SASSA has confirmed the official social grant payment dates for March 2026, including the Child Support Grant, which will be paid on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The schedule affects millions of beneficiaries across Gauteng who rely on monthly payments for essential household needs. The agency has also issued a warning to beneficiaries not to ignore review notifications sent via SMS, as failure to respond could result in suspended payments.
The South African Social Security Agency said payments will be staggered over three consecutive days to manage queues and ensure orderly distribution across the country.
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March 2026 SASSA Payment Dates Confirmed
According to SASSA, the confirmed grant payment schedule for March 2026 is:
- Older Persons Grant: Tuesday, 3 March 2026
- Disability Grant: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
- Children’s Grants, including Child Support Grant: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Payments are processed through banks, retail outlets, and SASSA cards. Beneficiaries do not need to withdraw funds on the first day, as the money remains available in their accounts.
SASSA said the staggered system is designed to reduce overcrowding at pay points and ensure safer access to funds.
Child Support Grant Payment Date Explained
The Child Support Grant, which supports low-income caregivers raising children under 18, will be paid from Thursday, 5 March 2026.
Gauteng has one of the highest numbers of Child Support Grant beneficiaries in the country due to its large urban population. Many households depend on this grant for:
- School transport
- Food and groceries
- Electricity and municipal services
- Basic child-related expenses
The March payment date follows the standard sequence in which children’s grants are paid after older persons and disability grants.
SASSA Warns Against Ignoring Review Notifications
Alongside the payment schedule announcement, SASSA issued a reminder about grant review notifications.
According to the agency, beneficiaries who receive SMS notifications requesting a review must respond promptly.
“SASSA is encouraging beneficiaries not to ignore SMS notifications which call them to come and do social grant reviews,” the agency said.
The agency explained that reviews are legally required under the Social Assistance Act to ensure that grants are paid to qualifying recipients.
Failure to attend a scheduled review could result in:
- Suspension of payments
- Lapse of a grant
- Delays in reinstatement
Why Reviews Matter
SASSA stated that reviews help confirm continued eligibility and prevent fraud or duplicate claims.
“Beneficiaries are required to undergo a grant review process to verify their continued eligibility for social assistance, prevent fraud or duplicate claims, which could result in the misuse of public funds,” the agency said.
The agency added that beneficiaries must ensure their contact details are updated on the SASSA system to avoid communication breakdowns.
Updated contact information assists with:
- Life certification verification
- Eligibility confirmation
- Receiving official notifications
Currently, grant reviews are conducted at SASSA offices and service centres.
What About the SRD Grant?
SASSA clarified that Social Relief of Distress grant payments follow a different schedule. SRD payments are usually processed later in the month and beneficiaries must check their individual status online or through official SASSA platforms.
The agency noted that payment timelines can vary slightly depending on verification processes.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, the confirmed March 2026 payment dates provide clarity for monthly financial planning.
The Child Support Grant payment on 5 March 2026 is particularly significant in a province where many urban households face rising living costs, including transport, rent and food prices.
The staggered payment system aims to reduce long queues at retail outlets and payment points, especially in high-density areas such as:
- Johannesburg townships
- Ekurhuleni urban zones
- Tshwane informal settlements
SASSA’s warning about grant reviews also signals increased oversight and verification efforts, which could affect beneficiaries who fail to respond to official notifications.
For families relying on the Child Support Grant, ensuring compliance with review requirements is critical to avoiding disruptions.
Grant Increases and Annual Adjustments
SASSA payments are typically adjusted annually as part of the national budget process. While increases were implemented in late 2025, beneficiaries should monitor official announcements for any further changes during the 2026 financial year.
The agency emphasised that beneficiaries should rely only on official SASSA communication channels for accurate payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Child Support Grant be paid in March 2026?
The Child Support Grant will be paid from Thursday, 5 March 2026.
Do I need to withdraw my money on the first payment day?
No. Funds remain available in your account and can be withdrawn at any time after payment.
What happens if I ignore a SASSA review SMS?
Failure to attend a required review may result in suspension or lapsing of your grant.
Are SRD grant payments made on the same dates?
No. SRD grants follow a separate payment schedule, usually later in the month.
Where are grant reviews conducted?
Reviews currently take place at SASSA offices and service centres.
What Happens Next
SASSA is expected to release additional updates closer to the March 2026 payment cycle if there are operational adjustments. The agency continues to monitor payment distribution to ensure compliance and reduce fraud.
Beneficiaries are advised to monitor official SASSA announcements for any changes to grant payment schedules or review procedures in the coming months.
