The South African government has officially extended the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant until April 2025. This continued support is vital for many who are still recovering financially from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re already receiving the grant or applying for the first time, knowing how it works and what you need to do can help you get your payments without delay.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the SRD grant extension, who qualifies, how much is paid, and how to apply.
Extension
The SRD grant was first introduced in 2020 to help people hit hardest by the pandemic. Over time, it’s been extended, and now it will run until April 2025. This grant gives financial relief to people with no other income or government support.
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Grant Extension | Extended to April 2025 |
Payment Amount | R350 (R370 starting April 2024) |
Eligibility | Citizens, permanent residents, refugees |
Application Method | Online or at SASSA offices |
Payment Method | Bank transfer or cash through retail partners |
Info Source | SASSA Official Website |
Purpose
The SRD grant provides basic income support to help cover daily needs like food, transport, and essentials. While it started as a R350 payment, the government increased it to R370 in April 2024 to keep up with rising living costs.
This might not seem like a lot, but for someone with no other income, every rand helps.
Eligibility
Not everyone qualifies, so here are the rules:
- Age: You must be 18 to 59 years old.
- Residency: You need to be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a refugee with proper registration.
- Income: You should not earn more than R350 per month.
- No Other Grants: You can’t receive other government support like UIF or child support grants.
If you meet all these conditions, you’re likely eligible.
Application
There are two ways to apply: online or in person.
1. Online Application
This is the easiest method:
- Visit the SASSA SRD website
- Register or log in with your ID number
- Fill out the form
- Upload your documents (ID, proof of residence, bank details)
Make sure everything is correct before submitting.
2. In-Person Application
If you don’t have internet, visit your nearest SASSA office:
- Bring your ID and proof of address
- Ask for help completing the form
- Submit any other requested documents
Though slower, this method works well for those who need extra assistance.
After
Once you apply, SASSA verifies your information. This process may take a few weeks, so don’t stress if you don’t hear back right away.
You can check your application status online or by calling the SASSA help centre. If your application is approved, payments will start via the method you selected.
Payment
You have two options for receiving your grant:
1. Bank Transfer
If you have a bank account, your money will be deposited there. Just make sure your banking info is correct and matches your ID.
2. Retail Pick-Up
If you don’t have a bank account, you can collect your money at retail stores like Shoprite or Pick n Pay. You’ll get a code and use it to collect your cash.
Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to prevent delays:
- Uploading the wrong or missing documents
- Giving the wrong banking information
- Not updating your contact details
- Applying more than once
Fixing these mistakes early helps speed up your approval.
Updating
Need to change your details? No problem. Just log into your SASSA account and update your:
- Banking information
- Contact number or email
- Proof of residence
No internet? Visit your nearest SASSA office for help.
Rejected
If your application is denied, you can appeal. Here’s how:
- Go to the SASSA appeals page
- Log in with your ID
- Submit your appeal with updated info or documents
- Wait for feedback from SASSA
It’s that simple, and you can appeal once for each month your application is declined.
FAQs
How much is the SRD grant in 2025?
The grant is R370 monthly as of April 2024.
Can I apply for SRD online?
Yes, through the official SASSA website.
Who qualifies for the SRD grant?
Citizens, residents, or refugees earning under R350/month.
How will I receive my SRD grant?
Through bank transfer or retail cash collection.
What if my application is rejected?
You can appeal online via the SASSA portal.