SASSA Updates 2026
Stay up to date with the latest official SASSA announcements, SRD R370 grant updates, payment date confirmations, and policy changes. This page is updated as new information is released by SASSA and the Department of Social Development.
Published: 28 April 2026
SASSA has confirmed the official payment schedule for May 2026. All grant types will be paid on the following dates:
Payment dates may shift by one day around public holidays. Beneficiaries are advised to check their status at srd.sassa.gov.za from the 21st of each month.
→ Full May 2026 Payment Dates Guide
Published: 1 April 2026
The Department of Social Development confirmed annual grant increases effective 1 April 2026:
| Grant | Previous Amount | New Amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | R2,320 | R2,400 | +R80 |
| Disability Grant | R2,320 | R2,400 | +R80 |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,320 | R2,400 | +R80 |
| Child Support Grant | R560 | R580 | +R20 |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,260 | R1,290 | +R30 |
| SRD R370 Grant | R370 | R370 | No change |
The SRD R370 grant amount remains unchanged at R370 per month for the 2026/2027 financial year.
→ Full SASSA Grant Amounts 2026 Guide
Published: 15 March 2026
The Department of Social Development confirmed that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant will continue through the 2026/2027 financial year. Funding has been secured in the national budget for the full year.
Beneficiaries do not need to reapply if their application is still active. SASSA will continue processing monthly approvals under the existing eligibility criteria.
Published: 1 February 2026
SASSA and Postbank have confirmed that all beneficiaries still using the old gold Postbank card must swap to the new black Postbank card by 31 December 2026. An estimated 600,000–800,000 beneficiaries are still on the old card.
What you need to do:
Beneficiaries who do not swap by the deadline risk losing access to their grant payments via this channel.
The Department of Social Development has published a proposal to replace the SRD R370 with a new Livelihoods Support Grant. The public comment period closed on 30 April 2026.
Key proposed differences from the current SRD:
No implementation date has been confirmed. The SRD R370 will continue until formal legislation is passed. SASSA will announce transition arrangements with sufficient notice.
From March 2026, SASSA introduced enhanced biometric verification for SRD applications. This means some applicants may receive an Identity Verification Failed status during the transition period.
If this affects you, visit your nearest SASSA office with your original ID document. Do not submit a new application — visit in person to resolve the mismatch.
→ Identity Verification Failed — What to Do
For queries about your grant or status, use these official SASSA channels:
| Channel | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Toll-free helpline | 0800 60 10 11 | Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00 |
| 082 046 8553 | 24/7 automated | |
| SRD portal | srd.sassa.gov.za | 24/7 |
| grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za | 2–4 week response |
SASSA typically confirms the following month’s payment dates in the final week of the current month. Check this page or the payment dates hub for updates as they are released.
No. The SRD R370 grant amount remains R370 per month. Other grants (Older Persons, Disability, Child Support) did increase from April 2026. See the full grant amounts guide.
A Livelihoods Support Grant has been proposed to replace the SRD, but no implementation date has been confirmed. The SRD R370 will continue until the new legislation is formally enacted. Beneficiaries will be given advance notice before any transition.
Official announcements are published at www.sassa.gov.za and www.sanews.gov.za. This page summarises key updates relevant to SRD and grant beneficiaries.
Ready to check your SASSA status?
Use the official SASSA portal — free and updated monthly.
