Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant 2025

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant is a vital form of temporary social assistance in South Africa. As of 2025, the grant amount stands at R370 per month. This amount was confirmed in the 2025 Budget Speech, where the government allocated R35.2 billion to continue the grant for another year.

Social Relief of Distress Grant 2025

Table of Contents

Key Updates and Changes for 2025

The SRD grant, originally a temporary measure to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a lifeline for millions of vulnerable individuals. In 2025, there have been several key developments regarding the grant’s status and its future.

  • Grant Amount: The SRD grant remains at R370 per month. Unlike other SASSA grants like the Older Person’s or Child Support grants, the SRD grant did not see a significant increase in April 2025. This has led to concerns from advocacy groups who argue that the value of the grant has eroded due to inflation since its inception.
  • Extension Confirmed: In a significant announcement, the SRD grant has been extended until at least March 2026. This extension provides crucial financial stability for beneficiaries and indicates the government’s commitment to finding a more permanent solution for a basic income grant.
  • Future Integration: The government is actively exploring ways to integrate the SRD grant with employment opportunities. This includes considering a “job-seeker allowance” or other measures as part of a review of Active Labour Market Programmes. The goal is to not only provide immediate relief but also to create pathways to employment for beneficiaries.

SRD Grant Eligibility Criteria for 2025

The eligibility criteria for the SRD grant remain strict to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable members of society. SASSA conducts a monthly re-evaluation of all beneficiaries to confirm their continued eligibility.

  • Citizenship and Residency: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a refugee or asylum seeker with valid status, residing within the borders of South Africa.
  • Age: You must be between the ages of 18 and 59.
  • Income Threshold: Your monthly income or financial support must not exceed R624. This is the most critical part of the means test.
  • No Other Grants: You must not be a beneficiary of any other social grant, including the Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, or UIF benefits.
  • No Institutional Care: You must not be a resident in a state-funded or subsidized institution.

The Role of the Means Test

The means test is an automated process where SASSA verifies your details against databases from institutions like SARS, UIF, and NSFAS. This is done to ensure you are not receiving any other form of income or state assistance. The R624 income threshold is a key indicator of your financial need. If a beneficiary’s bank account shows a deposit of more than this amount in any given month, their grant for that month will be declined.

How the SRD Grant Compares to Other Grants

While the SRD grant amount has remained static, other social grants have seen increases in 2025. This highlights the temporary nature of the SRD grant and the government’s long-term plan to develop a more permanent social safety net.

  • Older Person’s Grant: Increased to R2,315 per month.
  • Disability Grant: Increased to R2,315 per month.
  • Child Support Grant: Increased to R560 per month.

These differences emphasize that the SRD grant is intended to provide a basic level of distress relief and is not part of the permanent social grant system, though a transition to a basic income grant is a topic of ongoing discussion.

Grant Type Monthly Amount (2025) Purpose
SRD Grant R370 Temporary relief for those in dire need (e.g., unemployed).
Older Person’s Grant R2,315 Support for individuals aged 60+.
Disability Grant R2,315 Aid for adults with disabilities preventing work.
Child Support Grant R560 Assistance for caregivers of children under 18.

Application Process for SRD Grant

  1. Online Application:
    • Visit srd.sassa.gov.za.
    • Enter your South African ID number and cellphone number.
    • Complete the form with personal details, income status, and banking information.
    • Submit and receive a reference number for tracking.
  2. Alternative Methods:
    • WhatsApp: Send “Status” or application details to 082 046 8553 or 082 054 0016.
    • USSD: Dial 1203210# or 12069277# to check status or apply.
    • In-Person: Visit a SASSA office with required documents (ID, proof of residence, etc.).
  3. Verification: SASSA cross-checks details with Home Affairs, UIF, and SARS databases. Applications may show as “Pending” during this process (80% of applicants see this initially).
  4. Appeals: If declined, lodge an appeal within 90 days via srd.sassa.gov.za (online portal, not email/SMS). Provide reasons (e.g., “no income source”) and resubmit documents.

Tip: Regularly update cellphone numbers and banking details to avoid payment issues. Biometric verification is mandatory for September 2025 payments.

Checking SRD Payment Status

  • Online: Visit srd.sassa.gov.za, enter your ID and phone number, and check status (Approved, Pending, Declined).
  • WhatsApp: Message 082 046 8553 with “Status” and your application ID.
  • USSD: Dial 1203210# or 12069277#.
  • Call Center: Contact 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.
  • Status Meanings:
    • Approved: Payment date provided; funds will be disbursed.
    • Pending: Under review; no action needed unless contacted.
    • Declined: Reasons provided (e.g., income above R624); appeal if eligible.
    • Referred: Further checks by Home Affairs (80–90% approval chance).