Johannesburg – The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is reviewing its November 2026 social grant payment schedule after the government announced that local government elections will be held on 4 November.
SASSA had initially scheduled the Older Persons Grant for 3 November, followed by Disability Grants on 4 November and Children’s Grants on 5 November. The 4 November payment date now coincides with election day.
SASSA confirmed that the November payment cycle is being reconsidered because of the election.
“In May 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026,” the agency said.
“Against this background, the payment cycle for November is being reviewed in view of the upcoming Local Government Elections.”
SASSA said it would consult relevant stakeholders before announcing revised payment arrangements.
The agency also sought to reassure beneficiaries that the review would not affect their entitlement to grants.
“Do not panic though, all eligible beneficiaries will receive their grants,” SASSA said, adding that it remained committed to paying beneficiaries the correct grants “at the right time and place”.
The Department of Social Development had previously confirmed the 2026/27 payment schedule, with November payments initially set for 3 November for older persons, 4 November for people with disabilities and 5 November for children.
The schedule is normally staggered to ensure that payments are made as early as possible while taking into account weekends, public holidays and the operation of the National Payment System.
SASSA administers more than 19 million grant payments, including grants for older persons, people with disabilities, children, foster care and care dependency.
For October, payments are scheduled to start on 2 October for older persons, followed by disability grants on 5 October and children’s grants on 6 October.
The revised November dates will be announced once SASSA’s consultation process has been completed.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
