SASSA New Year Grant Increase 2026 : When 2026 rolls around in South Africa, the SASSA grant increases are going to help millions of social grant beneficiaries to cope with the ever-increasing cost of living. The adjustments in grants during New Year are a huge relief for the most affected families in the country as they struggle against rising food prices, transport fares, and electricity bills.
Below you can find a very well-elaborated explanation of the SASSA 2026 grant increase alongside changed payment days and the eligibility conditions that the beneficiaries need to know.
What Is Changing In 2026?
The 2026 SASSA grant increase is a clear sign of government trying to keep their social protection programs alive for the poor and the vulnerable. The raising of the monthly payment and the notice period for each grant type is not the same but all the qualifying people will be able to enjoy more money from the very beginning of the year.
The higher amounts are made automatic, thus, the applicants do not need to apply again as long as they keep their data updated with SASSA.
January 2026 Grant Payment Dates
SASSA has reassured that there will be grant payments every first week of every month. The schedule for January 2026 is:
- Older Persons Grant on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
- Disability Grant on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
- Children’s Grants on Thursday, 8 January 2026.
After the payments are processed, the money stays in the recipient’s account until they withdraw it, hence there is no need to hurry to get the money on the very first day.
Which Grants Are Affected By The Increase?
The adjustments for the New Year 2026 will be in effect on the main SASSA grants:
- Older Persons Grant
- Disability Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- War Veterans Grant
There are different amounts of increase for each type of grant based on policy decisions and budget allocations.
Who Is Eligible For The 2026 Grant Increase?
Beneficiaries to get the increased payments must still meet the standard SASSA eligibility requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or a recognised refugee.
- Must live in South Africa.
- Must pass the means test, if applicable.
- Must not receive another personal grant that conflicts with the one received.
SASSA usually updates the information of beneficiaries, thus, it is necessary to inform about any changes in income, marital status, or bank details.
How Will Payments Be Made?
Beneficiaries will access their grants via the same payment methods that are currently in place:
- Direct deposit to bank or Postbank accounts.
- SASSA/Postbank cards that are valid for use at both ATMs and retailers.
- Cash payments for beneficiaries at selected areas in the community where they are authorised to receive payments.
Also Read: December Petrol Price Drop Confirmed: Welcome Relief For South African Motorists