In a critical announcement for millions of South Africans, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed the extension of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant until March 2026. This grant, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to be a lifeline for unemployed individuals struggling with the cost of living. The decision was made during the national budget speech and comes as a relief to beneficiaries who were concerned about the future of this essential support system.
What Beneficiaries Should Know
Grant Amount: R370 per Month
The SRD grant was originally set at R350, but as of April 2024, the amount increased to R370 per month. This modest rise is aimed at helping beneficiaries keep up with the ever-rising costs of food, transport, and basic services.
New End Date: March 2026
Previously extended on a temporary basis, the SRD grant has now been officially extended until March 2026. This two-year extension gives millions of beneficiaries much-needed certainty and financial security.
Where to Apply: srd.sassa.gov.za
Applications must be submitted online at the official SRD SASSA website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za. The site allows users to:
- Apply for the R370 SRD Grant
- Check their application status
- Update contact details or banking information
- Appeal a rejected application
Who Qualifies
To be eligible for the SRD grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered with Home Affairs
- Be aged between 18 and 59 years
- Have no source of income or social support
- Not be receiving any other form of government assistance (such as UIF, NSFAS, or social grants)
- Pass the SASSA means test, which reviews bank transactions to ensure eligibility
Key Points from the Finance Minister’s Announcement
-
Social Protection Is a Priority
Minister Godongwana emphasized the importance of supporting the vulnerable during tough economic times. Extending the SRD grant aligns with the government’s broader social protection goals. -
Budget Allocation Secured
The National Treasury has committed funding for the SRD extension, ensuring that there will be no interruptions in disbursements. -
Towards a Basic Income Support Framework
Although the SRD grant remains a temporary intervention, the government is exploring the development of a permanent Basic Income Support scheme beyond 2026. -
Digital Infrastructure Improvements
Efforts are underway to streamline the online application system, reduce fraud, and improve turnaround times for approvals and payments.
How to Apply for the R370 SRD Grant
If you’re eligible and haven’t yet applied, follow these steps:
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Enter your South African ID number and mobile number
- Follow the prompts to complete your application
- Await a confirmation SMS from SASSA
You can also use this platform to check your application status by entering your ID and cellphone number.
SRD Grant Application Status Check
Once you’ve applied, checking the status of your SRD application is essential. Here’s how:
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on “Check Status”
- Enter your ID Number and Phone Number
- Your application result for each month will be shown (e.g. “Approved”, “Declined”, “Pending”)
Common Reasons for Rejected Applications
If your SRD application was declined, it could be due to:
- Receiving income (e.g., bank deposits exceeding the threshold)
- Receiving another grant (e.g., NSFAS or UIF)
- Inaccurate or outdated information
- Bank verification failure
You may submit an appeal directly through the SRD website.
Tips for SRD Grant Beneficiaries
- Keep your phone number active – this is used for communication and payment notifications
- Ensure your banking details are correct – to receive your payment on time
- Check your status monthly – approvals are done on a month-to-month basis
- Appeal promptly – appeals must be submitted within 30 days of rejection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the SRD R370 grant available to foreign nationals?
Yes, but only to refugees and asylum seekers who are registered with Home Affairs and meet the other eligibility criteria.
2. Can I receive the SRD grant if I am also getting child support grants?
Yes, you can receive the R370 SRD grant even if you are receiving a child support grant.
3. How will I get paid?
You can choose to be paid via bank transfer, CashSend, or collection from Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, or USave stores.
4. What happens if my bank account is closed or wrong?
If SASSA cannot pay into your account, you will be notified and asked to update your bank details on the SRD portal.
5. How long does it take to get approved?
Approvals can take up to two weeks or longer, depending on verification. Status should be checked regularly.
Conclusion
The extension of the SRD R370 grant until March 2026 is a significant step by the South African government to provide relief to millions of unemployed individuals. With the cost of living increasing and job opportunities limited, this grant offers crucial monthly support. Beneficiaries should take full advantage of the online tools available to apply, check their status, and ensure they receive the grant on time.
If you haven’t yet applied or need to update your information, visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za today. Stay informed, stay eligible, and secure your grant every month through 2026.
