Here’s the BAD news for millions of SASSA grant recipients in October

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that the majority of social grant beneficiaries will only receive their October 2026 payments after the first weekend of the month.

While older persons will be paid prior to the weekend – on Friday, 2 October – millions of other recipients – including those on disability and children’s grants – will have to wait until the following week.

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Payments delayed by weekend

SASSA’s October payment schedule is as follows:

• Older persons: Friday, 2 October
• Disability grants: Monday, 5 October
• Children’s grants: Tuesday, 6 October
• Remaining/Exceptions: Wednesday, 7 October

Majority affected

This means that while pensioners are paid before the weekend, the bulk of beneficiaries will only access their funds several days later.

The staggered system – designed to manage demand and ensure smooth payments – typically sees grants paid over three days early in the month, but weekends and public holidays can shift this timeline.

Reminder of SASSA grant amounts

• Old Age, Disability & Care Dependency Grants: R2 400
• War Veterans Grant: R2 420
• Foster Care Grant: R1 290
• Child Support Grant: R580
• Grant-in-Aid: R580
• SRD Grant: remains at R370

Support and guidance

SASSA has urged beneficiaries to plan accordingly and avoid unnecessary trips to payment points before their designated dates.

The agency reiterated its commitment to timely payments and encouraged anyone experiencing delays to seek assistance at their nearest office.

SASSA 2026/27 payment schedule

Month	Older persons	Disability	Children’s
October 2026	2 October	5 October	6 October
November 2026	3 November	4 November	5 November
December 2026	2 December	3 December	4 December
January 2027	5 January	6 January	7 January
February 2027	2 February	3 February	4 February
March 2027	2 March	3 March	4 March