The Old Age Grant payment date for 6 January 2026 has now been confirmed by SASSA, bringing clarity to millions of elderly South Africans and their caregivers.
As the first social grant payment of the year, the SASSA Old Age Grant January 2026 payout is especially important for budgeting, medical needs, and household planning.
This guide explains the confirmed date, payment methods, and what to do if your pension payment is delayed.
Old Age Grant Payment Date Confirmed for 6 January 2026
SASSA has officially confirmed that the Older Persons Grant (Old Age Grant) will be paid on:
| Grant | Pay Day | Pay Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant (60 to 74) | 6 January 2026 | R2,320 |
| Old Age Grant (75 and older) | 6 January 2026 | R2,340 |
| Grant in Aid | 6 January 2026 | R560 |
This payment marks the first SASSA grant payout of 2026, followed by Disability and Child Support Grants later in the same week.
SASSA January 2026 Payment Order
- Old Age Grant – 6 January 2026
- Disability Grant – Expected 7 January 2026
- Child Support Grant – Expected 8 January 2026
How Old Age Grant Payments Will Be Made in January 2026
Beneficiaries will receive their SASSA pension payment for January 2026 through the usual approved methods.
Available Payment Methods
- Bank account deposit (fastest and safest)
- SASSA/Postbank card
- Retail outlets:
- Pick n Pay
- Shoprite
- Boxer
- Checkers
When Will the Money Reflect?
- Bank accounts: Same day or within 24 hours
- Retail collections: Available from payment day onward
Who Qualifies for the Old Age Grant in 2026?
To receive the SASSA Older Persons Grant in January 2026, beneficiaries must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Reside in South Africa
- Pass the means test
- Not be cared for in a state institution
How to Check Your Old Age Grant Payment Status
If you want to confirm your Old Age Grant payment status for 6 January 2026, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Status Check
- Visit the official SASSA website
- Select “Check Grant Status”
- Enter your South African ID number
- Confirm with your registered mobile number
- View payment confirmation and status
Common Status Messages Explained
- Approved – Payment scheduled
- Paid – Funds released
- Pending – Verification in progress
- Suspended – Action required
⚠️ If your status is suspended, visit a SASSA office immediately with your documents.
Reasons Old Age Grant Payments May Be Delayed in January
Although payments are confirmed for 6 January 2026, some beneficiaries may experience delays due to:
- Public holiday backlogs
- Incorrect or outdated banking details
- Biometric verification requirements
- Income or residency reviews
- Postbank system delays
How to Avoid Payment Problems
- Update banking details before year-end
- Keep your phone number active
- Respond promptly to SASSA SMS messages
- Avoid changing payment methods close to payday
What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment on 6 January 2026
If your SASSA pension payment does not reflect:
- Wait 24–48 hours (bank delays are common)
- Check your payment status online
- Verify banking or card details
- Contact SASSA:
- Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Visit your nearest SASSA office if unresolved
⏱ Most issues are resolved within 7–10 working days.
Conclusion
The confirmation of the Old Age Grant payment date on 6 January 2026 allows beneficiaries and caregivers to plan confidently for the new year.
By understanding payment methods, eligibility rules, and common delay causes, you can ensure smooth access to your SASSA pension.
Share this article with elderly family members and caregivers, bookmark it for updates, and check your SASSA status regularly.
FAQs
1. Is the Old Age Grant definitely paid on 6 January 2026?
Yes, SASSA has confirmed 6 January 2026 as the official payment date.
2. Can I collect my Old Age Grant from shops in January 2026?
Yes, if retail collection is your selected payment method.
3. Do I need to withdraw my grant on the same day?
No. The money stays in your account until you withdraw it.
4. Will Old Age Grant amounts increase in 2026?
Any increases are announced during the national budget speech.
5. What should I do if my payment is suspended?
Visit a SASSA office with your ID and supporting documents.