The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has sent out an important update to people who get the Old Age Grant. It will set new rules for when and how beneficiaries can get their benefits starting in January 2026. The update is a welcome relief for older people who rely on the grant as their main source of income after months of worrying about late or inconsistent payments.
Return to Payment Timelines That Are Stable and Predictable
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) said that it will start making payments for the Old Age Grant every four weeks again. Some people who got benefits in the past few months had to wait a long time to get their payments, which made it hard for them to pay their bills. Starting in January 2026, SASSA will start its regular pension payment schedule. This will help pensioners plan their monthly expenses with more confidence.
Confirmed Payment Date for January 2026
In January 2026, Old Age Grant payments will be sent out before the middle of the month. This will help pensioners pay for things like food, transport and medical care after the holidays. SASSA has told people who get benefits to start checking their bank accounts or SASSA cards in the first week of January. The payment date will change based on the payment method they choose. The banking procedures and the places where withdrawals happen will determine how much money is available.
New Eligibility Requirements for 2026
SASSA has changed the eligibility requirements for the Old Age Grant and made improvements to their payment schedule. The changes are there to help older people who are more vulnerable and need help because their living costs are going up. Pensioners who were close to the threshold before should look over the new rules and apply or reapply if they need to.
Ways for Beneficiaries to Get Paid
People who get the Old Age Grant can get their money in a number of approved ways. Beneficiaries get their money through direct deposits into their own bank accounts, cash withdrawals from ATMs and stores that accept SASSA or Postbank cards, and cash pay points that are set up in certain places. The organization tells people who get benefits to keep their information safe by using secure channels instead of taking out a lot of cash at once.
Things pensioners should remember
SASSA has told beneficiaries to keep their personal and banking information up to date so that payments don’t get messed up. The agency warns pensioners about scams because SASSA never asks for personal banking information or PINs over the phone or by text.
