The South African Social Security Agency will start its monthly payment process on February 5 2026 when millions of South Africans will receive their social grant payments. The early February payment date is especially important for pensioners, caregivers, and persons living with disabilities who rely on grants as their primary source of income.
Why 5 February 2026 Is a Key Payment Date
SASSA follows a structured payment sequence each month, starting with priority grants. The 5 February 2026 payment date marks the beginning of grant disbursements, allowing vulnerable groups to access funds early and manage essential expenses without delay.
Old Age Pension Payments on 5 February 2026
The first payments on 5 February will go to old age grant beneficiaries. The pension grant serves as an essential support system that enables senior citizens to purchase food and healthcare items and cover their electricity and daily living expenses. Verified beneficiaries will receive funds automatically through their selected payment method.
Disability Grant Payments Explained
Disability grant recipients are included in the early February payment window. The grant provides financial assistance to individuals who cannot work because of their permanent or temporary disabilities. Payments will be released to beneficiaries with approved and verified records.
Child Support Grant Payment Timeline
Child support grants will follow after the initial February payout date. Caregivers should prepare for these grants, which people commonly use to pay for school expenses and food and transportation and essential childcare needs.
Foster Care and Care Dependency Grants
The standard SASSA payment schedule will continue to apply to caregivers, who receive both foster care and care dependency grants. These grants provide higher levels of support due to the long-term responsibilities involved in caring for vulnerable children and those with special needs.
SRD Grant Payments in February 2026
The SRD grant will undergo processing as a separate entity from permanent grants and its payments will be distributed on a later date within the month. Payment dates vary depending on verification outcomes, income checks, and banking confirmation, meaning not all recipients will receive funds on the same day.
How Grants Will Be Paid to Beneficiaries
SASSA will continue using bank deposits, official payment cards, and approved retail collection points. Beneficiaries with bank accounts experience faster access to their funds and shorter waiting periods.
What Beneficiaries Should Check Before Payment Day
Beneficiaries need to update their banking details and contact information and identity records to prevent payment delays. The system will impose temporary holds on accounts that have mismatching information until the verification process completes.
What the February 2026 Payments Mean for Households
The 5 February grant payments provide timely financial support during a period of high living costs. These grants help households achieve stability because they provide essential resources that enable families to avoid borrowing money.