Millions of South Africans depend on monthly social grants to meet their essential living needs, making payment dates one of the most important pieces of information each month. For February 2026, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed a structured and staggered payment schedule to ensure that beneficiaries receive their funds in an orderly and secure manner. This approach helps to reduce long queues at payment points and allows recipients to plan their finances with greater confidence.
Understanding when each grant will be paid enables households to budget for food, transport, medical expenses, and school-related costs without unnecessary stress. February is often a financially demanding month, particularly for families with children returning to school and elderly citizens managing fixed incomes. This article provides a clear and focused breakdown of the official SASSA payment dates for February 2026, covering each major social grant category. The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is not included, as it follows a separate payment process and timetable.
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About SASSA and Its Role in Grant Payments
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for administering and distributing social grants to qualifying South Africans. Its mandate is to support vulnerable groups, including older persons, people with disabilities, and caregivers of children.
Each month, SASSA releases grant payments in phases rather than on a single day. This staggered system improves safety, reduces congestion at banks and retail outlets, and ensures smoother processing across the country.
Social grant payment dates for February 2026
* Older Person’s Grants – 03 February 2026
* Disability Grants – 04 February 2026
* Children’s grants – 05 February 2026#SASSACARES #SocialGrantPayments pic.twitter.com/5H9UqjdseX— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) January 27, 2026
Older Persons’ Grant Payment Date – Tuesday, 3 February 2026
The Older Persons’ Grant will be the first to be paid in February 2026.
Beneficiaries aged 60 years and above can expect their funds to be available on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. This date also includes payments for recipients of the War Veterans Grant, which is aligned with the older persons’ payment cycle.
This early payment allows senior citizens to cover essential monthly expenses such as food, utilities, and healthcare at the very beginning of the month. Once the funds are deposited, they remain accessible in bank accounts and SASSA cards until withdrawn.
Disability Grant Payment Date – Wednesday, 4 February 2026
The Disability Grant will be paid on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
This grant supports individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to a medically certified disability. The payment date follows the older persons’ grant by one day, maintaining SASSA’s consistent sequence.
Recipients are advised to avoid withdrawing their money immediately unless necessary. Funds remain safely available in accounts, allowing beneficiaries to collect them at a convenient time and reduce exposure to long queues or security risks.
Children’s Grants Payment Date – Thursday, 5 February 2026
All grants related to children will be paid on Thursday, 5 February 2026. These include:
- Child Support Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
This payment date is particularly important for households with school-going children, as February often involves education-related costs such as uniforms, stationery, and transport. By scheduling these grants on the third payment day of the cycle, SASSA ensures that caregivers can access financial support shortly after the start of the month.
War Veterans Grant Payment Alignment
The War Veterans Grant is paid together with the Older Persons’ Grant on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
This alignment simplifies the payment system and ensures that elderly veterans receive their financial assistance at the same time as other senior citizens. Although the number of recipients is smaller, this grant remains an important recognition of service and sacrifice.
Important Payment Guidance for Beneficiaries
SASSA has emphasised that beneficiaries are not required to collect their money on the exact payment date. Funds will stay in accounts until they are withdrawn, reducing pressure on banks and retail outlets.
Beneficiaries should ensure that their personal and banking details are correct to avoid delays. Those who experience payment issues are encouraged to contact their nearest SASSA office for assistance rather than relying on unofficial sources.
Why the February 2026 Schedule Matters
The February payment schedule plays a vital role in household stability, particularly for families managing tight budgets. With food prices, transport costs, and education expenses continuing to rise, knowing the exact payment dates allows beneficiaries to plan responsibly and avoid unnecessary financial strain.
The staggered approach also reflects SASSA’s ongoing effort to improve service delivery and protect vulnerable citizens from overcrowding and security risks.
The confirmed SASSA payment dates for February 2026 provide much-needed clarity for millions of South Africans who depend on social grants. Payments will be made as follows:
- Older Persons’ Grant and War Veterans Grant: Tuesday, 3 February 2026
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
- Children’s Grants: Thursday, 5 February 2026
By following this structured schedule, SASSA continues to ensure that financial support reaches beneficiaries in a safe, organised, and predictable manner. Staying informed about these dates allows households to plan their monthly spending with confidence and dignity.