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SASSA SRD R370 Grant - Eligibility, Amount & How to Apply

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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 RequirementBetween 18 and 59 years old
Income ThresholdMust earn less than R624 per month
CitizenshipSouth African citizen or permanent resident
Application MethodOnline 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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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:

WhatsApp

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.

WhatsApp

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

Read our full guide on the BIS grant and what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the SRD R370 grant?
You can only apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za. No in-person applications are accepted. You will need your South African ID number, a cellphone number, and banking details or a preferred payment method.
What is the income limit for the SRD grant in 2026?
Your total monthly income must be below R624 per month. SASSA verifies this against UIF, NSFAS, and other government databases. Any income above this threshold will disqualify you.
How long has the SRD grant been extended?
The SRD grant has been extended until 31 March 2027. After this date, government plans to transition to the Basic Income Support (BIS) grant, though final details are still being finalised.
How do I check my SRD grant status?
Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and click on 'Check Status'. Enter your ID number and the cellphone number you used during application. You can also dial *134*7737# on your mobile phone.
Why was my SRD application declined?
Common reasons include earning above R624/month, receiving another social grant, receiving UIF or NSFAS funding, failing identity verification, or bank account verification issues. You can appeal a declined application within 90 days.

Related Grants

Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for one of these SASSA grants: