COVID-19 Special Social Relief of Distress Grant (R370 Grant)

The COVID-19 Special Social Relief of Distress Grant, also known as the R370 SRD Grant, was introduced by government as a temporary financial relief measure during the pandemic. It is designed to support unemployed individuals who are not receiving any other form of income, social grant or UIF benefits.

This grant provides R370 per month to qualifying applicants and has been extended until 31 March 2026.

Who Can Apply for the SRD R370 Grant?

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship and Residency

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or recognised refugee registered with the Department of Home Affairs.

Age

• Be between 18 and 60 years old.

Income Threshold

• Applicants must not earn more than R620 per month.

Employment Status

• Must be unemployed.
• Must not receive any other income, social grant or UIF benefits.

SASSA will conduct a means test to assess financial eligibility.

The Means Test Explained

The means test checks whether applicants earn less than R620 per month. If you have more than R620 in your bank account, your application will be declined.

Information Required for Application

When applying, you will need to agree to two forms:

• The declaration form
• The consent form

These documents allow SASSA to verify the information provided.

Applicants must provide the following:

• ID number or special permit (for non-citizens)
• Full name and surname as per ID
• Contact number
• Physical address

How to Apply for the SRD R370 Grant

You can submit an application through the following official channels:

WhatsApp Application

1. Send a message to 082 046 8553.
2. Provide your personal details.
3. You will receive a reference number, OTP and link.
4. Verify your details and complete the form.

Online Application

1. Visit the official SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Select the correct option for South African ID holders or permit holders.
3. Enter the OTP sent to your phone and complete the form.

SASSA Chatbot

1. Go to the SASSA website.
2. Use the Special SRD R370 Grant chatbox.
3. Enter your ID and mobile number.
4. Follow the link to the SRD website to finalise your application.

Application Steps

1. Read and agree to the declaration and consent forms.

2. Provide personal details (ID, name, surname, gender, contact details, address).

3. Select a payment method:

   • Bank account (preferred)

   • CashSend services

   • Retail stores such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer and USave

4. Wait for SMS confirmation.

5. SASSA will verify your details with Home Affairs, SARS, UIF and other databases before approving or declining your application.

Reasons for Rejection

Applications can be rejected if:

• The applicant is employed and paying tax.
• Personal details do not match Department of Home Affairs records.
• The applicant receives another social grant (excluding child grants).
• The applicant is registered with NSFAS.
• The applicant qualifies for UIF or receives UIF benefits.
• The applicant works for a government institution.
• The applicant is younger than 18 or older than 60.
• The applicant is listed as deceased by Home Affairs.

If rejected, applicants can lodge an appeal within 90 days.

How to Appeal an SRD R370 Grant Decision

1. Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal
2. Click on “Lodge an Appeal”.
3. Enter your ID and cell number.
4. Submit the verification pin sent to your phone.
5. Select the month of appeal and the reason.
6. Submit the appeal.

You can track your appeal status online or by calling the SASSA Call Centre on 0800 601 011.

How Payments Are Made

Bank Account Payments

Funds are paid directly into your personal bank account. You must use an account in your own name.

CashSend Services

If you don’t have a bank account, you can receive payments via CashSend using your ID and registered cellphone number.

Retail Store Payments

Payments can also be collected from participating supermarkets, including Shoprite, Checkers, USave, OK, Boxer and Pick n Pay stores.

Note: Payments cannot be collected at Pick n Pay Clothing, Liquor, or BP Express outlets.

Payment Dates

There are no fixed payment dates for the R370 SRD grant. Beneficiaries are paid during the month they qualify. Payments do not happen on regular SASSA grant payout days.

Checking Application Status

Applicants can check their status online at: https://www.sassa-status.co.za
You will need your ID number and cellphone number used during the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I already receive a child support grant?

Yes, child support grant recipients may apply. All other social grant recipients do not qualify.

What happens if my banking details change?

You can update your banking details on the SRD website. SASSA will verify the new account before making payments.

Can I reapply if I was previously declined?

Yes, you may reapply if your circumstances have changed.

When will my first payment be made?

Once approved, payments start from the month you applied.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 Special SRD R370 Grant remains a vital support system for unemployed South Africans with no other income. By applying through official SASSA channels and meeting the qualifying criteria, eligible individuals can receive monthly financial relief until March 2025.