Official March 2026 SASSA Payment Dates: R560 & R1,250 Disbursement Details

It is the first of March and the airtime is almost finished. The bread is running low. And somewhere in Khayelitsha, a grandmother is checking her phone for the third time today, hoping to see that familiar bank notification. This is not a dramatic scene. It is Tuesday morning across millions of South African households.

If you rely on the Child Support Grant of R560 or the Foster Care Grant of R1,250, you already know what is at stake this month. So let us get straight to what matters.

The Confirmed March 2026 SASSA Payment Dates

SASSA has confirmed the following payment schedule for March 2026:

• Older Persons Grant — Tuesday, 3 March 2026
• Disability Grant — Wednesday, 4 March 2026
• Children’s Grants (Child Support, Foster Care, Care Dependency) — Thursday, 5 March 2026

If you receive the Child Support Grant or Foster Care Grant, your payment day is Thursday, 5 March. Mark it. Set a phone alarm. Tell your neighbour.

How Much Are You Getting? Full Grant Amounts for March 2026

Here is the full breakdown of current grant amounts:

Grant Type	Monthly Amount
Old Age Grant (60–74 years)	R2,315
Old Age Grant (75+ years)	R2,335
Disability Grant	R2,315
War Veterans Grant	R2,315
Care Dependency Grant	R2,315
Child Support Grant	R560
Foster Care Grant	R1,250
SRD (Social Relief of Distress)	R370

The Child Support Grant Top-Up adds another R280 for qualifying caregivers. If you are not sure whether you qualify for the top-up, visit your nearest SASSA office or call the toll-free line at 0800 60 10 11.

When Does the SRD Grant Pay in March 2026?

The SRD grant does not follow the same three-day schedule. Payments are processed during the last week of the month. For March 2026, SRD payments are expected between the 26th and 31st of March.

Do not panic if yours has not arrived by the 10th. That is normal. Check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za and look for your specific payment date under your approved application.

How to Check Your SASSA Payment Status Right Now

To check your SASSA March 2026 payment status, visit the South African Social Security Agency official website at https://services.sassa.gov.za. On the homepage, select the Payment Status option and log in using your South African ID number and registered cell phone number.

You can also check via WhatsApp by sending a message to 082 046 8553. This is SASSA’s official WhatsApp line. Do not use any other number that claims to be SASSA. That is how people get scammed.

The Scam Warning You Cannot Afford to Miss

SASSA has warned about a fake R700 grant scam circulating on social media, falsely claiming that applications are open for a new grant category. There is no R700 grant.

If a WhatsApp message, Facebook post, or website is promising you a new grant or an increased payment, delete it. Do not click any links. Do not share your ID number. Real SASSA communication comes through official SMS from verified numbers or directly from SASSA offices.

SASSA’s toll-free number is 0800 60 10 11, available during working hours from Monday to Friday.

Do Not Rush to Withdraw on Payment Day

Here is the thing most people do not realise: you do not have to be at the ATM or shop at 6am on the 5th. If you’re unable to collect your grant on the payment date, the money will remain in your account until you’re ready to withdraw it.

The long queues at the beginning of the month are unnecessary. Wait until the afternoon. Wait until Friday if you can. Your R560 or R1,250 is not going anywhere.

Important Reminder: Respond to SASSA Review SMS Notices

SASSA has issued a firm reminder: if you receive an SMS about a grant review, do not ignore it. The review confirms continued eligibility. Failure to comply may result in suspended payments.

This is not optional. If SASSA sends you an SMS calling you in for a review, go to your nearest office and bring your ID. Think of it as protecting your own income.

What Changes in April 2026?

From April 2026, the Child Support Grant will increase from R560 to R580. The Foster Care Grant and Care Dependency Grant will also see increases. The Grant-in-Aid rises from R560 to R580.

April brings the new financial year and with it, the annual inflation-linked adjustment. If you are currently receiving R560 for Child Support, expect R580 from next month onward.

Your March 2026 SASSA Checklist

Before 5 March, make sure you have done the following:

• Confirmed your banking details are correct with SASSA
• Checked your payment status at services.sassa.gov.za
• Responded to any SMS review notices
• Saved the toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
• Warned a family member about the R700 fake grant scam

For millions of South Africans, these dates — 3, 4, and 5 March — represent more than administration. They mark rent payments, grocery restocks, school lunches, and survival strategies.

This month, go in prepared. Know your date. Know your amount. Know your rights.