With the South Africa transitioning into the 2026 financial year, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has indicated a staged disbursement of the payments between the months of January to reduce congestions at the pay points. It is always essential to know when you can expect your money to come so that millions of citizens can use it as a back-to-school fund and have some stability after the holidays. Though the primary social grants are completed in a definite schedule, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant is a batch grant where there is a need to complete routine status monitoring.
Authority SASSA January 2026 Payments List
SASSA has also given priority to the elderly and individuals with disability in order to make them have access to their funds with minimal challenge. The schedule to implement January 2026 will be as follows:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
- Disability Grant: Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Grants to Children: Thursday, 8 January 2026.
- SRD R370 Grant: Batch-processed 23 January to 30 January 2026.
Checking your SRD Status and Balance
There is no only one fixed payment date used by all the recipients of the SRD R370 grant. In its place, every beneficiary would be allocated a particular pay date after their application has been approved for the month. To verify your present status, please follow up the steps below:
- Online Portal: Click on the link and type in your ID number and mobile number with which you registered.
- WhatsApp: Messages, enter text saying, Status to the number 082 046 8553.
- USSD Code: Please dial with your phone – *120*3227# or *120*69277# and press the keys.
- SASSA App: SASSA has an official paid application, the SASSA Services, where you can see the record of your payments and balance in real-time.
New 2026 Biometric Verification Requirement
One of the key changes to be implemented in the year 2026 is the implementation of Biometric Verification among some of the beneficiaries. When it appears in your status that you need to take action or verify your selfies, then a facial recognition verification must be done using the secure link that will be sent to your phone. This has been done to curb identity theft as well as delivery of the R370 to the beneficiary. This verification is important and you risk January payment suspension in case you fail to complete this verification.
Safety and Collection Tips
- Don’t Be in a Hurry: Money does not go to waste. There is no need to take out your cash on the first day, it will stay in your bank account or card.
- Retail Solutions: You can pick up your grant at large retail outlets such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers and USave.
- Bank Direct: Could you please use your personal bank account to transfer money to your SASSA profile to do transactions faster and more securely, without having to stand in long queues at physical pay points?
SASSA January 2026 Grant Values
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (ZAR) |
| Older Persons (60–74) | R2,320 |
| Older Persons (75+) | R2,340 |
| Disability Grant | R2,320 |
| Child Support Grant | R560 |
| SRD R370 Grant | R370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My SRD grant is not paid yet?
SRD allocations are made in installments at the end of the month. When you are approved and no date has been given, then your payment is under processing. Be certain your banking information is accurate and you will not be delayed.
2. May I receive my grant in the Post Office?
No. SASSA has greatly abandoned cash payments at SAPO branches. Instead use retail partners or ATMs.
3. What in case of a Declined application?
In case your application in January is refused, you have 90 days to file an appeal through Independent Tribunal Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAP).
Disclaimer
The information is not meant to be valuable. The official sources can be verified because our mission is to present all the users with accurate information.
