By DSD News

• Social grant payments for 2026/2027 will continue to be made early in the month and staggered over three days to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.
• Grant values will increase from April 2026, with the Older Persons, Disability and Care Dependency grants rising to R2 400.
• Beneficiaries are encouraged to report any payment challenges at their nearest SASSA office for prompt assistance.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed the social grant payment dates for the 2026/2027 financial year following approval by National Treasury on Friday, 20 March 2026.

The announcement provides clarity and certainty for millions of beneficiaries who rely on social assistance, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring timely and reliable access to grants.

SASSA indicated that the established payment approach will remain in place, with grants paid as early as possible each month and staggered over three days. In most cases, older persons will receive their grants first, followed by persons with disabilities, and thereafter children’s grants.

The Agency emphasised that several operational considerations inform the scheduling of payment dates. The following are considered:

• Payments should not be made a day after a holiday.
• Payments should not be made on the 1st of the month or a Monday; and
• Payment dates should not fall over a weekend

The approved payment schedule is outlined below:

In addition to the confirmed payment dates, SASSA highlighted the increases in social grant amounts announced by the Minister of Finance during the recent Budget Speech. Effective from April 2026, the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant will increase by R80 to R2 400, while the War Veterans Grant will rise to R2 420. The Foster Child Grant will increase to R1 290, and the Child Support Grant, together with the Grant-in-Aid, will increase to R580.

SASSA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive their grants on time and without disruption. The Agency also urged beneficiaries who may experience delays or challenges in accessing their funds to visit their nearest SASSA office for assistance.

Pretoria, 29 April 2026: The Department of Social Development (DSD) notes the continued media interest in various administrative and personnel matters within the Department. 

We recognise that periods of rigorous institutional reform often attract heightened public scrutiny. The Department views this attention not as adversarial, but as an important element of oversight and a necessary component of transparency.

Journalistic Integrity and Objective Discourse 

The Department calls on media practitioners to maintain a clear distinction between verified facts and information driven by the interests of particular sources. While the Minister of Social Development, Ms. Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe welcomes robust and constructive engagement as part of a healthy democratic environment, it is inappropriate for media platforms to be used to advance personal grievances or to promote narratives that rely on inflammatory or defamatory language. 

The Department urges adherence to the highest standards of journalistic integrity, ensuring that unverified claims are not presented as established facts before due processes are concluded.

 Institutional Reform and Legacy Matters 

It is important to distinguish between challenges arising from current reform processes and administrative shortcomings inherited from previous cycles. Some issues recently reported in the media, including matters related to organisational donations and historical recruitment processes, originate from legacy systems that predate the current administration. 

The Department is actively addressing these matters to ensure lasting institutional improvement.

Proactive Remediation and Due Processes 

The Department remains committed to corrective action. Where administrative irregularities have been identified, including in recruitment and personnel processes, decisive steps have been taken to halt such activities and initiate formal investigations. All investigations involving departmental officials and advisors are conducted in line with established legal frameworks and internal disciplinary procedures, without any executive interference. 

 Administrative Stability and Governance

The Minister continues to strengthen governance systems and promote a unified, professional, and merit-based organisational culture.  

While reform efforts may give rise to internal tensions, the Department remains focused on stabilising its governance structures and ensuring that internal matters do not detract from its core mandate. DSD will not substitute due process with media commentary. Its primary focus remains the delivery of essential social protection services and grants to millions of South Africans, while ensuring accountability and integrity within its administrative systems. 

ENDS 

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Acting Head of Communication Ms. Sandy Godlwana 082 678 5634 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.a

By DSD News

• KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga, receives recognition for her leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and social development.
• Engagement with Esigodlweni Sasendlunkulu highlights strengthened collaboration to advance women-focused programmes.
• Commitment reaffirmed to building partnerships that uplift vulnerable communities across the province.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga, has been honoured with a recognition award by Esigodlweni Sasendlunkulu, an organisation dedicated to advocating for women’s empowerment and advancing women’s rights within communities. The award acknowledges her sustained leadership and commitment to promoting social development and improving the lives of vulnerable groups across the province.

The recognition was awarded during a meeting between the MEC and members of the organisation, which provided an opportunity for productive dialogue regarding mutual priorities. The conversation primarily focused on identifying avenues for collaboration, with special emphasis on enhancing initiatives that support women’s social and economic empowerment.

The organisation was represented by Indlovukazi Mapule and Ms Thandeka Ngobese, who provided insights into their initiatives and areas of impact. In response, MEC Shinga expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships that drive sustainable development and uplift communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal.