SASSA SRD R370 Grant - Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant provides R370 per month to unemployed South Africans between the ages of 18 and 59 who have no other source of income. Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary measure, the SRD grant has been extended multiple times and is currently set to run until 31 March 2027. Applications are accepted online only through the official SASSA SRD portal.
Quick Facts - SRD R370 Grant
Monthly Amount
R370
Who Qualifies
Unemployed adults 18–59, income below R624/month
How to Apply
Online only at srd.sassa.gov.za
Next Payment Date
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Extended Until
31 March 2027
Application Status
Currently open for applications
Important Notice
The government is preparing to transition from the SRD grant to the new Basic Income Support (BIS) grant after March 2027. Current SRD recipients are expected to be automatically migrated. Keep your personal details updated on the SRD portal to ensure a smooth transition. Read more about the BIS grant.
Who Qualifies for the SRD R370 Grant?
The SRD grant is designed for South Africans who are economically vulnerable and have no other means of financial support. SASSA uses various government databases to verify each applicant's eligibility, including the Department of Home Affairs, UIF, SARS, and NSFAS records.
| Age Requirement | Between 18 and 59 years old |
| Income Threshold | Must earn less than R624 per month |
| Citizenship | South African citizen or permanent resident |
| Application Method | Online only at srd.sassa.gov.za |
Full Eligibility Requirements
- Must be unemployed
- Must not receive any other social grant
- Must not receive UIF payments
- Must not be a student receiving NSFAS funding
- Income must be below R624 per month
SASSA cross-references your ID number against multiple databases each month. Even if you were approved previously, your grant can be stopped if your circumstances change - for example, if you begin earning income, register for UIF, or start receiving NSFAS funding.
How to Apply for the SRD R370 Grant
The SRD grant is unique among SASSA grants because it cannot be applied for in person at a SASSA office. The primary application method is through the SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za. You can also apply via WhatsApp by sending a message to 082 046 8553, or by dialling *134*7737# on your cellphone.
Visit the SRD Portal
Open your phone or computer browser and go to srd.sassa.gov.za. This is the only official website for SRD applications. Do not use any other website or third-party service.
Click 'Apply for SRD'
On the homepage, select the option to apply for the SRD grant. You may also see options to check your status or appeal a decision.
Enter Your ID Number
Provide your 13-digit South African ID number. The system will verify your identity against the Department of Home Affairs records.
Enter Your Cellphone Number
You must provide a valid South African cellphone number. SASSA will send an OTP (one-time PIN) to verify the number, and all future communication will be sent via SMS to this number.
Complete Identity Verification (eKYC)
You may be asked to complete electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification, which can include facial recognition or confirming personal details. This helps prevent fraud.
Choose Your Payment Method
Select how you wish to receive your grant - either to a bank account, at a post office, or via a retailer. If you choose a bank account, ensure the account is registered in your name.
Submit and Wait for Confirmation
After submitting, you will receive an SMS confirming receipt of your application. SASSA typically processes applications within 5 to 10 working days.
Alternative Ways to Apply
While the SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za is the primary application method, SASSA also offers two alternative channels for those who may have difficulty accessing the website:
Send a message to 082 046 8553 on WhatsApp. Follow the automated prompts to submit your application. You can also use this number to check your application status.
USSD
Dial *134*7737# from your cellphone. This works on any phone (not just smartphones) and does not require mobile data. Follow the menu prompts to apply or check your status.
Monthly Reassessment
Unlike other SASSA grants that are approved on an ongoing basis, the SRD grant is subject to monthly reassessment. Each month, SASSA checks your eligibility by verifying your income, employment status, and whether you receive any other government benefits. This means your grant can be approved one month and declined the next if your circumstances change.
You do not need to reapply each month - the reassessment is automatic. However, it is important to keep your details up to date on the SRD portal to avoid unnecessary declines.
Payment Methods
When your SRD grant is approved, you can receive payment through several methods. You choose your preferred payment method during application, but you can change it later through the SRD portal.
- Bank account - funds are deposited directly into your bank account (must be in your name)
- Post Office - collect your payment at any South African Post Office branch
- Cash send - receive a cash send notification to withdraw at an ATM
- Retail partners - collect at participating retailers such as Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and others
Required Documents
Because the SRD application is online only, you do not need to submit physical documents. However, you must have the following information available:
- South African ID number (13 digits)
- Active South African cellphone number
- Banking details (if you want payment into a bank account)
- Alternative payment preference (Post Office or retail partner)
If you are asked to complete eKYC (electronic identity verification), you may also need a clear photo of yourself and your ID document. Learn more about identity verification.
How to Check Your SRD Grant Status
After applying, you can check the status of your SRD grant application at any time. SASSA provides several methods to check your status:
Online Portal
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and click "Check Status". Enter your ID number and cellphone number used during application.
USSD Code
Dial *134*7737# from your registered cellphone. Follow the prompts to check your application status. This is free of charge.
Send "Status" to the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553. You will receive an automated response with your grant status.
Toll-Free Number
Call the SASSA toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 during business hours. An agent can check your status and assist with any queries.
Your SRD status will typically show one of the following: "Approved", "Pending", "Declined", or "Paid". If your application was declined, you have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days.
SRD R370 Payment Dates 2026
SRD grant payments are typically made towards the end of each month, after all other grants have been paid. The exact date may vary slightly depending on weekends and public holidays. Payments are processed in cycles, so it may take a few days after the official date for funds to reflect in your account.
Next SRD Payment
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
For the full payment schedule, visit our payment dates page.
Upcoming BIS Transition - What You Need to Know
The South African government has announced plans to replace the SRD grant with a permanent Basic Income Support (BIS) grant after the current extension ends in March 2027. The BIS grant is expected to be a more comprehensive social protection measure with a potentially higher monthly payment.
While final details have not yet been confirmed, current SRD recipients should take the following steps to prepare:
- Keep your cellphone number updated on the SRD portal
- Ensure your banking details are correct and up to date
- Complete eKYC identity verification if prompted
- Continue to reapply or confirm your details when requested
- Monitor official SASSA communications for BIS updates
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the SRD R370 grant?
What is the income limit for the SRD grant in 2026?
How long has the SRD grant been extended?
How do I check my SRD grant status?
Why was my SRD application declined?
Related Grants
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for one of these SASSA grants: