The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has published the official payment schedule for social grants covering the 2026/27 financial year, following approval from the National Treasury this week.

The payment dates provide clarity for millions of beneficiaries who rely on monthly social assistance. In April, older persons will receive their grants on 2 April, disability grant beneficiaries on 7 April, and children’s grant recipients on 8 April.

May payments will follow a similar pattern, with older persons paid on 5 May, disability grants on 6 May, and children’s grants on 7 May.

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Sassa said the agency follows a general principle of paying grants as early as possible each month, staggered over three days. In most months, the old age grant will be paid on the 2nd, disability grants on the 3rd, and children’s grants on the 4th.

However, the payment schedule considers several exceptions to ensure the optimal functioning of the National Payment System. Payments are not made the day after a holiday, on the 1st of the month, on a Monday, or over weekends. When a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the payment will be processed on the following working day.

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The announcement comes alongside grant increases that will take effect from April, as outlined by the Minister of Finance during the budget speech in February. The Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant will increase by R80 to R2 400. The War Veterans Grant will rise by R80 to R2 420.

The Foster Child Grant will increase by R40 to R1 290, while the Child Support Grant and Grant-In-Aid will grow by R20 to R580.

Sassa has urged beneficiaries who do not receive their grants on the specified dates to visit their nearest local office for assistance. The full payment schedule is available on the agency’s website at www.sassa.gov.za.

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