Who Qualifies and What You Need to Update

SASSA is reminding beneficiaries that eligibility requirements remain important. To receive your grant without interruption:

Ensure your personal details are current with SASSA, including your contact and bank account information.

If there have been changes to your income, marital status, address, or dependants, communicate these to avoid delays or payment rejections.

Biometric verification may be used as a security measure to confirm your identity and protect against fraud. 

Updating details promptly means payments can proceed without unnecessary hold-ups that often occur when records are outdated.

Payment Channels

Beneficiaries will receive funds through the channels they selected during registration:

Direct bank deposit into a SASSA-linked bank account or Postbank account

Cash collection at designated pay points

Use of a SASSA payment card at approved merchants

Always check your account or card before withdrawing funds — SASSA advises beneficiaries to watch for irregular deposits and report them immediately.

Protecting Yourself Against Scams

SASSA warns people to be cautious during payment periods. Scammers sometimes target vulnerable beneficiaries with fake calls or messages promising early payments or demanding sensitive information. Always rely on official SASSA communication and never pay fees to access grant money.