SASSA Grant Boost 2025 : By the time South Africa rolls into 2026, the need for clarification regarding the social grant system in January will be the main concern of millions of people who heavily depend on social grants. As living costs continue to squeeze the budget of households, a good number of the grant beneficiaries are wondering if there would be a SASSA grant increase, the new amount to be paid, and if a new year means changes in the eligibility criteria.
The following is an unambiguous and straightforward summary of the SASSA grants for January 2026.
Payment Dates For January 2026 SASSA Grants
SASSA has announced that the payment of grants will take place without any interruptions according to the January 2026 schedule, and the beneficiaries of the permanent grants will receive their payments at the beginning of the month. Traditionally:
- Grants for the elderly are paid off the fastest.
- Grants for disabilities come next.
- Finally, grants related to children are paid.
The payment of the SRD grant is usually done at the end of the month after the monthly verification checks have been completed. This kind of payment arrangement helps not only to avoid overcrowding but also to give the beneficiaries a chance to plan their activities accordingly.
Grant Increase In January 2026?
There will be no new grant or special “January bonus” grant. Grants increases that were approved during the past financial year will still be in effect in 2026, which is a factor in many of the beneficiaries’ higher monthly payments.
The current maximum estimated amounts for each category of grant are as follows:
- Older Person’s Grant (60–74 years): around R2,300+.
- Older Person’s Grant (75+ years): slightly higher
- Disability Grant: around R2,300+.
- Care Dependency Grant: similar to disability grant
- Child Support Grant: approximately R560.
- Foster Child Grant: over R1,200.
- SRD Grant: R370 per month.
These increments are intended to assist the recipients in adjusting their budgets to cover the steadily increasing costs of food, electricity, transport, and health care.
Eligibility Rules What Has Changed?
The 2026 SASSA grants eligibility criteria still remain very similar to the 2025 ones. The beneficiaries have to continue to comply with the standard requirements, which are:
- Being South African citizen, or a permanent resident, or a recognized refugee.
- Having the right age or a medical condition for the specific grant.
- Passing the means test which is an income and assets check.
There is no need to reapply if you are already receiving a grant and your situation has not changed. The payments will be made to you automatically.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
In order to have no problems with the payments in January 2026, SASSA strongly recommends the beneficiaries to:
- Maintain current banking and contact information.
- Regularly check grant status through official channels.
- Be cautious about scams that claim to offer extra or “guaranteed” payments.
SASSA will not ask for any personal information via social media or in unofficial messages.
Also Read: SASSA Bonus Grant 2025 Explained: Payment Updates, And What Beneficiaries Should Know