The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced the payment schedule for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for March 2025.
This grant, amounting to R370 per month, serves as vital financial assistance to approximately eight million South Africans, including refugees and asylum seekers.
Notably, the SRD grant has been extended until 31 March 2026, following a R35.2 billion allocation by the Treasury.
March 2025 SRD Grant Payment Schedule
SASSA has outlined that SRD grant payments for March 2025 will be processed from 26 to 28 March 2025. Beneficiaries should note that it may take two to three working days for the funds to reflect in their bank accounts after processing.
How to Verify Your Payment Status
To ascertain the exact date when the grant will be credited to individual bank accounts, beneficiaries are advised to check their status on the official SASSA SRD website during the payment week.
Eligibility Criteria for the SRD Grant
Applications for new beneficiaries to receive the SRD grant in April 2025 are currently open. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency Status: Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or hold a special permit.
- Age Requirement: Between 18 and 59 years old.
- Employment Status: Unemployed and not receiving any form of income.
- Income Threshold: Monthly income should not exceed R624.
- Other Government Support: Should not be receiving other government support such as Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries, or other social grants.
Application Process for the SRD Grant
Eligible individuals can apply for the SRD grant by following these steps:
- Online Application: Visit the SASSA website and click on the “Click here to apply online” section.
- Mobile Verification: Enter your mobile number, click “Send SMS,” and input the one-time pin (OTP) sent to your phone for verification.
- Completion: Follow the prompts to complete your application.
Biometric Verification for New Applicants
To combat fraud, SASSA has implemented a biometric verification system. New SRD grant applicants are required to complete biometric verification as a mandatory step before approval.
Existing beneficiaries of other SASSA grants are exempt from this process unless they encounter issues with their grant application.
Foundation for Basic Income Support
In his Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana indicated that the SRD grant will serve as a basis for introducing a sustainable form of income support for unemployed individuals.
A review of active labour market programmes is expected to be completed by September 2025 to determine the future structure of the SRD grant.
The Department of Social Development aims to submit a draft policy to parliament in the 2025/2026 financial year regarding the implementation of a Basic Income Grant.
FAQs
What are the payment dates for the March 2025 SRD grant?
Payments will be processed from 26 to 28 March 2025, with funds reflecting in beneficiaries’ accounts within two to three working days after processing.
How can I check the status of my SRD grant application?
You can check your application status by visiting the SASSA SRD website and entering your ID number and mobile number.
What should I do if I haven’t received my SRD grant payment?
If you haven’t received your payment within the expected timeframe, contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11 for assistance.