Sassa announces December grant payment dates

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed its December 2026 social grant payment dates, giving millions of beneficiaries clarity on when they can expect their money ahead of the festive season.

According to Sassa’s approved payment schedule for the 2026/2027 financial year, payments will begin on December 2, with older persons receiving their grants first.

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Disability grant beneficiaries will be paid on December 3, followed by children’s grant beneficiaries on December 4.

The schedule, approved by National Treasury on March 20, 2026, is part of Sassa’s annual payment plan, which is now back on schedule after November’s elections.

The staggered payment schedule is intended to ease congestion at payment points and ensure a smoother payment process for beneficiaries.

Social grant beneficiaries will receive the approved monthly amounts following increases introduced during 2026.

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The increases were announced during the national Budget Speech, with most taking effect in April. The Foster Child Grant increased further, from R1 290 to R1 300, in October.

Sassa has urged beneficiaries who have difficulty accessing their grants or do not receive payments on the scheduled dates to visit their nearest Sassa office for help.

The agency said it remains committed to ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their grants on time and without disruption.

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The confirmed December payment dates will help households plan their spending ahead of the festive season, when many families face additional financial pressures.