Sassa sets February 2026 social grant dates and clears up SRD eligibility for foreign nationals

Sassa confirms February 2026 grant dates and clarifies SRD rules for foreign nationals

As South Africans prepare for the first grant payouts of 2026, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed the February schedule, ensuring millions of beneficiaries know when to expect their payments. At the same time, the agency has firmly addressed misleading social media claims regarding expanded Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant access for foreign nationals.

When grants will hit accounts

Sassa will distribute February 2026 social grants during the first week of the month:

• Older Persons Grant – Tuesday, 3 February

• Disability Grant – Wednesday, 4 February

• Children’s Grants – Thursday, 5 February

Payment amounts remain consistent with previous months: older persons and disability grants are R2 315 (R2 335 for recipients over 75), child support grants R560, foster care grants R1 250, and the Covid-19 SRD grant R370.

With over 19 million beneficiaries across the country, these payments provide vital support for families, the elderly, and vulnerable South Africans.

SRD eligibility confusion addressed

In recent days, claims circulated online suggesting Sassa had changed its Covid-19 SRD grant rules to allow broader access for foreign nationals. Sassa dismissed these reports as “false and misleading,” stressing that no policy changes have been made.

“Sassa does not independently amend social assistance policies,” CEO Themba Matlou said. Only the National Treasury and the Department of Social Development are authorised to make or approve policy adjustments. Any updates would be formally announced by the Minister of Social Development.

Matlou urged the public to rely on official Sassa and government communication channels before sharing social grant information, warning that misinformation could create unnecessary tension in an already strained social environment.

Who qualifies for the SRD grant

The Covid-19 SRD grant, established in 2020 to support those in need during the pandemic, remains available for:

• South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and holders of specific special permits (Angolan Dispensation, Lesotho Exemption Permit, Zimbabwe Exemption Permit)

• Asylum seekers with a valid Section 22 permit or visa

• Applicants aged 18–60, residing in South Africa, not living in government-funded institutions, and not refusing reasonable work or educational opportunities

Applicants without identity documents must be registered on Sassa’s system with a unique identifying number.

Uptake among qualifying non-citizens

As of 1 January 2026, Sassa received 14 135 SRD applications from permanent residents, refugees, and special permit holders. Of these, 8 368 applications were approved, and 2 690 beneficiaries had received payments.

Matlou reiterated that Sassa remains focused on supporting those most in need, in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004 and related regulations.

“Sassa is committed to delivering social assistance to the most vulnerable in society, ensuring that grants reach those who rely on them to survive,” Matlou said.

For February, beneficiaries can plan ahead knowing their payments will arrive as scheduled, while Sassa continues to monitor applications and ensure compliance with established eligibility rules. Social grant recipients and the public are reminded to report misinformation and confirm details only through Sassa’s official platforms to avoid confusion.

No, foreigners are not suddenly getting grants – Sassa shuts down viral claims

{Source: The Citizen}

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