SASSA reviews November grant payment dates ahead of local government elections

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is reviewing the scheduled payment dates for social grants in November amid the local government elections set for 4 November. The agency said the review follows the announcement of the election date and that it will communicate any new arrangements after consulting relevant stakeholders.

What SASSA has said

SASSA has urged beneficiaries not to panic and emphasised that all eligible beneficiaries will receive their grants.

“Against this background, the payment cycle for November is being reviewed in view of the upcoming Local Government Elections,”

“SASSA, after consultation with the relevant stakeholders, will announce the new arrangement in due course.”

Original November schedule under review

In March 2026 SASSA published the payment schedule for the 2026-27 financial year after approval by the National Treasury. Under that schedule:

• Older Persons Grant was due on 3 November.
• Disability Grant was due on 4 November.
• Children’s Grant was due on 5 November.
• 6 November was listed as the fourth payment day for beneficiaries whose grants are under review.

Election timing and public holiday

The local government elections have been scheduled for 4 November. IOL reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 4 November a public holiday under Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act to coincide with the elections. The declaration followed the official gazetting and proclamation of the election date by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa in August.

What beneficiaries should expect next

SASSA said it will announce the revised November payment arrangement once consultations with stakeholders are complete. Until then, the agency has reiterated that eligible beneficiaries will still receive their social grants.