The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the February 2026 payment schedule for social grants, while strongly dismissing false claims circulating online about changes to the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
Older Persons’ Grant: Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Disability Grant: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Children’s Grants: Thursday, 5 February 2026
Old Age Grant (60–74 years) & Disability Grant: R2 315
Old Age Grant (75+ years): R2 335
War Veterans Grant: R2 315
Care Dependency Grant: R2 315
Child Support Grant: R560
Foster Care Grant: R1 250
SRD Grant: R370
SASSA dismissed social media claims that foreign nationals had expanded eligibility for the SRD grant.
CEO Themba Matlou stressed that no regulations have been amended and only the National Treasury or Department of Social Development can change policy.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) also denied rumours that the SRD grant is ending, warning against the unauthorised use of ministerial images and logos to spread falsehoods.
As of 1 January 2026, SASSA received 14,135 SRD applications from permanent residents, refugees, and special permit holders.
8,368 applications approved, with 2,690 beneficiaries already paid.
SASSA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting over 19 million beneficiaries, urging the public to rely only on official government platforms for updates and avoid misinformation that could heighten tensions.
