The SASSA payment schedule follows a set pattern each month. Old Age, Disability, and War Veterans grants are paid first around the 3rd to 4th. Child Support, Foster Child, and Care Dependency grants follow around the 5th to 6th. The SRD R370 grant is paid last, between the 25th and 28th. This guide explains how the entire system works.
How the SASSA Payment Schedule Works
SASSA does not pay all grants on the same day. Instead, payments are spread across the month in three groups. This staggered approach helps SASSA manage the large volume of payments and reduces overcrowding at pay points.
Each month, SASSA announces the exact payment dates through official media statements, their website, and SMS notifications. While the exact dates change slightly from month to month, the order in which grants are paid remains consistent.
Payment Order — Which Grants Are Paid First?
The SASSA payment schedule follows this order every month:
Group 1: Old Age, Disability, and War Veterans Grants (3rd-4th of the month)
These grants are always paid first. This group includes:
- Old Age Grant: R2,190 per month (ages 60-74) or R2,210 (ages 75+)
- Disability Grant: R2,190 per month (temporary and permanent)
- War Veterans Grant: R2,190 per month
SASSA prioritises these vulnerable groups to ensure they receive their funds as early as possible each month.
Group 2: Child Support, Foster Child, and Care Dependency Grants (5th-6th of the month)
The second payment group follows 1 to 2 days after the first group. This includes:
- Child Support Grant: R530 per child per month
- Foster Child Grant: R1,190 per month
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,190 per month
Group 3: SRD R370 Grant (25th-28th of the month)
The Social Relief of Distress grant is always the last to be paid, typically in the final week of the month. Each SRD beneficiary receives an individual payment date within this window. The amount is R370 per month.
Master Payment Schedule Table
The following table summarises the typical payment window for each SASSA grant type:
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount | Typical Payment Window | Payment Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant (60-74) | R2,190 | 3rd — 4th of month | Group 1 (First) |
| Old Age Grant (75+) | R2,210 | 3rd — 4th of month | Group 1 (First) |
| Disability Grant | R2,190 | 3rd — 4th of month | Group 1 (First) |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,190 | 3rd — 4th of month | Group 1 (First) |
| Child Support Grant | R530 | 5th — 6th of month | Group 2 (Second) |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,190 | 5th — 6th of month | Group 2 (Second) |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,190 | 5th — 6th of month | Group 2 (Second) |
| SRD Grant | R370 | 25th — 28th of month | Group 3 (Last) |
For specific monthly dates, visit our SASSA payment dates hub.
Why Payment Dates Change Each Month
While the payment pattern stays the same, the exact dates shift slightly each month. Here is why:
- Weekends: SASSA does not process payments on Saturdays or Sundays. If the usual payment date falls on a weekend, it is typically moved to the Friday before.
- Public holidays: South Africa has several public holidays throughout the year. When a payment date falls on a public holiday, SASSA adjusts the date, usually paying a day or two earlier.
- Processing schedules: SASSA coordinates with banks and the Post Office to set dates that allow smooth processing of millions of payments.
- Calendar variations: The day of the week that the 3rd or 5th falls on changes each month, which can cause minor shifts.
How SASSA Announces Payment Dates
SASSA communicates payment dates through several channels:
- SASSA website: Official dates are published on the SASSA website before each month.
- Media statements: SASSA releases press statements carried by major news outlets.
- SMS notifications: Registered beneficiaries receive SMS messages with their payment dates.
- Social media: SASSA posts payment date announcements on their official social media accounts.
- SRD portal: SRD beneficiaries can check their individual dates at srd.sassa.gov.za.
You can also check your payment status any time using our SASSA status check guide.
Bank vs Post Office — Which Is Faster?
Your payment method affects when you can access your money:
- Bank account payments: If your grant is paid into a bank account, you may receive the money 1 to 2 days before the official payment date. Banks often process incoming payments overnight, so the funds may be available early in the morning on the day before the official date.
- Post Office collections: If you collect at a Post Office, you can only collect from the official payment date onwards. Post Office branches can be very busy on payment days.
- Retail pay points: Collections at retail stores like Shoprite and Pick n Pay are available from the official payment date. These can be a good alternative to busy Post Office branches.
- ATM withdrawals: If you have a Postbank card, you can withdraw from ATMs once the payment is processed.
For a complete guide to collecting your payment, see our SASSA card payment collection page.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
Occasionally, payments may be delayed. If you have not received your grant by the expected date:
- Allow 3 working days. Minor processing delays are normal.
- Check your grant status. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za to make sure your grant is active.
- Verify your payment details. Incorrect banking or payment details can cause delays.
- Contact SASSA. Call 0800 60 10 11 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) if the payment is more than 3 days overdue.
If your application was approved but you have never received a payment, read our SASSA approved but no payment guide for troubleshooting steps.
To understand the full payment timing for your specific grant, read our when does SASSA pay guide.
Contact SASSA
For any questions about the SASSA payment schedule, contact SASSA:
- Toll-free helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm)
- Website: srd.sassa.gov.za
- In person: Visit your nearest SASSA office
For all contact options, see our SASSA contact information page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SASSA payment schedule for 2026?
In 2026, SASSA pays Old Age and Disability grants first (around the 3rd-4th), followed by Child Support, Foster Child, and Care Dependency grants (around the 5th-6th), and the SRD R370 grant last (around the 25th-28th). This pattern repeats each month.
Why are some grants paid before others?
SASSA staggers payments across the month to manage the processing of millions of transactions. Older persons and people with disabilities are prioritised and paid first.
Do payment dates change every month?
The exact dates shift slightly each month due to weekends and public holidays, but the pattern stays the same. SASSA confirms the exact dates before each month begins.
Is it better to receive my SASSA grant via bank or Post Office?
Bank deposits are generally faster. You may receive your payment 1 to 2 days before the official date. Post Office collections are available from the official date but queues can be long on payment days.
Where can I find confirmed SASSA payment dates?
Check the SASSA website at srd.sassa.gov.za, look for official SASSA media statements, or call the helpline at 0800 60 10 11. You can also visit our SASSA payment dates hub for updated information.