By East Coast Radio / Stacey & J Sbu
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) confirmed grant payment dates for June 2026, with payments expected to be processed in the first week.
The payment dates are as follows:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 2 June 2026
- Disability Grant and Care Dependency: Wednesday, 3 June 2026
- Child Support Grant: Thursday, 4 June 2026
The agency says the staggered payment dates are designed to reduce overcrowding at various pay points, ATMs and retailers.
SASSA confirms SRD grant extension to 2027
Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant supports more than eight million working-age South Africans who are unable to support themselves.
Government has allocated R36.4 billion to continue the SRD grant until March 2027.
SRD payments are usually processed later in the month. Dates are issued as applications are verified, and payments are typically made between the 24th and the end of the month.
Who qualifies for the SRD grant?
To qualify for the SRD grant, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker or special permit holder
- Be unemployed
- Have no source of income or financial support
- Not receive UIF benefits
- Not receive any NSFAS stipend
Beneficiaries are advised to regularly check their application and payment status through official platforms to confirm payment.
SASSA remains a lifeline as households face cost-of-living pressure
The Department of Social Development presented a R302 billion budget vote for the 2026/27 financial year.
According to the South African Government News Agency, the bulk will be allocated to grants for children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
“Of the total budget, R293 billion is allocated to monthly social assistance grants for children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
“Government also confirmed continued funding for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which has been extended until March 2027 and will support approximately 8 million working-age individuals who are unable to support themselves.
“An additional R36.4 billion has been allocated for the continuation of the SRD grant, alongside funds to cover administrative and staffing adjustments within SASSA and the department,” per the South African Government News Agency.
Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks told the National Assembly that millions of South Africans “rely on the social wage for dignity, hope and survival”, adding that SASSA has become a “vital pillar” of South Africa’s democracy.
