The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) continues to provide the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant of R370 to eligible individuals facing financial hardships.
As of March 2025, beneficiaries should be aware of the payment schedule and methods to check their application status to ensure timely access to these funds.
SASSA SRD R370 Grant Overview
The SRD grant, initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to support unemployed South Africans who do not receive any other form of government assistance.
The grant amount was increased to R370 per month in April 2024 to help beneficiaries cope with rising living costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SRD R370 grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 18 and 60 years old.
- Residency: Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee.
- Employment Status: Unemployed and not receiving any income.
- Government Assistance: Not receiving any other social grants, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments, or government-funded support.
Students receiving funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or other bursaries are also ineligible for this grant.
March 2025 Payment Schedule
SASSA has outlined the following payment dates for March 2025:
| Grant Type | Payment Date | Monthly Amount (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | Tuesday, 4 March 2025 | 2,190 |
| Older Persons Grant (75+ years) | Tuesday, 4 March 2025 | 2,210 |
| Disability Grant | Wednesday, 5 March 2025 | 2,190 |
| War Veterans Grant | Wednesday, 5 March 2025 | 2,210 |
| Children’s Grants | Thursday, 6 March 2025 | 530 |
| Foster Care Grant | Thursday, 6 March 2025 | 1,180 |
| Care Dependency Grant | Thursday, 6 March 2025 | 2,190 |
| Child Support Grant (Top-Up) | Thursday, 6 March 2025 | 530 + 250 |
| Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant | 26-28 March 2025 | 370 |
It’s important to note that SRD grant payments are processed during the final week of the month, specifically from 26 to 28 March 2025.
How to Check Your Application Status
Applicants can monitor the status of their SRD grant applications through several methods:
- Online Status Check:
- Visit the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.
- Enter your South African ID number and the phone number used during your application.
- Click “Submit” to view your application status.
- WhatsApp:
- Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
- Send a message with the word “Status”.
- Follow the prompts to receive your application status.
- USSD Code:
- Dial 1203210# on your mobile device.
- Enter your ID number when prompted to receive your application status via SMS.
- SASSA Call Center:
- Call the toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11.
- Provide your ID number and other required details to the operator to check your application status.
Common Issues and Solutions
Applicants may encounter issues such as payment delays or application rejections. Understanding the causes and solutions can help resolve these problems:
- Application Rejection:
- Causes: Incomplete or incorrect information, or not meeting eligibility criteria.
- Solution: Applicants have 30 days to appeal by visiting the SASSA Appeals page and following the necessary steps.
- Payment Delays:
- Causes: Incomplete banking information or system processing issues.
- Solution: Ensure that all banking details are correct and up to date. If delays persist, contact the SASSA call center for assistance.
Payment Distribution Methods
Approved applicants can access their SRD R370 grant through various methods:
- Bank Account: Funds are directly deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account.
- Retail Outlets: Beneficiaries without bank accounts can withdraw cash from participating retailers such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Boxer stores.
- SASSA Payment Cards: These cards allow beneficiaries to withdraw funds from ATMs.
The SASSA SRD R370 grant serves as a vital support mechanism for unemployed South Africans facing financial challenges.
By understanding the payment schedule, eligibility criteria, and methods to check application status, beneficiaries can ensure timely access to their funds.
FAQs
What should I do if my SRD grant application is declined?
You can appeal the decision within 30 days by visiting the SASSA Appeals page and following the provided steps.
How can I update my banking details for SRD grant payments?
Visit the official SASSA SRD website and use the “Update Banking Details” option. Ensure all information is accurate to prevent payment delays.
Can I collect my SRD grant from any retail store?
No, only specific retailers like Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Boxer stores are authorized for SRD grant withdrawals.