Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant 2025–2027: The Complete Guide.

1. What Is the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant?

The SRD Grant is a monthly payment managed by SASSA for people who have no other regular income, are not receiving any other social grant from government, are between 18 and 59 years old, and are in serious financial distress.

As of late 2025, the SRD Grant pays R370 per month. It was first introduced at R350 during COVID-19. Over time, government has kept extending it because unemployment and poverty didn’t magically disappear after the pandemic. In the 2025 budget and later statements, it was extended again, with allocations to keep the grant running until March 2027, while government continues to discuss a more permanent form of income support (often called a possible Basic Income Grant).

The SRD Grant is not meant to replace a job or business income. It’s meant to help you cover absolute basics (food, electricity, transport), give you space to look for work or start small income activities, and keep people from falling into extreme destitution.

2. Who Qualifies for the SRD Grant?

SASSA checks your details every month. So even if you were approved once, you’re effectively being re-tested each month to see if you still qualify.

You may qualify if:

• ▶ You are a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder.
• ▶ You are 18–59 years old.
• ▶ You are unemployed and not earning regular income.
• ▶ You are not receiving any other SASSA social grant (Old Age, Disability, Child Support in your own name, etc.).
• ▶ You are not receiving UIF payouts or NSFAS student funding.
• ▶ You are not living in a state-funded institution (for example, a prison or government-funded care centre).
• ▶ Your monthly income that flows through your bank account stays below the official SRD income threshold (recently set at R624 per month for means testing).

Remember: SASSA uses information from banks, UIF, SARS, NSFAS and other databases to check whether you match these rules. If their systems pick up income, a UIF payment, or a conflict in your information, your application for that month may be declined.

3. The SRD Means Test – How SASSA Checks Your Income

The SRD Grant uses a strict means test. If your bank account shows inflows above the threshold (for example, regular payments that look like a salary or regular support), you may get a decline such as “Alternative Income Source Identified”. Transfers from family/friends can also trigger this if it looks like regular income, even if it’s not an official job.

4. What You Need Before You Apply

You don’t need a folder full of paperwork, but you do need the basics:

• Valid ID or permit: 13-digit South African ID, or Refugee/asylum document, or Special permit details.
• Cellphone number in your name: SASSA uses your phone to send OTPs, updates, and status messages.
• Bank details (if you choose bank deposit): Account must be in your own name. SASSA won’t pay into someone else’s account.
• Basic personal details: Residential address, contact details, etc.

You don’t upload documents when you apply. Instead, SASSA checks your ID and income through government and bank systems.

5. How to Apply for the SRD Grant (Step-by-Step)

You can apply using three main channels. You only need to apply once — not every month.

6. What Happens After You Apply?

A lot happens behind the scenes including identity verification (checked against Home Affairs), income verification (bank checks done against your ID), and cross-checks with other systems (UIF, NSFAS, etc.).

Monthly reassessment is crucial: Every month, SASSA checks again whether you still qualify, even if you were previously approved. Because of this, you may see your status change over time—one month approved, another month pending, another month declined. It doesn’t always mean you did something wrong; it just means the system recalculated based on new data.

7. How to Do an SRD Status Check

You should get into the habit of checking your SRD status at least once a month, especially after mid-month when most verifications have run. You can use the official SRD status check page, USSD codes, or WhatsApp by choosing the “Status” option.

Status Messages Explained:

8. SRD Grant Amount and How Long It Will Last

The SRD Grant currently pays R370 per month per approved person. While criticized as low, it makes a meaningful difference for transport or food basics. Government has allocated budget to keep the R370 SRD Grant running until at least March 2027, while broader discussions continue about a permanent Basic Income Grant.

It is important to stay updated via official announcements and not assume it will run forever in its current form, as the end date or amount could be adjusted in future budgets.

9. How and Where You Get Paid

Once approved and scheduled, you can receive your SRD in a few ways:

• 9.1 Bank Account

  Fastest and safest. Money is paid straight into your personal bank account. Must be in your name. If you change banks, update details on the system and wait for re-verification.

• 9.2 Retail Partners and Cash Send

  Collect at large retailers (Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer, Pick n Pay). Take your ID and phone to receive an OTP during the process at the till point or money counter.

Timing of Payments:

SRD payments are not on the same fixed dates as other grants. They are processed after monthly verification, usually toward the end of each month. Once marked as “Paid,” it may take 2–3 working days to reflect.

10. Updating Banking Details or Contact Information

If you change banks or phones, update your info as soon as possible on the SRD site. Enter your ID to receive an SMS link for new details. SASSA will re-verify for security. Never use someone else’s account as it causes delays or automatic declines.

11. Why Applications Get Declined (and How to Appeal)

Common decline reasons include: Alternative income source identified, UIF registered, Gov payroll registered, NSFAS registered, and Referred SAFPS. If you believe the decline is wrong, you must appeal via the official Independent Tribunal platform, not the normal SASSA office queue.

12. Cancelling or Reinstating Your SRD Grant

You might want to cancel if you’ve started a stable job or business to avoid fraud accusations. You might reinstate if you cancelled before but lost your job again. Both options are available on the official SRD website.

13. Fraud, Scams and Biometric Security

SASSA is rolling out beneficiary biometric enrolment (BBE)—fingerprint and facial verification—to reduce identity theft. Be aware of common scams.

14. How SRD Works With Other Grants and Support

You cannot get SRD if you already receive another SASSA grant in your name (Old Age, Disability, etc.), are on NSFAS, or receiving UIF. You can live in a household where someone else gets a grant. If your UIF or NSFAS ends, you become eligible to apply again for SRD.

15. Making the Most of R370 – Practical Tips

R370 is not a lot. Stretch it by prioritizing essentials (maize meal, oil, eggs), combining it with small informal activities (selling Kota, cleaning services), and ring-fencing a tiny part (R20–R50) for stock for a micro-business or data for job searching.

16. Mental Health, Dignity and the Bigger Picture

Living on R370 is emotionally heavy. Remember you are not alone; millions rely on some form of support. Using the SRD Grant doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it is a tool for survival. While broader debates continue about permanent income support, your job is to stay updated, check your status, and use the money wisely.

17. Quick Checklist: SRD Grant in 60 Seconds

Frequently Asked Questions