Payment Dates
Grant Under Review? Fourth Payment Day
If SASSA paid you on a different day than other beneficiaries, your grant may be under review. Here is what you must do to get back on the normal cycle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
What Is the Fourth Payment Day?
SASSA normally pays social grants over three working days: Older Persons Grants first, then Disability Grants, then Children's Grants. A fourth payment day has been introduced for beneficiaries whose grants have been selected for review or eLife Certification. If you receive your grant on the fourth day, it means SASSA needs you to complete a grant review. This is not a penalty — it is a standard verification process required by the Social Assistance Act. You are still receiving your money; you just need to take an extra step afterward.
Pro Tip
- The fourth payment day is always the day after Children's Grants are paid.
- If you are unsure whether you were paid on the fourth day, check the date of your last deposit.
2
August 2026 Fourth Payment Day Schedule
For August 2026, the payment schedule is: Older Persons Grants on Tuesday 4 August, Disability Grants on Wednesday 5 August, Children's Grants on Thursday 6 August. The fourth payment day for beneficiaries under review is Friday 7 August 2026. If you do not receive your grant on the first three days and are under review, wait until Friday 7 August before contacting SASSA.
Pro Tip
- Write down 7 August if you know you are under review — that is your pay day.
- Do not queue at a SASSA office on 4, 5, or 6 August if your grant is under review.
3
How Will You Know You Are Under Review?
SASSA notifies beneficiaries selected for review via SMS before the payment cycle begins. The SMS explains that your grant has been flagged for review and that you will be paid on the fourth payment day. Check your phone messages carefully — the SMS may come from an official SASSA number. If you missed the SMS because your contact details are outdated, you will only discover you are under review when your payment does not arrive on the normal day.
Pro Tip
- Keep your cellphone number and address updated with SASSA at all times.
- If you changed your number recently, visit SASSA to update it immediately.
4
What You Must Do After Receiving Payment
Receiving your grant on the fourth payment day does NOT complete the review. You must visit your nearest SASSA office during the same month to complete the review process. Bring your original South African ID document. The SASSA officer will verify your details and confirm you still meet the eligibility criteria. After the review is complete, your grant will return to the normal three-day payment cycle from the following month.
Pro Tip
- Go early in the morning (offices open at 08:00) to avoid long queues.
- Complete the review within the same month — do not delay until the next payment cycle.
5
What Happens If You Ignore the Review?
If you receive your payment on the fourth day but do not visit a SASSA office to complete the review, your grant may be suspended during the next payment cycle. If your grant is suspended, you will not receive any payments until the review is completed. If you continue to ignore the review request, your grant may lapse entirely under the Social Assistance Act. A lapsed grant requires reapplying from scratch — your old application cannot be reinstated.
Pro Tip
- A suspension can be reversed by completing the review, but a lapse cannot.
- If you are bedridden or frail, contact SASSA about a home visit option.
6
eLife Certification as an Alternative
Some beneficiaries can complete the review process online through the SASSA eLife Certification portal instead of visiting an office. If you have a smartphone with a camera and internet access, you may receive an SMS link to complete your certification via facial recognition. However, many beneficiaries report that the eLife portal has technical problems — if the online method fails after several attempts, visit a SASSA office to complete the review in person.
Pro Tip
- The eLife portal works best with good lighting and a stable internet connection.
- Green ID book holders may struggle with facial recognition — visit an office instead.
7
What Documents to Bring for the Review
When visiting a SASSA office for your review, bring: your original 13-digit South African ID document (smart card or green ID book), proof of your current residence (utility bill or affidavit), proof of income if applicable (payslip or bank statements for the last 3 months), and any grant-specific documents (medical reports for disability grant, birth certificates for child support grant). Having all documents ready will ensure the review is completed in one visit.
Pro Tip
- Make copies of all documents before going to the office.
- Bring a pen — you may need to fill out forms at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I receive my grant on a different day than other beneficiaries?
You were likely selected for a grant review or eLife Certification. SASSA pays beneficiaries under review on a separate fourth payment day, which is always the day after Children's Grants are paid. Check for an SMS notification from SASSA confirming your review status.
What happens if I don't complete my grant review?
If you do not complete the review, your grant will be suspended in the next payment cycle. You will not receive payments until the review is done. Continued failure to respond may cause your grant to lapse, requiring a new application. Complete the review as soon as possible after receiving your fourth-day payment.
Can I complete the review online instead of visiting an office?
Some beneficiaries can use the eLife Certification portal to complete the review online via facial recognition. However, the portal has known technical issues. If the online method fails after several attempts, you must visit a SASSA office in person. Green ID book holders should plan to visit an office directly.
Related Resources
- SASSA Payment CalendarVisit Website
- Check Your SASSA StatusVisit Website
- Grant Review Documents ChecklistVisit Website
- Find SASSA OfficesVisit Website
- eLife Certification TroubleshootingVisit Website
- Fix Missing Grant PaymentsVisit Website
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