SASSA SRD Grant R370

The year 2020 was hectic for everyone. It was a period when the whole world was fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. If we talk about South Africa specifically, then it was also facing lockdown and financial breakdown. In that period, the government decided to offer relief to those who were suffering from unemployment and hunger due to the severe lockdown.

In May 2020, the government and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced a social relief of distress grant called the “SASSA SRD Grant”.

The purpose of this grant was to help the vulnerable citizens who lost everything in that pandemic. Today, the grant is still working and delivering R370 payments to all the eligible people in South Africa.

Learn about the SRD R350 or R370 grant and see how you can apply and get this payment for your daily needs.

SASSA SRD R370 COVID-19 Grant

The SRD grant was initially introduced in May 2020 as a short-term measure, meant to last until October 2020, to support those who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 lockdown. However, it was later extended until April 2021.

After seeing the demand for this grant, many NGOs and civil society organisations like PBO suggest that the government extend this grant for more years and make the eligibility criteria a bit easier so that every vulnerable person can get this grant.

However, the government ignored all these suggestions, even though the third wave of COVID-19 was approaching. Visagie and Turok (2020) had warned about the serious consequences of ending the SRD grant.

Despite these warnings, the government did not act, as the Treasury Department claimed that continuing the grant long-term was financially unsustainable.

Today (2025), the grant is not only continuous and extended to March 2026, but the payment is increased from R350 to R370.

SRD Grant Applications and Budget 2025/26

In 2022, the government allocated R44 billion to the Department of Social Development (DSD) to cater to the 10.5 million people until March 2023. However, later on, the eligible applicants increased to 10.9 million, and the budget became insufficient.

Now DSD decides to strict the eligibility criteria to stay in the budget. It introduced a means test to qualify for the R350 grant payment. This strategy worked, and out of 10.9 million people, only 6.5 million approved for the grant.

In 2025, the Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that we have allocated a R35.2 billion budget for the SRD grant with 9 million plus approved applicants.

What Are the SASSA SRD Grant Payment Dates for 2025?

The SRD grant payment dates are not fixed and prescheduled. However, the payment dates are announced between the 25th and the end of the month. You need to bookmark our SASSA payment dates page to stay alert to your grant payday.

How to Apply for the SASSA SRD Grant Online?

We already have a detailed guide on the SRD grant application for South Africans who want to apply. However, here is an overview of how someone can apply for the grant.

  1. Visit SRD grant application portal at srd.sassa.gov.za.
  2. Now, click on the “click here to apply online” button.
  3. You will be asked to provide your phone number and South African ID number, so do it.
  4. SASSA will send an OTP to your phone to verify your number.
  5. Accept all the declarations and consent of the grant application.
  6. The application form will appear on your screen to fill up.
  7. Enter your details that are required and submit the application.

Eligibility Criteria for SRD Grant in 2025

If you want to get approval for your SRD grant application, then make sure you follow the SRD grant eligibility criteria for 2025.

  • The age of the applicant should be between 18 to 59.
  • Must have a valid ID of South Africa.
  • Must be a citizen, asylum seeker, special permit holder, or refugee in South Africa.
  • The earnings of the applicant should be less than R624 per month.
  • NSFAS/UIF beneficiaries are not allowed.
  • People who are living in government institutions are not allowed.

How to Check SASSA SRD Grant Application Status?

The SASSA SRD status check is available on our website. You just need to have your:

  1. ID number
  2. Phone number
  3. Check your application status online.

How to Appeal for a Declined or Failed SRD Grant Application?

Once you have applied for the SRD grant, you may face application disapproval due to some issues. If you are truly eligible and your application is declined, then you can use the SASSA appeal application guide to submit your appeal for reconsideration online.

  1. Open the SASSA appeal application portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal.
  2. Enter your phone number and ID number in the appeal tool.
  3. Click the button “send pin” to get the OTP on your phone and verify it.
  4. Once you have verified your phone number, you will see all the declined applications for different periods, like April, May, June, etc.
  5. Select the period and choose a reason for appeal.
  6. Submit the appeal application.

What is the Payment of the SRD Grant in 2025?

The SRD grant was offering R350 in previous periods. However, the new payment is set to:

R370

What is the Future of the SRD R370 Grant?

The SRD R370 grant is expected to continue for the next 5 to 10 years because it is an opportunity to eliminate poverty in South Africa. Millions of people still face unemployment, hunger, and financial hardship. 

This grant provides essential support for daily survival and dignity. Without it, many vulnerable citizens would be left with no other means of living. Extending the grant ensures social stability and promotes basic human rights. 

As economic recovery remains slow, maintaining the SRD grant is not just necessary, it’s a long-term investment in reducing inequality and helping South Africans rebuild their lives with hope and resilience.

F.A.Q

What is the SRD grant?

SRD stands for Social Relief of Distress grant. It was started in May 2020 to tackle the hardships of COVID-19’s bad impacts. Now the grant is offering a R370 cash payment to the eligible applicants.

Who can apply for the SASSA SRD R370 grant payment?

People who are South African citizens, residing in the country, earning less than R624 per month, and not receiving other SASSA grants are eligible.

Can I apply for the SRD grant at the SASSA office?

No, you can not apply for the SRD grant at the SASSA office. You can only apply online.

What if my grant application is not approved?

You need to make sure you are complying with the SRD eligibility criteria. If your application is still declined, lodge an appeal for reconsideration online.