Looking for the latest SASSA payment dates for December? This guide summaries the official 2025/26 schedule, explains how SRD R370 payments work in December, and clarifies SASSA Gold Card vs Postbank Black Card rules using only verified sources. It’s written in plain English for fast reading and strong SEO performance.
What’s new for the 2025/26 year
- SASSA has an official 2025/26 payment calendar that lays out monthly pay runs for Older Persons, Disability, and Children’s grants. Use this calendar as your single source of truth for monthly dates.
- The SRD grant (R370) continues through 31 March 2026, funded in the 2025 National Budget. There is no change to the R370 amount in 2025/26.
- SASSA keeps reminding beneficiaries that there’s no need to rush to withdraw on day one—money stays in your account until you need it.
- Gold Card vs Black Card: After several deadline changes, Postbank confirmed Gold Cards continue to work beyond 31 May 2025 until further notice. If you already switched to the Postbank Black Card, you can keep using it as normal.
Official December 2025 payment dates (per SASSA’s 2025/26 calendar)
SASSA pays permanent grants in a fixed order over three consecutive working days each month:
| Grant Type | December 2025 Date |
|---|---|
| Older Persons (incl. linked grants) | Tuesday, 2 December 2025 |
| Disability (incl. linked grants) | Wednesday, 3 December 2025 |
| Children’s Grants | Thursday, 4 December 2025 |
These dates align with SASSA’s 2025/26 payment calendar and the standard rule (payments run from the second working day of the month, then consecutive working days). If the second day falls on a weekend/public holiday, payment shifts to the next working day—but for December 2025, 2–4 December are weekdays.
Tip: You don’t have to visit a pay point on the first morning. Funds remain in your account. Avoid queues and withdraw later in the day/week.
What about SRD R370 (the “Social Relief of Distress” grant) in December?
The SRD R370 grant does not follow the three‑day permanent grant schedule. Instead:
- Your SRD month is approved (or not) after SASSA’s checks.
- When approved, you will see a “Pay Day” on your SRD status page.
- Only when “Pay Day” appears has payment been queued for that month. If no date shows yet, it’s not scheduled.
To track December SRD:
- Open the official SRD status page.
- Enter your ID and the cellphone number used to apply.
- Check the “Pay Day” field for each month.
Budget context: Government has funded the SRD for 2025/26 (to 31 March 2026). This keeps the grant running while broader income‑support reforms are developed.
Where can I collect my grant in December?
You can withdraw at ATMs or buy and withdraw at participating retailers. Postbank and SASSA confirm beneficiaries can use Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, and selected Pick n Pay outlets; both Gold and Black Postbank cards work on retailer point‑of‑sale and ATMs. (If you get paid into your own bank account, you can draw at any ATM or pay by card as usual.)
Are SASSA Gold Cards still valid?
Yes. Postbank announced that Gold Cards will continue working beyond 31 May 2025 until further notice. If you already have a Postbank Black Card, you can keep using it. If you still have a Gold Card, it remains valid at ATMs and retailers. Always follow official updates from Postbank/SASSA for any future changes.
How to avoid delays in December
- Use your own bank account (name must match your ID) to reduce verification issues.
- Don’t rush on day one; the money won’t disappear. Plan a quieter time to withdraw.
- Keep your cellphone number active to receive one‑time PINs (OTPs) for SRD banking updates/status. If your number changed, update it on the SRD portal (one request allowed per 24 hours).
- For SRD, watch the “Pay Day”—that’s your only reliable indicator of when funds are queued.
Common December questions
1) “Approved but no ‘Pay Day’ yet” (SRD)
This means your payment hasn’t been scheduled. Re‑check later in the pay window. No call or queue is needed unless the delay becomes abnormal.
2) “I changed banks / need to change SRD banking details”
Use the official SRD banking update tool (ID + OTP + secure link). Submit your own bank account details; third‑party accounts will fail checks.
3) “My phone number is wrong” (SRD)
Submit a contact‑detail update request on the SRD site (limited to one request per 24 hours), or call SASSA for help.
4) “Can I still use my SASSA Gold Card in December?”
Yes—until further notice, per Postbank. You may also use the Postbank Black Card. Both work at retailers and ATMs.
5) “Which stores can I use?”
Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, and selected Pick n Pay outlets support card transactions and cash withdrawals for beneficiaries.
6) “Is it safe to wait a day or two?”
Yes. SASSA explicitly advises there’s no need to rush to withdraw on the first day; funds remain in your account.
December checklist
- Older Persons: Tue 2 Dec 2025
- Disability: Wed 3 Dec 2025
- Children’s: Thu 4 Dec 2025
- SRD R370: Check your status and look for “Pay Day.”
- Use retailers (Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer, Pick n Pay) or your own bank’s ATM/POS.
- Gold Card stays valid until further notice; Black Card also works.
- No rush to withdraw; avoid queues.
Need help?
For official help about payment dates, banking details, eligibility or office locations, call the SASSA Toll‑Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11. You can also use the SASSA Services Portal for general queries, or the SRD site for status/banking updates.