SASSA has announced that the updated R350‑linked social‑relief grant (now paid at R370 per month) will move to a faster payment pattern starting from 5 March 2026, giving eligible beneficiaries earlier access to funds each month. This change is part of broader efforts to streamline social‑grant disbursements and reduce waiting times for millions of low‑income South Africans. The new timetable is already visible in the official SASSA payment‑date calendar for the 2026 financial year, which shows grants landing on specific weekdays rather than being compressed into the end of the month.
What the faster R350 / R370 payments mean
From 5 March 2026, selected categories of social‑relief beneficiaries will start receiving their grants earlier in the month than the traditional “last‑business‑day” pattern. For many recipients, this shift means they will see R370 in their accounts or at pay‑points several days before the last week of March, easing pressure on food, transport, and other basic needs. SASSA has confirmed that the grant amount has increased from R350 to R370 per month and remains in place at least until March 2027, so the speed‑up mainly affects timing, not the monthly value of the grant.
Why SASSA is speeding up payments
The move to earlier payments is linked to improved system integration between SASSA, the South African Post Office, and major banks. By spreading disbursements over more days, SASSA can avoid the usual congestion at post offices and ATMs that often strains queues and increases the risk of fraud. Earlier payouts also help beneficiaries plan their budgets better, since they know exactly which weekday to expect funds instead of waiting until the final days of the month. This reshuffling is especially important in rural areas where travel to pay‑points can be costly and time‑consuming if done on short notice.
How the new March 2026 schedule looks
In March 2026, different grant types are scheduled on different weekdays, with older‑persons and disability grants coming first and others following. Children’s grants are set to be paid on 5 March, shortly after the older‑persons payouts on 3 March and disability grants on 4 March. This staggered approach is how SASSA is phasing in faster payments even before the full R370‑focused timetable rolls out later in the year. The chart below gives a snapshot of key grant dates for March 2026.
Selected SASSA grant payment dates – March 2026
| Grant type | Payment date (March 2026) |
|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 03 March 2026 |
| Disability Grant | 04 March 2026 |
| Children’s Grants | 05 March 2026 |
| Other social grants* | Spaced across later days |
How beneficiaries can prepare and check eligibility
To benefit from the faster R370 payments, applicants must ensure their SRD grant application is approved and that their contact details are up to date with SASSA. Checks can be done via the USSD code 1203227#, the SASSA website, or the official SRD portal where applicants can view status and upload any missing documents. Those who were previously rejected can still appeal within the 90‑day window, attaching proof such as ID copies, bank statements, or shelter letters to support their case. Staying within the monthly deadlines—usually around the 15th of each month—remains critical to avoid missing a payment cycle.
Avoiding delays and scams around the new dates
SASSA has warned that SMS notifications and emails about “urgent” grant verification or banking changes may be scams, especially as the faster payment dates draw attention. Beneficiaries should only use official channels—SASSA field offices, the sassa.gov.za website, or the USSD code—for queries and status checks, and never share ID or banking details with unknown callers. If a payment does not arrive on the expected date, it is advisable to wait at least 24 hours before approaching the bank or SASSA, as system updates sometimes take a short time to reflect across all platforms.
What this change means for households in 2026
For many poor and unemployed households, having the R370 grant arrive earlier in the month can make a noticeable difference in how they manage day‑to‑day expenses. Earlier payments improve cash‑flow predictability, which in turn helps families plan for school costs, transport, and basic groceries instead of relying on last‑minute borrowing or informal loans. With the grant extended until at least March 2027, the faster‑payment model is likely to become a permanent feature of SASSA’s delivery system, aiming to make social‑relief more reliable and user‑friendly over time.
FAQs
When exactly will the new faster R370 payments start?
The faster payment pattern for the R370‑linked SRD grant begins from 5 March 2026, with funds landing on specific weekdays instead of only at month‑end.
Is the amount still R350 or has it changed?
The grant has increased from R350 to R370 per month, while retaining the same core SRD‑grant conditions and eligibility rules.
How can I check if I am approved for the R370 grant?
You can check your SRD‑grant status using the USSD code 1203227#, the SASSA website, or the official SRD online portal by entering your ID number and following the on‑screen prompts.
