The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has outlined key dates and changes for its various grants, impacting millions of South Africans. With new payment schedules and updated eligibility criteria for 2026, beneficiaries and potential applicants must stay informed to avoid payment delays or suspensions.

SASSA Grant Payment Dates for March 2026

SASSA has confirmed the payment dates for March 2026:

• Older Person’s Grants: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
• Disability Grants: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
• Children’s Grants: Thursday, March 5, 2026 (includes Foster Care, Care Dependency, War Veterans, and Grant-in-Aid)
• SRD R370 Grant: Payments are processed throughout the month, with some beneficiaries seeing paydays starting around March 19, 2026. The official schedule for March was not yet released at the time of reporting, but it typically occurs in the latter half of the month.

SASSA advises beneficiaries that funds remain in their accounts after payment, so immediate collection is not necessary.

Grant Amounts and 2026 Increases

March 2026 Grant Amounts:

• Old Age Grant (60-74): R2,315
• Old Age Grant (75+): R2,335
• Disability Grant: R2,315
• War Veterans Grant: R2,315
• Care Dependency Grant: R2,315
• Child Support Grant: R560
• Foster Care Grant: R1,250
• SRD Grant: R370

Expected Grant Amounts from April 2026:

• Old Age Grant: R2,400 per month
• War Veterans Grant: R2,420 per month
• Disability Grant: R2,400 per month
• Care Dependency Grant: R2,400 per month
• Foster Care Grant: R1,290 per month (increasing to R1,300 in October 2026)
• Child Support Grant: R580 per month
• Grant-in-Aid: R580 per month
• SRD Grant: Remains R370 per month, with payments extended until March 31, 2027.

Eligibility Criteria and Verification

SASSA has intensified its verification processes, including income and bank data cross-referencing, to prevent fraud. Approximately 70,000 grants were recently suspended for beneficiaries no longer meeting criteria.

Key Eligibility Points:

• General: South African citizenship/residency, residing in SA, means tests for most grants.
• Old Age Grant: Age 60+, annual income < R107,880 (single) / R215,760 (married). Assets < R1,524,600 (single) / R3,049,200 (married).
• Disability Grant: Age 18-59, medical assessment required, income < R86,280 (single) / R172,560 (married). Assets < R1,227,600 (single) / R2,455,200 (married).
• Child Support Grant: Caregiver & child must be SA citizens/residents, child < 18. Caregiver income < R61,200/year (single) / R122,400/year (married).
• SRD R370 Grant: Age 18-59, SA citizen/resident/refugee, monthly income < R624, not receiving other grants/UIF/NSFAS. Extended until March 31, 2027.

Application Process

Social grant applications are administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

General Application Process (in-person):

• Visit the nearest SASSA office.
• Bring your 13-digit bar-coded identity document (ID) and other required supporting documents.
• If no ID, complete an affidavit with a Commissioner of Oaths.
• The application form will be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer.
• You will receive a receipt.
• If unable to visit, a family member/friend can apply on your behalf with a letter/doctor’s note.

Online Application Process:

• Only Child Support, Foster Child, and Older Person grants can be applied for online via services.sassa.gov.za.
• Register, log in, select grant type, complete form. Upload certified documents (PDF).
• SRD R370 grant is primarily online (srd.sassa.gov.za) or via WhatsApp (082 046 8553).

Important Notes:

• SASSA aims for same-day approval for Child Support Grants if documents are in order.
• Other grants may take up to 3 months to process.
• SASSA is making social grant reviews available through self-service platforms.
• Keep personal details and income updated with SASSA to avoid delays/suspensions. Respond to review notifications promptly.
• All SASSA services are free. Report fraud.
• Enquiries: 0800 60 1011 or grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za.

Keywords:

• SASSA
• Social Grants
• South Africa
• Child Support Grant
• Disability Grant
• Old Age Grant
• SRD Grant
• Foster Care Grant
• War Veterans Grant
• Grant-in-Aid
• Payment Dates
• Eligibility
• Application Process
• Inflation
• Fuel Prices
• Loadshedding