SRD Grant Early March 2025 Payment Dates Confirmed
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that the final Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments for the 2024/2025 financial year will be processed earlier than usual, with funds reflecting in beneficiaries’ accounts between March 26 and 29, 2025.
Key details:
- Start of payment processing–date: March 20, 2025.
- Payment dates: March 26-29: Payments may take 2-3 working days to reflect in bank accounts.
- Check your status: Visit the SASSA SRD portal here for your exact payment date.
“We will start processing payments from the 20th, with money reflecting in clients’ accounts on 26, 27, 28, and 29 March,” confirmed SASSA spokesperson Andile Tshona.
SRD Grant Extended to 2026: What You Need to Know
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R35.2 billion allocation in the 2025 Budget Speech to extend the SRD grant until March 31, 2026, maintaining the monthly payout at R370. The grant supports over 8 million South Africans, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Future plans:
- The SRD grant will serve as the foundation for a Basic Income Grant (BIG).
- A policy review by September 2025 will determine the grant’s future structure.
- The Department of Social Development (DSD) aims to submit a draft BIG policy to Parliament by 2025/2026.
How to appeal a rejected SRD grant Application
If your SRD application was rejected, you can appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Follow these steps:
- Eligibility check:
- Applied via SASSA’s electronic platform.
- Received a rejection notice.
- Disagree with the decision.
- Timeframe:
- Lodge your appeal within 30 days (up to 90 days permitted).
- Update Information:
- Verify details on the SASSA SRD Appeal platform.
- You can also update ypur information (email or cellphone number) here if needed.
- Submit appeal:
- Accept the Declaration and Consent clauses.
- Click “Submit” and await confirmation.
- Note:
- Submit separate appeals for each rejected month.
- Outcome communicated within 60–90 days.
Contact ITSAA:
- Tel: 012 312 7727 | Email: grantappeals@dsd.gov.za
- Fax: 086 534 3124 / 086 216 371
Who qualifies for the SRD grant?
Eligibility Criteria:
- South African citizens, permanent residents, or special permit holders.
- Aged 18–59 and unemployed.
- Bank balance below R624 monthly.
- Not receiving UIF, NSFAS, or other grants.
New applications:
- Apply via the Sassa SRD portal (click “Apply Online”).
- A a fool proof mechanism for all 8 SASSA social grants payment disbursement, Biometric verification is mandatory for new SRD grant applicants to combat fraud.
How to check your SRD grant status
- Online: Visit the SRD portal.
- Phone: Dial 0800 601 011 and provide your ID number.
Sassa’s biometric verification crackdown
New applicants must complete biometric checks to confirm identity. Existing beneficiaries need only update details if encountering issues. For help:
- Call: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
Looking ahead: SRD grant and basic income grant
The SRD grant’s extension signals its role in South Africa’s social safety net, alongside other critical SASSA grants, including Older Persons and Child Support grants. These programs collectively aim to cushion vulnerable groups amid ongoing economic challenges.
“The SRD will form the basis of income support for the unemployed,” Godongwana stated, underscoring its importance amid rising unemployment.
Contact Sassa for Queries
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
- Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
- Head Office: 012 400 2322
