SASSA May 2026 grant dates confirmed: Full payment schedule and new amounts for South Africa
Millions of South Africans who rely on social grants can now plan ahead with certainty after SASSA confirmed the official payment dates for May 2026. For many families, these dates shape everything from grocery shopping and transport to school costs and household budgets. The latest schedule also comes with updated grant amounts that took effect in April 2026.
SASSA says May 2026 grant payments will be made over three days, following its usual staggered approach to reduce pressure at pay points, ATMs and retail outlets. According to the confirmed 2026/2027 payment schedule, beneficiaries will be paid on the following dates: Older Persons Grant on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Disability Grant on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Children’s Grants on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
That means the dates circulating in some posts are incorrect. The official May 2026 schedule approved for the financial year starts one day earlier than many beneficiaries may expect, making it important to double-check before travelling or making withdrawal plans.
Updated SASSA grant amounts for May 2026
The grant amounts for May 2026 are also higher than older figures still being shared online. Government confirmed that from April 2026, the Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant increased to R2 400, while the War Veterans Grant increased to R2 420. The Foster Child Grant increased to R1 290, and the Child Support Grant and Grant-in-Aid increased to R580. The SRD grant remains R370.
Here is what beneficiaries should expect in May 2026:
Older Persons Grant: R2 400
Disability Grant: R2 400
Care Dependency Grant: R2 400
War Veterans Grant: R2 420
Foster Child Grant: R1 290
Child Support Grant: R580
Grant-in-Aid: R580
SRD Grant: R370
These increases come at a time when many households are still battling high food costs, transport expenses and unemployment. In thousands of homes, one grant supports several people, which is why both the payment date and the amount matter so much each month.
SASSA has again reminded beneficiaries not to panic if they do not withdraw money on the first payment day. Once the grant is paid, the funds remain available in the account, so there is no need to rush into long queues or overcrowded collection points. The staggered system is meant to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.
The confirmation of May dates offers relief to pensioners, caregivers and parents who build their monthly survival plans around grant income. Whether it is paying for electricity, buying food, covering taxi fare or preparing children for school, SASSA payments remain a critical source of support for millions across South Africa.
With the official dates now confirmed, beneficiaries can prepare early and avoid confusion caused by outdated information. For May 2026, the key dates to remember are 5 May, 6 May and 7 May.
