The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has announced the payment schedule for its first social grants of 2026, urging beneficiaries to remain calm and avoid rushing to payment points once the funds are released. The agency assured grant recipients that once the money is paid into their accounts, it will remain available and can be withdrawn at any convenient time.
According to Sassa, social grant payments for January 2026 will begin from Tuesday, January 6, covering millions of vulnerable South Africans who rely on the support to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, transport, and education-related expenses. The agency said the staggered payment dates are meant to ease pressure on payment systems, reduce overcrowding at pay points, and ensure a smooth process nationwide.
Under the announced schedule, beneficiaries receiving the Old Age Grant will be paid first on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This applies to senior citizens aged 60 and above who qualify for the grant. The Disability Grant will follow on Wednesday, January 7, while Child Support Grants and other child-related grants will be paid on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Sassa explained that the approach of paying grants on different days has helped over the years to improve efficiency and reduce long queues, especially at the beginning of the year when financial pressure is often high for many households. The agency advised beneficiaries to make use of alternative withdrawal options such as ATMs, retail outlets, and banking channels, rather than crowding Sassa pay points on the first day of payment.
On the value of the grants, Sassa confirmed that beneficiaries will receive the approved amounts for January 2026 without any reduction. Older persons between the ages of 60 and 74, as well as disability grant recipients, will receive R2,315 for the month. Older persons aged 75 and above will receive slightly higher payments of R2,335, in line with government policy to provide additional support for the elderly.
War Veterans Grant and Care Dependency Grant beneficiaries will also receive R2,315 each in January. For families caring for children, the Child Support Grant remains at R560 per child, while Foster Care Grant beneficiaries will receive R1,250. Recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will continue to receive R370.
Sassa stressed that there is no need for panic or unnecessary travel to payment points on the first day, as funds paid into bank accounts or Sassa cards do not expire or disappear. The agency noted that rushing to withdraw money immediately often exposes beneficiaries, especially the elderly, to safety risks, long queues, and possible exploitation.
A Sassa spokesperson said the agency has put measures in place to ensure that payments are processed smoothly across the country. These include coordination with banks, retailers, and security agencies to manage crowds and ensure the safety of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries were also reminded to keep their personal details confidential and avoid sharing PINs or grant information with strangers.
The agency further warned against fraudsters who often take advantage of grant payment periods to scam beneficiaries. Sassa advised recipients to rely only on official communication channels and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Sassa office or law enforcement agencies.
Social grants remain a key part of South Africa’s social protection system, supporting millions of citizens who are unemployed, elderly, living with disabilities, or caring for children. Economists have noted that grant payments also play an important role in local economies, especially in rural and low-income communities, where the funds help stimulate spending and support small businesses.
As 2026 begins, Sassa said it remains committed to ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their grants on time and without stress. The agency encouraged beneficiaries to plan their withdrawals carefully, make use of safer banking options, and avoid unnecessary congestion at pay points.
With rising living costs and economic pressures still affecting many households, timely grant payments are expected to bring some relief to families across South Africa. Sassa reiterated that the January payment cycle is proceeding as planned and urged beneficiaries to remain patient and informed.
