Finally, SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026 are ready to be disbursed after a long-than-usual wait for beneficiaries. Due to an oddity with the payment calendar, the first Tuesday of the year falls on the last possible day, the 6th. As a result, pensioners have had to wait five long weeks since their last deposit from the agency.
It’s clearly been a torturous festive season for the needy and elderly, with all its extra expenses. Nevertheless, the wait is nearly over, with SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026 due early next week, on Tuesday 6 January 2026. As before, the disbursement will be R2 320 for over 60s. And over 75s will receive R2 340. Mercifully, timing of the government pension will return to a normal four-week cycle next month.
SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JANUARY 2026
Better still, there appears to be good news on the horizon beyond SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026. Despite last year being a tough one, the South African Social Security Agency will have more budget to play with for grants. The broader DSD social development may be decreasing, but the portion dedicated to SASSA grants jumps over the next two years, to 2027.
As such, with R422 billion increasing to R452 billion over the next 730 days, social advocacy groups are predicting another above-inflation increase of Older Person Grants in April. Likewise, it was even better news when the DSD briefed parliament’s portfolio committee on social development just before the Christmas shutdown …
MAJOR SASSA SYSTEM ISSUES FIXED
Accordingly, SASSA says it’s saving hundreds of millions annually by fixing major vulnerabilities within the grant system. These issues include strengthened biometric verification and stricter grant reviews. In turn, SASSA authorities say it generated R340-million in savings in just six months last year. That’s enough to pay 14 655 SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026.
What this means is grant reviews are only going to get tougher and stricter between now and 2027. SASSA says it’s for the greater good, as stipulated by the National Treasury when above-inflation increases were paid out last year. The agency explained in parliament that roughly half-a-million grant reviews were initiated in 2025. And from that, more than 50 000 grants were suspended/lapsed. That equates to roughly 10%.
GOOD NEWS FOR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JANUARY 2026
It should be noted that of the 50 000 suspended grants last year, only approximately 8 500 related to SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026 and disability. And some grants also had to reduced in value after income reviews. Now, the agency has the means to monitor people’s income in real time using bank records. And it can cross reference all data with other government databases like the UIF and DHA.
Which is why, now more than ever, if you’re an old-age pensioner over the age of 60, you have to keep on top of the ever-changing asset and means test requirements:
- Your income must be less than R8 983 (single) or R17 980 (married) per month.
- The above equates to R107 800 (single) or R215 760 (married) per annum.
- And your cumulative assets (property) cannot be more than R1 524 600 (single) or R3 049 200 (married).
WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR YOUR APPLICATION
So, those are the numbers. But it’s critical that you pay attention and bring all necessary documents when applying for SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026. The South African has reported regularly on applicants being turned away and asked to return because they did not have originals and copies of the following:
- Official RSA identity document (ID) preferably a Smart ID Card with digital ID photo.
- Valid three months’ statement certified by your bank, plus copies.
- All documents proving your marital status, plus death certificates if necessary.
- Proof of residence (a utility bill with your name on it, not older than three months).
- Documents proving your income and/or financial dividends (very important).
- Comprehensive information regarding assets/valuation of any property you own.
- Full declaration of any and all private pension in your name.
- Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) membership book, or discharge certificate from your previous job.
- A copy of your will, first and final liquidation and distribution accounts if your spouse has passed away in the last five years.
APPLY FOR SASSA OLD-AGE GRANTS FOR JANUARY 2026
As ever, getting to a SASSA office to apply for SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026 can be difficult. Particularly if you’re old, sick or live in a rural area. There are no online applications for Old-Age SASSA Grants. Everything has to be done in-person at a SASSA office/branch. Nevertheless, SASSA does allow family members or loved ones to help with applications.
All you need to do is produce a letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot apply yourself. And all of the above documentation must be taken to a police station and certified by a commissioner of oaths. Finally, if SASSA Older Person Grants in January 2025 are denied, you have 90 days to appeal the decision by completing the relevant forms HERE.
HOW TO CONTACT SASSA IN 2026
Of course, despite increasing their office hours over the holidays, SASSA is always notoriously difficult to get hold of. Nevertheless, here are their contact details:
- SASSA toll-free line: 0800 601 011
- Head Office of SASSA: 012 400 2322
- Email SASSA: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
The next payment dates after SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026 are as follows, so you can plan accordingly:
- Tuesday 3 February 2026
- Tuesday 3 March 2026
It is still undecided by how much SASSA grants will increase in April. The figures are traditionally disclosed during the February budget speech by the National Treasury. But we will keep you posted if, and when, those details are released earlier …
But what do you think? Did you struggle to make ends meet because of the five-week wait for SASSA Old-Age Grants for January 2026? Should the agency change its pay dates in these instances? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
