Beneficiaries: Essential Information You Need to Know

South African Social Security Agency Battles Misinformation While Releasing February Payment Schedule

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released its February 2026 payment schedule amid an ongoing struggle against a surge of misinformation circulating on social media platforms. The agency, along with the Department of Social Development (DSD), has been forced to issue multiple clarifications to combat false claims that threaten to confuse millions of grant beneficiaries.

Recent weeks have seen a proliferation of misleading posts across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook regarding grant eligibility and alleged policy changes. One particularly widespread falsehood claims that regulations for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant have been amended to extend eligibility to more foreign nationals.

SASSA has categorically dismissed these claims as “false and misleading,” warning that such misinformation creates unnecessary confusion among applicants and potential recipients. The agency emphasized that any legitimate changes to SRD regulations would be formally announced by the Minister of Social Development and published through official government channels, not via social media.

In a separate wave of misinformation, claims that the government plans to terminate the SRD grant program entirely have gained significant traction online. The DSD has labeled these videos and graphics as “categorically false,” stressing that no policy decision or Cabinet directive has been issued to end the program, which serves as a vital financial lifeline for millions of South Africans.

“We urge all beneficiaries to verify any updates through official government statements rather than relying on unverified social media content or anonymous influencers,” said a joint statement from SASSA and the DSD.

The SRD grant system, which heavily relies on digital payments, has become a frequent target for misinformation campaigns that exploit public confusion around eligibility requirements and policy developments. For the approximately 18 million South Africans who depend on various social grants, accurate information is crucial for monthly financial planning.

To address the immediate needs of beneficiaries, SASSA has structured its February 2026 disbursements over three consecutive days to manage queues and reduce payment bottlenecks. Older Persons Grants will be paid on Tuesday, February 3, followed by Disability Grants on Wednesday, February 4. Children’s Grants and all remaining grants will be disbursed on Thursday, February 5.

The agency has also reinforced its commitment to providing accessible ways for beneficiaries to check their grant status. Multiple verification channels have been established, including an official online portal (https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status), a dedicated WhatsApp service (082 046 8553), and an SMS option where users can send “STATUS” followed by their ID number to 32555.

For those who prefer direct communication, SASSA maintains a toll-free helpline (080 060 1011) and continues to welcome in-person visits to local SASSA offices for status checks and biometric verification when necessary.

Social grants represent a critical component of South Africa’s social safety net, with the SRD grant specifically introduced as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially intended as a temporary intervention, the grant has been repeatedly extended as the country continues to battle high unemployment rates and economic challenges.

Financial analysts note that these grants have significant macroeconomic importance beyond individual recipients. “The regular injection of grant money into local economies, particularly in rural and township areas, supports small businesses and informal traders who might otherwise struggle to survive,” explains economist Thando Mahlangu of the University of Cape Town.

As February approaches, SASSA officials urge beneficiaries to remain vigilant against misinformation while preparing for the upcoming payment cycle. The agency continues to update its banking and contact information systems to ensure efficient delivery of these critical financial supports to millions of South Africans.