SASSA SRD Grant for Foreign Nationals: Eligibility, Application, and More

A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Nationals in South Africa

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a vital safety net in South Africa. If you are a foreign national, understanding the rules for the current R370 payment is crucial, especially following key court rulings that have clarified who can apply.

1. Key Facts About the SRD R370 Grant in 2025

The SRD grant is a monthly payment designed to help people in South Africa with insufficient means to support themselves. Think of it as an emergency safety net for adults who are really struggling.

Detail Current Status (Late 2025)
Amount R370 per month
Age Range 18–59 years old.
Purpose To help with basics like food, electricity, and transport.
Duration Extended to at least March 2027.

2. Can Foreign Nationals Get the SRD Grant?

Yes – but only certain categories are eligible. The eligibility criteria now extend beyond South African citizens to specific groups of non-citizens.

✅ Eligible Groups

  • A South African citizen.
  • A permanent resident.
  • A recognised refugee.
  • An asylum seeker.
  • A special permit holder (Angolan, Lesotho, or Zimbabwe exemption permits).

❌ Ineligible Groups

If you are only on a standard work visa, study visa, or tourist/visitor visa, you will almost certainly be declined.

3. The Critical Rulings that Opened the Door

The inclusion of certain foreign nationals was a requirement imposed by the courts, affirming the legal right to assistance.

2020: The Scalabrini Court Case

Ruled that excluding asylum seekers and special permit holders was unconstitutional and unlawful, requiring the government to allow these groups to apply.

2025: High Court Judgment on Restrictive Rules

Declared several restrictive regulations invalid, ordering the government to:

  • Raise the income threshold (R624) progressively.
  • Allow in-person applications to combat digital exclusion.

4. General SRD Rules (The Means Test)

The R624 Income Limit (The Most Critical Rule)

Your monthly income into your bank accounts must be R624 or less. If inflows exceed R624 in a given month, you will be declined for that specific month.

Additional Mandatory Rules

  • Be 18–59 years old.
  • Live in South Africa.
  • Be unemployed and not receiving any other SASSA social grant, UIF benefits, or NSFAS funding.
  • Not be fully maintained in a state institution.

5. Detailed Eligibility by Foreign National Category

SASSA verifies your details against Home Affairs and banking databases. Your legal status must be valid and verifiable.

Category Requirement Verification Note
Refugees Valid Section 24 refugee permit or refugee ID. Explicitly eligible for social assistance.
Asylum Seekers Valid asylum seeker permit (Section 22). Expired permits cause immediate decline.
Special Permit Holders Valid LEP, ZEP, or Angolan Special Permit. Inclusion mandated by court ruling.
Permanent Residents Valid permanent residence details. Treated like a citizen, but must pass the R624 test.

6. How to Apply for the SRD Grant

While in-person applications are being phased in, the main and most reliable way to apply is still through SASSA’s digital channels.

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

  • Legal Status Document: Valid permit (Refugee ID, Section 22/24, or Special Permit).
  • Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, and a valid cellphone number.
  • Banking Info: Account details in your own name (if applicable).

Step 2: Submit Your Application

  1. Go to the official SASSA SRD digital system.
  2. Enter your permit/ID number and cellphone number.
  3. Use the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent via SMS to access the form.
  4. Fill in all required details accurately.
  5. Give Explicit Consent for SASSA to verify your details with Home Affairs, banks, and other databases.

7. Why Applications Are Often Declined

Technical issues or simple data mismatches can lead to a decline, even if you qualify.

“DHA Verification Failed”

Cause: Permit number error, or your permit is expired/not on the Home Affairs database.
Solution: Ensure your details match *exactly* and that your permit is renewed and valid.

“Alternative Income Source Identified”

Cause: More than R624 flowed into your bank accounts that month.
Solution: Review statements. If the inflow was a once-off, use that explanation in your appeal.

Expired/Unclear Immigration Status

Cause: Your status is uncertain (e.g., application pending, expired).
Solution: Prioritise regularising your status with Home Affairs before re-applying or appealing.

8. Monthly Reassessment

Approval is not permanent. SASSA checks your income and status every single month. This means you can be Approved one month and Declined the next if, for example, a deposit briefly pushed you over the R624 limit.

9. How to Appeal If Your SRD Application Is Declined

You have the right to appeal SRD decisions for each month you disagree with. An appeal is reviewed by an independent tribunal, not SASSA staff.

  1. Find out the Decline Reason: Check your status online or read the SMS.
  2. Prepare Your Explanation: Gather proof or a clear argument against the decline reason.
  3. Submit Your Appeal: Use the official SRD appeal platform.
  4. Wait: The tribunal will process your case.

If this feels overwhelming, seek help from legal aid or migrant support NGOs for assistance with the appeal process.

10. Key Takeaways for Foreign Nationals

  • The SRD R370 grant covers permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and certain special permit holders.
  • Your monthly income must be R624 or less.
  • Court rulings were the driving force behind the inclusion of foreign nationals and the demand to relax restrictive rules.
  • Your status is checked every month—expect status changes.
  • If declined, always appeal the decision for that month if you believe you qualify.

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