Pensioners Want SASSA to Fix Grant Payment to the First of the Month

SASSA Older Persons Grant beneficiaries are calling on the agency to move to a fixed payment date of the 1st of each month, after renewed frustration about shifting payment schedules sparked a public debate. Under the current system, grants are paid on the second working day of each month, which means the actual date changes every month depending on public holidays and weekends. “1st of each month was fine,” wrote Lerato Mokoena. Another beneficiary, Dina Renwick, agreed: “If Sassa payment is first of every month it is fine.”

The Older Persons Grant currently pays R2,400 per month for recipients aged 60 to 74 and R2,420 for those aged 75 and older. The South African reported that the debate was reignited by a Facebook comment and quickly drew widespread responses from pensioners who said the variable dates made it difficult to budget for rent, food, utilities and medication at the start of each month. Some beneficiaries noted the grant runs out before month-end regardless of when it arrives.

SASSA has not responded to the calls to change the payment structure. The second working day rule is tied to banking settlement timelines and has been in place for years across all main grant types. For August 2026, Older Persons grants are scheduled for 4 August. You can check the SASSA August 2026 payment dates for all grant types to plan ahead.

Source: The South African — “Pensioners want SASSA to scrap its shifting payment dates” — 23 July 2026