South Africans who receive SASSA grants need to understand that important rule changes are now active. These changes affect both the R370 SRD grant and the R510 Child Support Grant. The new rules may change when you get paid and how you collect your money. They also affect who qualifies for grants. Some people have said their payments are missing or late. SASSA has created a new system to help you get your money back quickly. This guide explains the new SASSA rules that started in February 2026. It also shows you how to check your payments & get any money you are owed. The changes affect payment schedules and collection options. You should know about these updates to avoid problems with your grant. SASSA wants to make the process easier for everyone. The new system lets you track your payments online. You can also verify your information faster than before. If you think you are missing a payment you should act quickly. The streamlined process means you can resolve issues without long waits. Understanding these rules will help you get your grant money on time. Make sure you check your eligibility under the new criteria. This will prevent delays in future payments.
New SASSA Rules Introduced From February 2026: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) rolled out updated grant verification and payment rules starting 5 February 2026.. These changes aim to strengthen accountability, limit fraud, and improve payment efficiency. However, the revised system also introduces stricter compliance requirements that all beneficiaries must follow to continue receiving their grants without interruption.
Main Changes Under the Updated SASSA Rules
The new regulations apply across all major social grants and introduce several mandatory procedures that affect how payments are verified and released.
– Biometric verification is now compulsory for SRD and Child Support Grant beneficiaries
– Bank account verification must be completed through the official SASSA portal
– Monthly ID re-validation applies to selected applicants
– Grant payments now follow a staggered schedule based on the last digits of ID numbers
– Missed payments must be manually claimed within 30 days
– Post Office collections are temporarily suspended in certain regions
– SMS and email alerts are now mandatory for payment and status updates
These rules apply to all grants, including the R370 SRD Grant, the R510 Child Support Grant, and Older Persons’ Pensions.
R370 vs R510 Grants: Which Payments Are Impacted?
Many beneficiaries are confused about how the new rules affect different grants, particularly the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant and the R510 Child Support Grant.
The SRD Grant supports unemployed South Africans aged 18 to 60, while the Child Support Grant provides financial assistance to caregivers of children under 18 years. Both grants are fully subject to the updated verification, banking, and payment scheduling rules introduced in February 2026..
| Grant Type | Previous Amount | New Rules (Effective February 2026) | Collection Method | Affected Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRD Grant (R370) | R350 | Biometric identity verification mandatory; monthly banking details update required | Direct bank transfer only | Unemployed individuals aged 18 to 60 |
| Child Support Grant | R510 | School attendance proof and vaccination records now compulsory | Bank transfer or SASSA card | Parents and legal guardians |
| Older Persons Grant | R2,180 | Mandatory re-verification introduced for beneficiaries above 75 years | Bank transfer or cash pay point | Pensioners |
| Disability Grant | R2,180 | Medical re-certification required every 12 months | Bank transfer or SASSA card | Persons living with disabilities |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,180 | Updated court documentation must be uploaded every 6 months | Bank transfer or Post Office | Approved foster parents and legal guardians |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,180 | Annual medical assessment and re-certification now required | Bank transfer or SASSA card | Parents or caregivers of children with special needs |
| Grant-in-Aid | R510 | Linked to updated dependency assessment documentation | Bank transfer or SASSA card | Registered caregivers |
How to Quickly Reclaim a Missing or Delayed SASSA Payment
A growing number of beneficiaries experienced delayed or missing payments for February 2026 due to technical issues, outdated information, or non-compliance with the new rules. To address this, SASSA has activated a simplified recovery process for unpaid grants.
Steps to Recover Your Outstanding SASSA Grant
– Step 1: Log in to the official SASSA SRD portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za
– Step 2: Select “Reclaim or Track Missing Payment”
– Step 3: Enter your South African ID number and registered mobile number
– Step 4: Choose the month for which the payment was not received
– Step 5: Complete biometric verification if requested
– Step 6: Confirm or update your banking details
– Step 7: Submit the request and wait for a confirmation SMS with your expected payment date
Note: Reclaim requests are processed within 7 to 10 working days. Ensure your mobile number and bank account information are accurate and verified to prevent further delays.
February 2026 Payment Dates: What to Expect
SASSA has introduced a revised ID-based payment calendar for February 2026. Approved and fully verified beneficiaries will receive their payments according to the last three digits of their ID numbers.
Beneficiaries are strongly advised not to visit Post Office branches unless they receive an official message confirming that Post Office collection is available in their area.
| Last 3 Digits of ID | Scheduled Payment Date | Eligible Grant Categories | Important Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 – 199 | 10 February | SRD, Child Support, Old Age Pension | Priority batch with early payment release |
| 200 – 399 | 11 February | SRD & Child Support | School enrollment verification required |
| 400 – 599 | 12 February | All Grant Types | Payments processed through bank accounts only |
| 600 – 799 | 15 February | SRD & Disability Grant | Banking details must be updated beforehand |
| 800 – 999 | 16 February | SRD & Older Persons Grant | Mandatory re-verification for eligibility |
| All ID Numbers | 17 – 20 February | Missed Payment Reissue | Applicable only to previously unpaid or reclaimed grants |
| New Applicants | 25 February | First-Time Grant Payment | Approval must be completed by 20 July |
Common Reasons Why SASSA Grants Are Delayed or Suspended
Knowing why payments are delayed can help beneficiaries avoid future disruptions under the stricter February 2026 rules.
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– Incorrect or outdated banking information
– Failure to complete biometric re-verification
– Missing school attendance or vaccination records for Child Support Grants
– Ignoring SASSA verification SMS or email requests
– Technical problems with bank or Post Office payments
– Recent changes in employment or income status
– Duplicate or suspected fraudulent applications
Keeping your profile updated and monitoring official SASSA communication channels is essential for uninterrupted payments.
How to Update Banking and Personal Information
Regularly updating your personal and banking details is critical to ensure your grant is processed correctly under the new system.
– Visit the official website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za
– Use the SASSA WhatsApp service at 082 046 8553 and send “Update”
– Call the SASSA Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11 (landlines only)
– Visit your nearest SASSA office for in-person assistance
– Use the Moya app for mobile verification on Android devices
Ensure that your details exactly match your South African ID and the name registered on your bank account.
What to Do If Your Grant Is Still Not Paid
If your grant remains unpaid after completing all verification and recovery steps, you can escalate the issue through SASSA’s official complaints process.
How to Escalate an Unpaid Grant Issue
– Visit https://services.sassa.gov.za
– Select “Dispute Unpaid Grant”
– Upload proof of application, banking details, and SMS records
– Wait for a response within 5 business days
In more serious cases, beneficiaries may also contact the Department of Social Development or seek assistance from a community legal or rights organisation.
The updated SASSA rules effective from February 2026 are designed to deliver safer, faster, and more accurate payments. However, they require beneficiaries to stay proactive, responsive, and compliant. Whether you receive the R370 SRD Grant or the R510 Child Support Grant, keeping your records updated and using official SASSA platforms is essential to avoid delays and secure your ongoing financial support.
