The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed an important payment update for millions of social grant recipients as the year ends. In December 2025, eligible beneficiaries will receive a special double grant payout that includes both the December 2025 and January 2026 amounts in one combined payment. This early payout is aimed at helping recipients manage expenses over the festive season and into the new year, when costs are typically higher.
What Is the Double Grant Payout?
Instead of the usual monthly disbursement in December and another in January, SASSA has announced that a double payment will be made on 15 December 2025 for certain grants. This special payout will include two months’ worth of funds—December and January amounts—paid together in one transaction. The double payout applies to both the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant and pension grants for older persons and similar categories.
For example:
Approved SRD beneficiaries will receive R700 at once (two R350 payments together).
Pensioners will receive two months of their usual pension grant in one payment.
This arrangement gives households access to a larger sum of money in advance, enabling them to better manage costs associated with holidays, food, transport, and preparing for the backlog of expenses in January. (RMC News)
Who Gets the Double Payment?
Not all SASSA beneficiaries will necessarily receive two separate grants; the double payout specifically applies to those receiving monthly SRD R350 payments and pension-related grants. SASSA’s move is a one-time adjustment for the festive period, not a permanent change to how grants are paid every month.
Beneficiaries will receive the double payment through their usual methods—bank transfer, Post Office, or approved retail pay points—so there’s no need to change how they normally collect their funds.
January 2026 Regular Payment Schedule
After the December double payout, SASSA returns to its regular January 2026 payment calendar, with grant types paid on different days to help manage queues and ensure smooth distribution:
Older Persons’ Grants: Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Disability Grants: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Children’s Grants and Other Categories: Thursday, 8 January 2026
These scheduled dates apply to the main types of SASSA social grants and aim to reduce congestion at ATMs, bank outlets, and payout points. Beneficiaries should make sure their personal details are up to date to avoid any delays or issues receiving their money.
Why This Matters for Beneficiaries
SASSA grants are crucial for individuals and families who rely on them for basic living expenses. By issuing a combined double payment ahead of the holiday period, many households will be better positioned to handle increased costs without having to wait for the next month. It’s also important to remember this payout is a one-time adjustment tailored to the end of year’s seasonal demands; it doesn’t change how monthly grants are structured for the rest of the year.
Also Read: SASSA Grocery Relief Ends: R1,500 Grant Application Deadline Announced