The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) administers social grants for more than 26 million beneficiaries across South Africa. This hub brings together everything you need in one place: how to check your status, when grants are paid, current grant amounts for 2026/27, how to update your details, and how to appeal a declined application. Use the links below to jump to the article you need. Every guide on this page is updated to reflect the 2026/27 financial year, which began on 1 April 2026 following the Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

These grants pay early in the month and are staggered across three days. The Older Persons Grant is paid first, the Disability Grant the next day and Children’s Grants the day after that. The SRD R370 grant is paid later in the month, in batches between the 24th and the end of the month.

SASSA logo — South African Social Security Agency 2026

SASSA status check

Check the status of your SASSA grant application online. The status check tells you whether your grant has been approved, declined, referred or is pending.

The following grant amounts took effect on 1 April 2026 and apply for the 2026/27 financial year. The increases were announced in the February 2026 Budget Speech and confirmed by the Department of Social Development.

GrantMonthly amount
Older Persons Grant (60 to 74)R2 400
Older Persons Grant (75 and older)R2 420
Disability GrantR2 400
War Veterans GrantR2 420
Care Dependency GrantR2 400
Foster Child GrantR1 290
Child Support GrantR580
Grant-in-AidR580
Social Relief of Distress (SRD)R370

The SRD grant remains at R370 and has been extended until 31 March 2027 through an additional R36.4 billion allocation in the 2026 Budget.

SASSA balance check

Check your balance using USSD codes, the SASSA app or online banking. USSD works on any cellphone, including non-smartphones, and does not require data.

SRD R370 grant

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant pays R370 per month to unemployed South Africans between the ages of 18 and 59 who do not receive any other form of income support. Applications are processed through the SRD website. Eligibility is checked monthly through bank verification and a means test.

Appeals and reconsideration

If your application has been declined, you have the right to appeal. Appeals for the SRD grant must be lodged within 90 days of the decline decision through the official SRD appeals portal.

Update your details

Keep your banking details and contact number current to avoid payment delays. Outdated details are one of the most common reasons payments are rejected or returned.

SASSA contact details

SASSA grant guides 2026

Detailed guides on every major SASSA grant for the 2026/27 financial year, including amounts, eligibility, documents required and the application process.

SASSA eligibility and verification

The rules SASSA uses to decide who qualifies for a grant, and the verification processes that continue once a grant is approved.

SASSA cards and payments

The Postbank Black Card has replaced the SASSA Gold Card, with the final replacement deadline on 31 August 2026. Here is everything you need to know about swapping your card, where to collect it, and how to withdraw your grant.

SASSA help and support

Find your nearest SASSA office, get help with a delayed payment, learn how to spot scams, and understand who can collect your grant on your behalf.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my status?

You can check your status online at srd.sassa.gov.za for the SRD R370 grant, or by calling 0800 60 10 11 for other grant types. You will need your South African ID number and the cellphone number used during application.

When does SASSA pay grants?

SASSA pays grants early in the month, staggered over three days. The Older Persons Grant is paid first, the Disability Grant the next day, and Children’s Grants on the third day. The SRD R370 grant is paid in batches between the 24th and the end of each month.

How much is the SASSA Older Persons Grant in 2026?

The Older Persons Grant is R2 400 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 to 74 and R2 420 per month for those aged 75 and older. These amounts took effect from 1 April 2026.

Has the SRD R370 grant been increased?

No. The SRD grant remains at R370 per month. The 2026 Budget extended the grant until 31 March 2027 but did not increase the amount.

How do I appeal a declined SASSA application?

For the SRD grant, lodge your appeal through the official appeals portal within 90 days of the decline. For other grants, visit your nearest office with your ID document and the reason for appeal. The appeal is reviewed by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals.

What is the SASSA toll-free number?

The official helpline is 0800 60 10 11. The line is free to call from any South African cellphone or landline.

Last updated: 20 May 2026. Grant amounts and payment dates are sourced from the Department of Social Development, the National Treasury 2026 Budget Review, and SASSA. Information may change. Always confirm details on the official SASSA website at sassa.gov.za or by calling 0800 60 10 11.