Social grants remain a vital source of income for millions of South Africans in 2026, with many beneficiaries relying on the R350, R370 and R520 grants to cover basic living expenses. SASSA has continued to process these payments under established systems, but understanding how and when funds are released is essential to avoid confusion and unnecessary stress.|
Some grants use fixed monthly payment systems while other grants process payments through batch systems, which results in different payment dates for each individual beneficiary.|
Understanding the R350 and R370 SRD Grants
The Social Relief of Distress grant, still widely referred to as the R350 grant, has been adjusted to R370 per month in 2026. The old name still exists for approved beneficiaries, but they now receive payment of R370 at the time of distribution. This grant provides support to unemployed adults who lack any type of income or social support.
The SRD grant differs from permanent grants because it does not provide beneficiaries with a designated payment date. The process of payment distribution occurs in the month after SASSA completes its eligibility and verification procedures, which results in different payment dates for beneficiaries.
How SRD Payment Dates Are Determined
The system on which SRD payments operate generates multiple payment batches after agencies end their application review process. Beneficiaries receive their R370 payment during the second half of the month based on the completion time of their R370 status verification. The release speed of payments depends on three factors, which include banking verification and identity checks and the process of updating personal information.
SASSA recommends that beneficiaries check their SRD status because the system requires them to do so before their specific payment date.
What the R520 Grant Covers
The R520 grant serves as a permanent social assistance program which provides aid to people who are at risk and their families. The grant follows the SASSA payment schedule which starts in the first week of each month because it operates like other permanent grants. The grants provide better budgeting help than the SRD grant because they deliver more consistent monthly payments to their recipients.
Beneficiaries can select from three payment options which include bank deposits SASSA cards and approved retail outlets.
Checking Grant Payment Status
SASSA provides payment status confirmation through its official platforms which include online portals and USSD codes and WhatsApp services. Beneficiaries need to provide their ID number and registered mobile number to access the system that provides accurate data. Beneficiaries should conduct regular checks to maintain their awareness of payment status while they can respond to payment delays and other problems.
Keeping Information Up to Date
The main reason for grant payment delays arises when people submit wrong or outdated personal information along with their banking details. SASSA recommends that beneficiaries verify their information because any errors will result in payment delays. The process of updating information leads to faster processing times which results in funds being delivered to the correct accounts.
Planning Ahead for 2026 Payments
The SRD payment system operates through later monthly payments while permanent grants provide their funds to recipients at earlier times. People should stay alert through official channels because this approach protects them from unexpected events and enables them to receive social grant benefits without interruption during 2026.
Also Read: R2,315 SASSA Grant Payment This Week: Full February 2026 Schedule Revealed