The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the payment dates for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for May 2026. According to the agency, SRD payments for May 2026 will be processed in two batches, scheduled for May 21 to 22 and May 27 to 28, 2026.
SASSA SRD Grant Details
The SRD grant remains fixed at R370 per month, with no change to the value of the benefit during the current financial period. SASSA says the staggered payment approach is used to manage the large volume of beneficiaries and to allow for ongoing verification of applications before funds are released.
SASSA has also introduced a WhatsApp self-service channel for SRD beneficiaries, allowing applicants to access key information and services without visiting offices or calling the SASSA call centre, with updates provided through an automated system, as outlined on the South African Government website.
Broader Social Grant Payment Schedule
SASSA has also confirmed the broader social grant payment schedule for June 2026, with the cycle set to begin in the first week of the month. The confirmed dates are as follows:
- Older Person’s Grants will be paid on June 2, 2026
- Disability Grants on June 3, 2026
- Children’s and remaining linked grants on June 4, 2026
Social grants also remain on their current increased levels introduced in April 2026. For more information on social grants, visit the SASSA website.
