SRD Grant
The SRD grant — the Social Relief of Distress grant, widely known as the R370 grant — is temporary financial help from SASSA for unemployed adults who have no other income or support. Because its rules and its future are under active government review, this guide explains how it works in general terms and points you to the official portal for the exact, current eligibility criteria.
Last updated: May 2026 · Source: National Treasury Budget (SAnews) · SASSA / gov.za · Rules change often — confirm on the official SRD portal
What the SRD Grant Is
The Social Relief of Distress grant pays R370 a month. It was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as temporary support for people who lost their income, and it has been extended several times since then. Unlike the permanent grants such as the Older Persons or Disability Grant, the SRD grant is not a long-term entitlement — it continues only while government keeps extending it. It was the only grant not increased in the latest Budget, and Treasury has said it is reviewing longer-term options to support working-age people, so the amount and the rules around it are the most likely of all the grants to change.
Who It’s For
The grant is aimed at unemployed adults of working age (roughly 18 to 59) who are South African citizens, permanent residents or recognised refugees, who have no income, and who are not receiving any other support — such as another SASSA grant, a UIF payout, or NSFAS funding. There is also a monthly income limit, above which you do not qualify.
Because the exact income limit and age rules have been the subject of policy changes and court challenges, we do not publish a fixed figure here — confirm the current income limit and full eligibility criteria on the official SRD portal before you rely on them.
Why It’s Checked Every Month
The single biggest difference between the SRD grant and the other grants is that your eligibility is reassessed every month. SASSA runs an automated check against government and bank records each month to confirm you still have no income and are still unemployed. This means your status can change from one month to the next — you may be approved one month and declined the next if any income is detected. Because of this, payment dates are not fixed the way the older persons or child grants are; an SRD payment date is generated individually once your status for that month shows approved, which is why SRD payments usually arrive later in the month.
How to Apply and Check Your Status
Applications for the SRD grant are made through the official SASSA SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za — this is separate from the application process for the other SASSA grants. You apply with your South African ID number, a working cellphone number and your banking or payment details. You then use the same portal each month to check whether you have been approved, pending or declined. If you are declined and believe it is wrong, you can lodge an appeal through the portal, normally within 90 days of the decline. If you need help, SASSA’s toll-free line is 0800 60 10 11 and the email is GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.
The Future of the SRD Grant
The SRD grant remains a temporary measure. Government has extended it while it works on longer-term proposals for supporting unemployed working-age people, and no permanent replacement has been finalised. SASSA has publicly rejected rumours that the grant is being stopped, but because the policy is still being decided, the safest thing you can do is check the official portal regularly for the current amount, income limit and rules rather than relying on social media posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SRD grant?
It pays R370 a month. It was the only grant not increased in the latest Budget.
Where do I apply?
Through the official SASSA SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za. It is a separate process from the other SASSA grants.
Why was I approved one month and declined the next?
SRD eligibility is checked every month. If SASSA’s monthly check detects any income, your grant can be declined for that month even if you were approved before.
Is the SRD grant ending?
SASSA has officially denied rumours that it is ending. It has been extended, though it remains temporary and its long-term future is still under review.
📋 Verified — Official sources: National Treasury Budget (SAnews) · Official SASSA SRD portal
⚠️ This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. KnowMyGovt is not affiliated with SASSA nor the South African government. SRD rules change frequently — always confirm the current amount, income limit and criteria on the official SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za.
