As the South African government strengthens oversight of its social welfare system, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant continues to provide essential support to the country’s most vulnerable.
Amid efforts to tackle fraud, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has introduced updated requirements and implemented a sweeping review process to verify beneficiaries’ eligibility, ensuring that funds go where they’re truly needed.
“We are undertaking this review to ensure that the right people continue to benefit, and that public funds are protected from fraud and abuse,” a SASSA spokesperson confirmed.
Latest development: Nationwide review to prevent fraud
SASSA has intensified its fraud detection and prevention efforts by launching a comprehensive review of all grant beneficiaries. This includes:
- Income verification
- Cross-referencing applicant data with institutions such as credit bureaus, banks, and government databases
This approach aims to identify ineligible recipients and stop fraudulent claims, ultimately preserving public trust and ensuring the system remains sustainable.
However, beneficiaries may experience delays in grant payments as a result of these intensified checks.
🔗 Read about who’s affected and what to do
Why the SRD Grant was established
The SRD Grant was introduced in 2020 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to support millions left jobless or financially distressed. Originally set at R350, it has since been increased to R370 in 2025.
More than just emergency aid, the SRD grant has empowered recipients to pursue new opportunities and promote economic inclusion.
Real-life impact: From struggle to sustainability
- Sonto Sithole, from Dawn Park, Gauteng, used her R350 SRD grant at the time to start a baking business, supporting her extended family in QwaQwa, Free State.
“I wanted to create longevity with this grant, and I am glad I started.”
🔗 Read her inspiring story
- Nicky Jafta, from Denova, Stellenbosch, started a vegetable farming venture during the pandemic using his SRD funds.
🎧 Listen to CapeTalk’s interview with him
Updated: 8 key requirements for SASSA SRD Grant approval (2025)
- Citizenship & residency
Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, or special permit holders living in South Africa. - Age range
To qualify, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 59 with little or no income. Individuals 60 years and older qualify for the Old Age Grant. - Means test
A test for SRD Grant differs from other SASSA grants. It evaluates the income and assets of the applicants and their spouse, it is conducted on applicants to assess their household financial vulnerability. This ensures the grant effectively reaches those with limited financial resources. - Unemployment & no income
Applicants must be unemployed and not receiving any other income or support. If employed, the applicant must earn less than R624 per month. - No UIF or other social grants
Applicants cannot receive UIF benefits or any other SASSA grant at the time of application, including NSFAS funding, as it already provides financial support for education. - Not living in a state-funded institution
A key rule ofvthe SRD Grant is that applicants cannot be a residents of a government-funded or subsidised institution. This includes state-run old age homes, prisons, or other care facilities are. - Valid documentation required
- Valid South African ID or refugee/asylum seeker permit
- Proof of residence
- Financial documentation (such as bank statements)
- Medical documents (if claiming based on temporary disability)
- Valid contact info & bank account
Applicants must have:- A registered cellphone number
- A valid email address
- An active bank account in their own name
“If the verification of the above mentioned requirements not yet finalised the status will state pending. When the applicants successfully passed all verification, SASSA will approve the application and the status will be updated to approve,” the Agency said.
📎 Applications: Apply online at srd.sassa.gov.za or visit your nearest SASSA office
📞 Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
🔧 Update your details here
Why these criteria exist
Eligibility rules are critical to ensuring:
- Funds go to those who need it most
- Taxpayer money is not misused
- Fraud is minimised
- Temporary aid doesn’t lead to long-term dependence
📘 Read SASSA’s official grant guide
Payment delays and Human Rights oversight: What’s happening and why it matters
Why are SRD Grant payments delayed?
The increased delays in SRD Grant payments in 2025 can largely be attributed to SASSA’s intensified review process aimed at curbing fraud and ensuring only eligible individuals receive assistance.
As part of this review:
- Income verification is performed to determine if an applicant truly has no other source of financial support.
- Data cross-referencing is conducted with institutions like credit bureaus, banks, and government departments.
- Banking detail verifications and system syncing issues can further slow processing.
While these steps are essential for maintaining the integrity of the system, they have led to delays in grant approvals and monthly disbursements, leaving many vulnerable citizens in limbo.
🔗 Full breakdown of who’s affected and what to do
Human Rights Commission raises concerns
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has voiced serious concern over these delays and the potential violation of beneficiaries’ constitutional rights — particularly the right to social security and basic human dignity.
“While we understand the importance of rooting out fraud, the delay or suspension of grants without clear communication or proper appeal processes can amount to an infringement on the rights of the vulnerable,” the Commission stated.
The SAHRC has called on SASSA to:
- Increase transparency in how reviews are conducted
- Provide timely updates to beneficiaries
- Offer recourse mechanisms for those incorrectly flagged or disqualified
🔗 Read full coverage: Human Rights Body Demands Answers
Impact on beneficiaries
For many grant recipients, the SRD is their only source of income. Delays in receiving it, even for one month, can result in:
- Missed rent or electricity payments
- Food insecurity
- Inability to afford essential medication or transport
- Emotional and mental distress
This is particularly dire for individuals who depend on the grant to support children, elderly parents, or extended family members in rural areas.
What beneficiaries can do
If you’re experiencing delays, SASSA advises the following steps:
- Check your application status regularly at srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Ensure your personal and banking details are up to date
Update details here - Follow SASSA’s payment calendar
See confirmed August 2025 payment dates - Act immediately if flagged or declined
🔗 4 Urgent Actions to Clear Payment Delays
The balance between security and compassion
SASSA faces the complex task of balancing fraud prevention with upholding the dignity and rights of beneficiaries. While verification is essential to stop misuse, systemic bottlenecks and poor communication have left many deserving applicants stranded.
As oversight from the SAHRC and other watchdogs continues, it’s hoped that:
- Beneficiaries will receive timely, fair treatment
- Review systems will become more efficient
- Delays will be reduced
