Waiting for your SASSA grant? Missing a payment can mean no food, medicine, or transport for millions of South Africans. Below is the 2025/2026 SASSA payment schedule to help you plan when to expect your money.
Important: SASSA has not yet published the 2025/2026 payment schedule. The South African government will announce official dates after the National Budget Speech on March 10, 2025. We will update the schedule as soon as SASSA releases it.
SASSA Payment Dates for 2025/2026
SASSA follows a structured schedule for paying grants each month:
- Day 1: Older Person’s Grant (including linked grants)
- Day 2: Disability Grant (including linked grants)
- Day 3: Child Grants (Child Support, Foster Child, Care Dependency)
- SRD Grant: Last week of the month (no fixed date)
If the 3rd day of the month falls on a weekend or public holiday, payments move to the next business day.
Note: Dates may change. Always check the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za) for updates.
SRD Grant Payment Dates for 2025/2026
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 Grant follows a different schedule. SASSA does not set fixed SRD payment dates, but payments usually happen in the last week of each month.
To check your SRD Grant Payment Date:
- Visit https://srdcheckstatus.co.za/
- Enter your ID Number and Phone Number
- Click “Check Status”
- Your SRD Grant Status and next payment date will be displayed
Why SASSA Payments Might Be Delayed?
SASSA payments can sometimes be late due to:
- Weekends and Public Holidays – Payments move to the next business day
- System Errors – Technical issues can cause processing delays
- Verification Delays – SASSA checks your eligibility before releasing payments
- Banking Issues – Incorrect bank details or bank processing delays
- Government Budget Adjustments – SRD grants are affected by funding availability
What to Do If Your SASSA Payment Is Late?
- Wait 1-2 Days – Processing delays can resolve on their own
- Check Your SASSA Status – Online, via phone, or SMS
- Call SASSA Helpline – 0800 60 10 11 (Toll-free)
- Visit a SASSA Office – Bring your ID to your nearest branch
How to Receive Your SASSA Grant Payment?
SASSA offers different ways to receive your grant:
1. SASSA Black Card (Replaces Gold Card in 2025)
- Works like a normal debit card
- Withdraw cash at ATMs and retail stores (Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay)
- Allows cashless purchases and online transactions
2. Bank Account (Direct Deposit)
- Faster payments directly into your bank account
- No long queues at SASSA pay points
- More secure than cash withdrawals
Postbank Payment Changes for 2025/2026
Since April 2024, SASSA grant recipients cannot withdraw grants at Post Office branches. You must use:
- ATMs (All major banks)
- Retail stores (Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer, Pick n Pay)
- Your bank account for direct deposit
SASSA Gold Cards Changing to Black Cards in 2025
SASSA is replacing gold cards with new Postbank Black Cards. The deadline for this switch is March 20, 2025.
After March 20, 2025, gold cards will stop working, and you will not receive your grant if you have not switched to the black card.
How to Get Your New Black Card
- Visit your nearest SASSA or Postbank branch
- Bring your ID and old gold card
- Receive your new black card immediately
The new black cards offer:
- Better security against fraud
- More banking features, including digital transactions
- Automatic payment transfer once activated
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute. SASSA offices will be crowded as the deadline approaches.
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