January is a crucial month for beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), as many households rely on social grants to cover essential expenses such as food, transportation, school needs, and basic living costs.
To ensure a smooth payment process, SASSA uses a structured and staggered system to release payments every month.
This guide provides an updated overview of how SASSA payments work in January, including payment dates, grant categories, estimated amounts, and key tips to avoid delays or issues.
Overview of SASSA Payments in January
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Paying Authority | SASSA |
| Payment Month | January |
| Grants Included | Older Persons, Disability, Child Grants, SRD |
| Payment Methods | Bank deposit, SASSA card, retail outlets |
| Payment System | Staggered release |
Official SASSA Payment Schedule for January
To reduce overcrowding and avoid system overload, SASSA releases payments on different days for each grant category:
| Grant Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Paid first, usually at the beginning of the month |
| Disability Grant | Paid the day after Older Persons Grants |
| Child Support & Other Permanent Grants | Paid the following day |
| SRD R370 Grant | Paid later in January on rolling dates per individual |
Beneficiaries do not need to collect their funds on the exact payment day. The money remains safely available until it is withdrawn.
SASSA Grant Types Paid in January
SASSA supports various groups through both permanent and temporary grants.
Permanent Social Grants
- Older Persons Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- War Veterans Grant
Temporary Grant
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD R370)
Permanent grants have fixed monthly dates, while SRD payments depend on eligibility checks and approval status.
Estimated Grant Amounts for January
| Grant Type | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | ± R2,000 |
| Disability Grant | ± R2,000 |
| Child Support Grant | ± R530 |
| Foster Child Grant | ± R1,250 |
| Care Dependency Grant | ± R2,000 |
| SRD Grant | R370 |
Note: Exact amounts may change based on government budget decisions.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the grant payment dates for January 2026. Payments are released in stages (on different days) to help reduce long queues and make the process smoother for everyone.
Below you’ll find the full schedule, plus a simple step-by-step guide on how to check your date and what to do if you want to change your payment method.
1) Confirm Your Grant Type First
Before checking the date, make sure you know which grant you receive. The most common SASSA grants include:
- Older Persons (Old-age) Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Foster Child Grant
If you’re not sure which one you receive, check your previous payment SMS, bank statement description, or any SASSA confirmation you have.
2) Check the Official SASSA Payment Dates (January 2026)
SASSA pays grants by category. Here are the January 2026 payment dates:
Payment Dates Table (January 2026)
| Grant Type | Payment Starts From |
|---|---|
| Older Persons (Old-age) Grant | Tuesday, 06 January 2026 |
| War Veterans Grant | Tuesday, 06 January 2026 |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, 07 January 2026 |
| Care Dependency Grant | Wednesday, 07 January 2026 |
| Child Support Grant | Thursday, 08 January 2026 |
| Foster Child Grant | Thursday, 08 January 2026 |
Important: These dates show when payments start. In most cases, your money remains available after that date—you don’t have to withdraw it immediately.
3) Know What “Paid From” Really Means
When SASSA says a grant “will be paid from” a date, it usually means:
- The funds are released starting that day
- You can access the funds after release through your chosen method
- The money stays in your account (or remains available) if you collect later
This is helpful if you want to avoid crowds and collect on a quieter day.
4) Choose the Safest Way to Collect Your Grant
Most beneficiaries receive their grant through one of these methods:
- Bank deposit (personal bank account)
- SASSA card
- Approved retail outlets (where applicable)
Tip: If you can, using a bank account often helps reduce waiting time.
5) Steps to Change Your SASSA Payment Method
If you want to switch how you receive your grant, follow these steps:
Step-by-step (Payment Method Change)
- Prepare your documents
- South African ID (or valid identification)
- Proof of bank account details (or proof of account)
- OR a 3-month bank statement
- Go to your nearest SASSA office
- Ask to change your payment method
- Complete the required consent form
- Submit your request before the monthly cut-off
- The change request must be made before the 19th of each month
- Requests after the cut-off may only apply the following month
Tip: If you’re changing to a bank account, make sure the account is in your name to prevent delays.
6) Quick Checklist to Avoid Payment Problems
Avoid rushing on payment day—collect later if you can
Keep your phone number updated (for SMS notices)
Make sure your bank details are correct
Don’t share your ID number, PIN, or personal details with strangers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw my SASSA money later?
Yes. Your funds remain in your account until you choose to withdraw them.
Why does my SRD payment arrive on a different date?
SRD payments are processed individually and released throughout the month.
Will grant amounts increase in January?
Any increases will be announced separately through official government budget updates.