The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned thousands of social grant beneficiaries whose grants are currently under review that they will not receive their August payments during the normal three-day payment cycle; they should instead expect payment on August 7, 2026.
SASSA said beneficiaries whose grants have been flagged for review should not panic if their money does not reflect on the usual payment dates for older persons, disability and children’s grants.
“The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) wishes to remind social grants beneficiaries whose grants have been identified for review that they will not receive their grants during the normal three-day payment cycle. Instead, they will be paid on the fourth payment day,” the agency said.
According to SASSA’s August payment schedule:
- Older Persons Grants will be paid on Tuesday, August 4
- Disability Grants on Wednesday, August 5
- Children’s Grants on Thursday, August 6
- Beneficiaries whose grants are under review will receive their payments on Friday, August 7
SASSA urged affected beneficiaries not to rush to local offices if they do not receive their grants during the normal payment cycle.
The agency stressed that beneficiaries who receive payments on the fourth payment day must still report to a SASSA office during August to complete the review process.
“Failure to respond to a review request may result in the grant being suspended or lapsing in accordance with the Social Assistance Act,” SASSA warned.
The agency said beneficiaries selected for review are notified through SMS messages and emphasised the importance of keeping contact information updated.
“SASSA notifies beneficiaries who have been selected for a grant review through Short Message Service (SMS) notifications. It is therefore essential that beneficiaries keep their contact details up to date,” SASSA said.
Beneficiaries are required to inform SASSA of any changes to their cellphone numbers, residential addresses, income, marital status or travel outside South Africa, as these factors may affect their eligibility for social assistance.
SASSA said grant reviews are a legal requirement designed to ensure that social assistance reaches only qualifying beneficiaries. The process helps the agency verify continued eligibility, prevent fraud and abuse, protect public funds, and maintain an accurate beneficiary database.
The agency also outlined a list of documents beneficiaries should bring when reporting for a review, including valid South African identity documents, proof of income, recent bank statements, proof of residence and any grant-specific supporting documents.
To ease pressure on local offices, SASSA encouraged beneficiaries to make use of its online services.
“To improve service delivery and reduce queues at local offices, beneficiaries are encouraged to use SASSA’s digital and online services wherever possible.”
SASSA added that free Wi-Fi is available at its offices to help beneficiaries access online services and receive assistance from officials where needed.
The agency said it remains committed to providing “efficient, accessible and dignified services” while ensuring that social grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and that public funds are safeguarded.
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