SASSA Payment Dates for May Confirmed as Agency Condemns Sale of Queue Positions

May marks another monthly social grant cycle for millions of South Africans who depend on South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) payments for essential household support. The distribution of funds follows a set sequence across different grant categories, with payments taking place over the first week of the month and continuing later for selected programmes.

The upcoming cycle is also the second month reflecting the new 2026/2027 grant increases introduced in April, meaning beneficiaries will continue to receive the updated amounts across all qualifying grant types.

Official SASSA Payment Dates for May

The May cycle continues the established rollout pattern used by the SASSA, where older persons are paid first, followed by disability grant recipients and then children’s grants and all remaining categories.

The confirmed schedule is as follows:

Monday, 4 May 2026

• Older Persons (60–74)
• Older Persons (75+)

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

• Disability Grant
• War Veterans Grant
• Care Dependency Grant

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

• Foster Child Grant
• Child Support Grant
• Grant-in-Aid

The staggered system remains unchanged, with older persons paid first, followed by disability and related grants, and then child-focused and remaining grants.

Beneficiaries are not required to withdraw funds on the exact payment date, as money remains available once it reflects in the account.

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Grand Amounts Remain at New April Levels

May payments will reflect the updated grant values introduced in April 2026 as part of the national budget adjustments.

The revised amounts include:

• Older Persons Grant: R2 400
• Disability Grant: R2 400
• War Veterans Grant: R2 420
• Care Dependency Grant: R2 400
• Foster Child Grant: R1 295
• Child Support Grant: R580
• Grant-in-Aid: R580

These increases form part of the government’s annual adjustment to social assistance funding and remain in effect across the 2026/2027 financial year.

SRD Grant Payment Window for May

Unlike permanent grants, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant does not follow fixed monthly payment dates.

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant continues to operate on a separate payment schedule and does not follow fixed monthly dates like permanent grants.

For May 2026, SRD payments of R370 are expected to be processed in batches between 25 and 30 May 2026

Payment timing may vary depending on identity verification, banking details and application status. Beneficiaries are advised to regularly check their SRD status through official SASSA platforms for updated payment information.

SASSA Condemns the Sale of Queue Positions at its Offices

SASSA has also condemned the practice of selling queue positions at its offices, warning that it undermines fairness and creates unnecessary hardship for beneficiaries who rely on in-person services.

The agency has urged members of the public to avoid engaging in or supporting such practices, stressing that access to services must remain orderly and free from exploitation. It also encouraged beneficiaries to use available alternative channels where possible, including online and assisted service platforms, to reduce pressure on physical offices.

“We take serious exception to these acts as the agency as they happen at the doorsteps of our offices and create an impression that we are complicit and encourage this exploitation of our people. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms, and we cannot allow it to happen.

“We are working tirelessly to enhance our queue management systems to ensure fair and orderly access. This will reinforce priority service channels for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups,” SASSA CEO Themba Matlou said.

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