The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments for February 2026 will be processed between 20 and 25 February 2026.
Beneficiaries are advised to make note of the payment window and plan accordingly to collect or receive their grants within the stipulated dates.
Who Qualifies for the COVID-19 SRD Grant?
SASSA has reminded the public of the eligibility criteria for the grant. According to COVID-19 SRD regulations, a person may qualify if they are in need of temporary assistance and have insufficient means.
Qualifying applicants must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker with a valid section 22 permit or visa, or a holder of a special permit under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation.
Applicants must also be registered on the Department of Home Affairs database or on SASSA’s social grant database.
In addition, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 59, currently residing within South Africa’s borders, not residing in a government-funded or subsidised institution, and must not unreasonably refuse employment or educational opportunities.
SASSA reaffirmed its commitment to “paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place — NJALO!”
For more information, the public can follow SASSA on its official social media platforms, including Facebook (SASSA News), TikTok (@Officialsassanews), Instagram (sassa10_za), and X (@OfficialSASSA).
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