The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides regular monthly payments to millions of social grant beneficiaries across South Africa. According to official statistics, nearly 18 million South Africans depend on SASSA’s social grants program, which represents close to 30% of the population.
As an administrative body of the South African government, SASSA disburses various social grants to promote the constitutional right to social assistance for the country’s most vulnerable citizens. The agency announces updated payment dates on a monthly basis to ensure timely delivery of funds.
This complete guide will provide comprehensive information on SASSA payment dates from January to March 2024. It also includes grant amounts, payment methods, and key notices for recipients.
Overview of SASSA Social Grants
SASSA administers the following grants as part of its comprehensive social protection program:
- Older Person’s Grant – Provides income support for eligible citizens over 60 years old. The grant amount is R2,130 per month from October 2023.
- Disability Grant – Offers financial aid to people with medical conditions or disabilities that limit their capacity to work. The monthly amount is R2,130.
- War Veteran’s Grant – Grants income relief to former soldiers who fought in World War 1 and 2. The grant pays R2,130 per month.
- Care Dependency Grant – Provides R2,130 monthly to caregivers of children with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses who need full-time care and supervision due to their inability to care for themselves.
- Foster Child Grant – Provides R1,140 per month for foster parents to meet a foster child’s needs.
- Child Support Grant – Offers income support for parents/caregivers of children under 18 years old. It pays R550 per eligible child monthly.
- Social Relief of Distress Grant – Temporary grant for individuals in dire need unable to meet basic living costs. It pays R800 for approved applicants.
SASSA Grant Payments Schedule January to March 2024
To ensure social grant beneficiaries can receive their monthly payments on time, SASSA announces the payment dates schedule well in advance. Here are the confirmed pay dates from January 2023 to March 2024:
January 2024 SASSA Payment Dates
- Older Person’s Grant and linked grants: 3 January 2024
- Disability Grant and linked grants: 4 January 2024
- All other grants (Child Support, Foster Child, Care Dependency, War Veteran’s): 5 January 2024
February 2024 SASSA Payment Dates
- Older Person’s Grant and linked grants: 2 February 2024
- Disability Grant and linked grants: 5 February 2024
- Other grants (Child Support, Foster Child, Care Dependency, War Veteran’s): 6 February 2024
March 2024 SASSA Payment Dates
- Older Person’s Grant and linked grants: 5 March 2024
- Disability Grant and linked grants: 6 March 2024
- Other grants (Child Support, Foster Child, Care Dependency, War Veteran’s): 7 March 2024
SASSA staggers the payment dates, so different grant types are paid on different days of the month to ease pressure on the banking system. Applicants approved for the Social Relief of Distress Grant receive funds based on the date of their application.
Payment Amounts for SASSA Grants
Here are the monthly payment amounts for the various social grants administered by SASSA from October 2023:
- Older Person’s Grant: R2,130
- Disability Grant: R2,130
- War Veteran’s Grant: R2,130
- Foster Child Grant: R1,140
- Care Dependency Grant: R2,130
- Child Support Grant: R550 per child
- Social Relief of Distress: R800 (temporary)
The grant amounts are reviewed annually and increased periodically to provide adequate financial assistance. For example, the Older Person’s Grant increased by R130 per month from October 2022.
How and Where to Access SASSA Payments
Recipients can access their monthly social grants through these methods:
- ATM withdrawal – Use the SASSA gold card at any ATM bearing the Mastercard logo. Recipients can choose a 4-digit PIN.
- Bank account – Grant funds can be deposited directly into a bank account. Recipients must provide their account details to SASSA.
- Cash at Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, USave – Grants can be collected in cash at designated supermarkets. Recipients present ID and SASSA card.
- Post Office – Grant funds can be withdrawn at Post Office branches nationwide using the gold card.
- SASSA Local Office – In exceptional cases, cash collections directly from SASSA district offices. Prior arrangement required.
Important Notices for SASSA Grant Beneficiaries
Recipients should take note of these key suggestions and reminders:
- Avoid collecting grants on the 1st two days after payment date to prevent long queues. Consider waiting 3-4 days if possible.
- Check the SASSA website regularly for updates on grant amounts, application status, payment dates schedule.
- Report lost or damaged SASSA cards immediately to prevent fraud. Request replacements from SASSA district office.
- Provide SASSA with any changes to your address, bank account details, or personal information to ensure continuous, accurate payments.
- Use secure SASSA-approved methods to access your funds. Beware of unauthorized individuals offering to collect grants on your behalf.
- Call the SASSA helpline or visit your nearest office if you have questions or require assistance with grant payments.
Checking SASSA Grant Status and Payment Updates
To track the status of new applications or confirm upcoming payments, beneficiaries can:
- Dial 1344632*8888# to check application status and grant payment updates via mobile phone.
- Visit the official SASSA Online Portal and login to your account.
- Call the toll-free SASSA helpline on 0800 60 10 11 during working hours for queries.
- Visit your nearest SASSA office for in-person assistance with account and payment issues. Bring ID document.
Contact SASSA for Assistance
SASSA provides a vital social safety net for millions of South Africans through its comprehensive grants program. The agency regularly updates its payment schedule and details to ensure recipients get their entitlements on time.
For more information on SASSA grants, application status, pay dates, or to provide updated personal details, please contact SASSA directly:
Website: sassa.gov.za
Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Phone: 0800 60 10 11