The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced significant changes to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system for 2025. This includes an increase of the monthly grant to R370 and a streamlined, more accessible application process. These changes aim to provide better support to South Africans facing financial hardship while ensuring the grant reaches those most in need.
Key Changes in the SRD Grant for 2025
- Grant Amount Increased: The SRD grant, initially introduced as a temporary COVID-19 relief measure at R350 per month, has been increased to R370 per month. This amount will continue to be paid out until March 2026, as confirmed in the 2025 National Budget.
- Extended Duration: The grant, previously approved on a temporary basis, will now run until at least the end of March 2026, providing continued assistance for vulnerable individuals.
- Simplified Application Process: Applicants no longer need to answer exhaustive questions about how they support themselves. The revised application form now requests only basic details: name, ID number, contact information, and consent for SASSA to access banking and income data. Monthly income and circumstantial checks will be performed automatically using secure government and banking databases, minimizing paperwork and manual verifications.
Revised Application Process
Anyone wishing to apply for the SRD R370 grant in 2025 will follow this updated process:
- Eligibility Check:
- Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, or special permit holders (from Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Angola).
- Age must be between 18–59 years.
- Applicants should not be employed or receiving other social grants, unemployment insurance, or National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. They must not be cared for in a state institution.
- Applicants must pass SASSA’s means test, which now checks declared income and assets.
- Application Methods:
- Applications can be made online via the SASSA SRD portal or in person at regional SASSA offices nationwide.
- Reapplication is encouraged for those whose circumstances have changed or whose grants were previously declined.
- Verification:
- SASSA performs monthly identity and financial status checks, including verification through the Department of Home Affairs and banking records.
- If an applicant’s situation changes (e.g., employment or income increases), the grant may be suspended or ceased.
- Notification & Payment:
- Successful applicants are notified via SMS or email.
- Grants are paid directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts or via SASSA’s secure card system.
- Payment dates for the SRD grant are randomized and typically fall in the last week of each month (after the main social grant payment cycle).
SASSA Grant Payment Schedule July–August 2025
| Grant Type | July Payment Date | August Payment Date | Amount (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Older Persons Grant | 2 July 2025 | 5 August 2025 | R2,310–R2,330 |
| Disability Grant | 3 July 2025 | 6 August 2025 | R2,310 |
| Child Support Grant | 4 July 2025 | 7 August 2025 | R560 |
| Foster Child Grant | 4 July 2025 | 7 August 2025 | R1,250 |
| SRD (R370) Grant | 24–31 July 2025 | 24–31 August 2025* | R370 |
*SRD grant payment dates vary and are confirmed individually after approval.
Appeals and Reapplication
- If an application is declined, the applicant has 30–90 days to appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
- The appeals process is handled via the SASSA appeals website, and applicants are advised to check their status regularly.
Additional Grant Increases in 2025
Alongside the SRD grant, all major SASSA grants saw increases in April 2025 to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation and rising costs of living. For example, the Child Support Grant rose by R30, Foster Care Grant by R70, and the Disability and Older Persons grants by R120.
Important Reminders
- Always check your payment status and ensure banking details are correct with SASSA to avoid delays.
- Do not visit payment centers or banks unless you have received payment confirmation.
- Stay updated through SASSA’s official channels to avoid scams and misinformation.
SASSA’s revised application and payment process for the SRD grant in 2025 shows the government’s commitment to a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive social assistance system, delivering much-needed support to millions of South Africans.
