SRD Grant 2025 (R370): Monthly SASSA Relief for Unemployed South Africans

As of 2025, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant—now R370 per month—continues to offer critical temporary assistance to unemployed South Africans with no income and no access to other social grants.

Managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), this grant plays an essential role in helping individuals aged 18 to 59 who are financially distressed and unable to support themselves or their families.

Originally introduced as a COVID-19 emergency relief measure in 2020, the SRD grant has since evolved into a lifeline for millions. In April 2025, the payment increased from R350 to R370, reflecting a modest adjustment to keep up with the rising cost of living.

The government has also confirmed that the SRD grant will remain in effect until March 2026, offering financial support for the foreseeable future.

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Who Qualifies for the SRD Grant in 2025?

To qualify for the R370 SRD grant in 2025, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria aimed at ensuring the benefit reaches the truly needy. This includes:

Age: Must be between 18 and 59 years old
Residency: Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee currently living in South Africa
Income Threshold: Total monthly income must be less than R624
Social Support: Must not be receiving any other social grant, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) benefit
Employment Status: Must be unemployed or have no sustainable source of income
Bank Account: Must provide valid banking details or mobile wallet account

The income threshold of R624/month aligns with South Africa’s food poverty line, ensuring the grant targets individuals living below the minimum subsistence level.

Applicants who are flagged by SASSA’s automated system as receiving other income—such as small deposits from family—may be rejected for “self-exclusion,” though a new court ruling (2025) has prompted a policy shift toward fairer, bank-verified means testing.

SASSA SRD Grant Payment Schedule – 2025

The SRD grant is paid out monthly, typically during the last week of each month. SASSA has issued a consistent payment window for 2025 to help applicants plan around disbursement.

Month	Payment Window	Amount
July 2025	25 – 31 July	R370
August 2025	26 – 30 August	R370
September 2025	24 – 30 September	R370
October 2025	25 – 31 October	R370

Payment schedules are issued monthly and are subject to slight variation depending on public holidays or system updates.

Funds are typically available within 2–3 business days after the approved payment date for bank account recipients. For those using Cash Send or retail collection, processing may take longer.

How to Apply for the SRD Grant in 2025

The SRD grant application is entirely digital, designed to be fast and accessible for all eligible South Africans. There are several methods to apply:

1. Online Application

Visit the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za

Enter your ID number, mobile number, and bank details
Accept the terms and conditions
Complete the digital consent form for SASSA to verify your identity and income with government databases

2. WhatsApp Application

Send “Hi” to 082 046 8553, then follow the prompts to apply or check your status.

3. USSD/SMS

Dial 1347737# and follow the application steps if you don’t have internet access.

Once submitted, your application will undergo automated screening using data from Home Affairs, SARS, UIF, NSFAS, and banking institutions. The system checks for existing grants, employment, income deposits, and duplicates.

How to Check SRD Application Status

Applicants can check their SRD status anytime via:

Online portal at https://srd.sassa.gov.za
WhatsApp: “Status” to 082 046 8553
USSD: Dial 1347737#

Status messages may include:

Pending – still under review
Approved – accepted, with a listed payment date
Declined – rejected (reasons may include “alternative income identified” or duplicate registration)

Important Updates for 2025

In 2025, the High Court ruled that the income declaration system was too restrictive, prompting SASSA to rely more on automated bank data rather than self-declared information.
Applicants no longer need to reapply monthly, but must confirm their eligibility every 3 months.
Appeals can be filed via the SRD website if a grant is declined. Appeals are reviewed by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), and decisions are typically finalized within 60–90 days.

SASSA reminds applicants that no third-party agency is allowed to apply on your behalf for a fee—application is free, and scammers should be reported.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

Bank deposits above R624/month (e.g., e-wallet transfers or help from relatives)
Receipt of any other social grant, NSFAS funding, or UIF payment
Incorrect or outdated banking details
Duplicate applications using the same ID or phone number

To avoid delays, ensure all submitted information is accurate and updated.

The SASSA SRD Grant (R370) continues to provide vital monthly relief to unemployed South Africans with no other means of support.

With a clear payment schedule, streamlined digital applications, and improved income verification policies, SASSA has made the 2025 rollout more transparent and inclusive.

Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply early, check their status frequently, and keep their banking information current to ensure timely access to this essential grant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will I receive my SRD payment after approval?

If you are approved, payments usually reflect within 2–3 business days after the issued date. Retail collection may take longer.

2. Can I appeal if my application is declined?

Yes. Visit the SRD website and submit an appeal within 90 days. You must explain why the reason for rejection was incorrect (e.g., income mistakenly identified).

3. Do I need to reapply every month?

No. As of 2025, reapplications are no longer monthly. However, you must confirm eligibility every 3 months, or your payments may be paused.