The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that May 2025 SRD R370 payments will be processed from May 23 to May 28. While this news brings relief to millions of grant recipients, it comes with a critical reminder: check your status — even if you were approved last month or haven’t been flagged.
SASSA reviews over 15 million SRD applications every month, but only 7.5 to 8.5 million are approved for payment. Approval is not guaranteed from month to month. Beneficiaries can be flagged, dropped, or delayed for a variety of reasons — including new income detected in bank accounts, expired or outdated personal details, or ongoing identity verification.
As such, all clients “are encouraged to view their status on the SRD website for the exact date that payment will reflect into their bank accounts,” SASSA shared on Monday.
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Identity checks could delay your R370 grant — Even if you’ve been paid before
SASSA verifies over 15 million SRD applications monthly, with only 7.5 to 8.5 million successfully approved. The rest? Often delayed by issues like unverified banking details or failed identity checks.
“There is no shortcut,” warned SASSA spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Senzeni Ngubeni. “All beneficiaries who are required to go through this process must do so to avoid delays and disappointment of not receiving the grant.”
Thousands of SRD recipients are currently under rolling ID verification, a process triggered when SASSA detects discrepancies in personal or banking information. Anyone could be affected — even if you’ve received previous payments without issue.
To avoid grant delays, complete your verification steps within 72 hours of receiving an SMS from SASSA, or go directly to your nearest office.
Useful Link: SASSA Official SRD Portal — use this to check your payment status or update details.
Here’s how to check your SRD R370 Grant Status (with or without a phone)
1. Using a Smartphone or Computer:
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Scroll to “Check Your Status”
- Enter your ID number and cellphone number
- Click Submit
2. Using WhatsApp (Low Data Option):
- Save: 082 046 8553
- Send: “Hi”
- Follow the prompts
3. Call Centre (Toll-Free):
- Phone: 0800 60 10 11
- Have your ID or application reference ready
4. In-Person (No Phone/Data):
- Visit your local SASSA office
- Bring your ID
- Go early to avoid queues
SRD R370: More than just a grant
The SRD grant was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a temporary poverty relief tool. Initially set to end after six months, it has since been extended multiple times and was recently increased from R350 to R370.
Only South Africans earning less than R625 per month qualify, with monthly income checks done on bank accounts.
“The truth is, many South Africans still don’t know how to check their SASSA payment status properly, or they think they need a smartphone or data to do it. The good news? You don’t.” — Quan Dambuza, Pondoland Times
What to expect from May 21 Budget Speech
The much-anticipated National Budget Speech, rescheduled for May 21, could bring further clarity on the future of the SRD grant:
- Will it be increased?
- Could it be cut?
- Will it evolve into a permanent Basic Income Grant?
Millions are watching closely as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to answer these crucial questions.
Stay safe: Avoid scams and use official channels only
Ngubeni urges caution: “Beneficiaries who have this status must not panic but verify at their SASSA local offices or log in to the website.”
Never share personal details with strangers or unofficial platforms.
For official updates:
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Website: srd.sassa.gov.za
- Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
Final word
No matter how small, the SRD R370 grant remains a lifeline for unemployed youth and vulnerable South Africans. As May payments begin, ensure your status is verified — and don’t be the one caught unaware.
