The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the payment dates for social grants in October 2026. Beneficiaries can expect their payments on the following dates: Older Persons Grant on Friday, October 2, Disability Grant on Monday, October 5, and Child Support Grant on Tuesday, October 6. This announcement provides clarity for millions of grant beneficiaries across the country.
SASSA is currently undergoing one of its biggest verification drives in years, reviewing more than 350,000 grants this financial year. The reviews aim to ensure beneficiaries still meet the requirements for the grants they receive. The agency checks for changes in a beneficiary's income, financial position, marital status, medical condition, or other circumstances.
To improve service delivery and reduce long queues at its offices, SASSA is introducing new measures. These include recruiting over 1,000 contract workers, adding staff to assist with grant applications and reviews, and expanding digital services. The measures come after complaints from beneficiaries about long waiting times at SASSA offices, particularly during grant review periods.
The FAIS Ombud has warned SASSA recipients, particularly older people, to check their bank accounts and grant payments for unauthorised funeral-policy deductions. This warning follows reports of beneficiaries being affected by such deductions. Beneficiaries are advised to be vigilant and monitor their accounts.
SASSA has also addressed concerns about the migration of SASSA Gold Cards, which were due to stop working on 31 August 2026. Beneficiaries who missed the migration deadline do not have to worry about their grant payments being affected. They should visit a Postbank card replacement centre to obtain a new card.
The National Treasury has raised concerns about persistent fraud in South Africa's social grant system, despite ongoing efforts to ensure only eligible recipients receive payments. SASSA has refuted claims of its officials being involved in insurance scams aimed at pensioners, following viral social media allegations.
SASSA's verification process has raised concerns among some organisations, including Black Sash, which warns that it could cut off essential support for vulnerable beneficiaries, including children and the elderly. The agency's biometric checks aim to ensure that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries.
Key points
- SASSA has announced payment dates for October 2026: Older Persons Grant on October 2, Disability Grant on October 5, and Child Support Grant on October 6.
- The agency is reviewing over 350,000 grants this financial year to ensure beneficiaries still meet the requirements.
- SASSA is introducing measures to improve service delivery, including recruiting over 1,000 contract workers and expanding digital services.
