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In a rare move, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that some qualifying beneficiaries may receive two separate grant payments within the same week. This update comes as part of a catch-up process due to prior delays in the payment schedule and system upgrades that temporarily affected the distribution of certain grants. If you’re a SASSA grant recipient, it’s important to understand who qualifies, why this is happening, and what steps to take to make sure you receive both payments.
Why Two Payments Are Being Made
The decision to issue two grants in one week stems from disruptions in SASSA’s regular payment calendar. These delays were largely caused by technical issues in the system that processes banking and identity verification, as well as updates to beneficiary records.
To avoid further inconvenience to recipients, especially vulnerable households relying on consistent monthly support, SASSA has opted to make up for missed or delayed payments by issuing multiple grants within the same week once systems are fully operational.
Which Grants Are Affected
Not all SASSA grants are part of the double-payment schedule. According to the latest announcements, the following grants may be paid out twice in one week:
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
- Child Support Grant
- Older Persons Grant
- Disability Grant
The grants will be paid separately but within the same calendar week. It’s important to note that this is not an additional bonus or increase in the grant value, but simply a combination of a delayed payment and the current cycle’s disbursement.
Who Is Eligible for Both Payments
Only beneficiaries who were approved for the missed month and are still approved for the current month will receive two payments. This means:
- You must have been verified as eligible for both payment cycles
- Your banking information must be correct and active
- You must not have exceeded the income threshold (for means-tested grants like SRD)
- There must be no pending issues with your identity verification or documentation
If your grant was suspended, under appeal, or still being reviewed during one of the months, you may only receive one payment.
How to Check Your Grant Status
To find out whether you’re going to receive both grants this week, you should check your status on the official SASSA online portal or mobile service. Here’s how:
- Visit the official SASSA grant status page
- Enter your ID number and the phone number used for your application
- Check the approval status for both the previous and current months
- Look at the payment dates assigned if there are two separate dates, both payments will be processed
SASSA also sends SMS notifications when your grant is approved, so keep an eye on your phone for official updates.
When Will the Payments Be Made
Payments are being rolled out throughout the week based on grant type and bank verification timelines. Typically, the schedule is as follows:
- Older Persons Grant: First working day of the week
- Disability Grant: Second working day
- Children’s Grants and SRD: Third working day onward
Those receiving two grants should see the delayed payment first, followed by the current month’s grant later in the same week.
Banked payments may take 2–3 days to reflect, while those using Postbank or cash send options may experience slight delays.
What to Do If You Only Receive One Payment
If you were expecting two payments but only received one, do not panic. In some cases, the second payment may take longer to process due to:
- High transaction volume across national databases
- Delays in bank clearance
- Technical validation of your appeal or documentation
You can follow up through these steps:
- Recheck your status online after 24–48 hours
- Contact the SASSA helpline if there’s no change
- Visit your nearest SASSA office if the issue continues for more than a week
Make sure your banking details are up to date to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common Reasons for Missed or Delayed Payments
There are a few typical issues that prevent beneficiaries from receiving one or both grant payments. These include:
- Incorrect bank account information
- Expired or blocked ID documents
- Outdated or missing contact details
- Exceeding the income threshold for the SRD grant
- Being flagged by the bank or other government agencies for review
To avoid such issues in the future, it is recommended to update your SASSA records regularly and ensure all details are accurate.
Will This Happen Again in the Future?
SASSA has clarified that the double-payment process is not a permanent change, but a temporary catch-up measure. While the agency aims to return to its regular payment cycle soon, future technical delays or updates may result in similar arrangements.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to monitor official announcements and stay informed about any changes to their grant status.
Final Thoughts
Receiving two SASSA grant payments in a single week can be a relief for many families who have been affected by delays. However, it’s essential to understand that these payments are part of a corrective process, not extra income. Stay informed, check your status regularly, and keep your contact and banking details current to avoid any disruptions in future payments.