Millions of South Africans receiving the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant can now prepare, after SASSA confirmed that February 2026 payments will be made between 20 February and 25 February 2026.
For many beneficiaries, the grant remains a lifeline used to buy food, electricity, and basic household essentials.
But alongside the payment confirmation, government has issued an important notice that could affect the future of the grant.
New rule changes are now open for public comment, and stricter reviews are already underway.
These developments form part of broader reforms announced earlier this year to strengthen social support and prevent fraud, as explained in this overview of government’s new SASSA grant reform plan and future income support explained.
Confirmed February 2026 SRD payment dates
SASSA confirmed that SRD grant payments for February will be released between:
20 February and 25 February 2026
Unlike permanent grants, SRD payments are processed later in the month because every beneficiary must first pass monthly verification checks.
These checks confirm that recipients still qualify and have no alternative income sources.
The same structured payment and verification system applies across all social grants, as explained in this guide outlining the full breakdown of SASSA payment dates, verification and grant rollout process.
Beneficiaries are advised to wait for payment confirmation before attempting withdrawals.
Warning: stricter grant reviews already affecting beneficiaries
SASSA has increased grant reviews to ensure only qualifying individuals receive payments.
These reviews check income records, bank activity, and employment status.
Some grants have already been suspended where beneficiaries failed to respond or no longer qualified.
This detailed guide explains why SASSA grant reviews are increasing and how beneficiaries can avoid suspension.
Beneficiaries who ignore review requests risk:
- Payment delays
- Temporary suspension
- Permanent cancellation
Keeping personal details updated is now more important than ever.
Government invites public comment on SRD rule changes
Government is now asking the public to comment on proposed amendments to SRD grant regulations.
These changes could affect:
- Who qualifies for the grant
- How eligibility is verified
- Approval and review processes
- Future structure of income support
Members of the public can submit comments by email:
Or submit through official channels here:
Official SRD regulation amendment notice and submission details
Public comments must be submitted within 21 days of publication.
Government says public input will help shape the future of social grants in South Africa.
Who qualifies for the SRD grant in 2026
SASSA has reminded beneficiaries that the SRD grant is for individuals with little or no income.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Live in South Africa
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder
- Have insufficient income
- Not receive another personal grant
- Not live in a government-funded institution
Eligibility is checked monthly to confirm continued qualification.
Important: respond to SASSA verification messages
SASSA has warned beneficiaries to respond immediately to verification requests.
Failure to respond could result in payments being delayed or stopped.
Beneficiaries needing help can access official support here:
SASSA head office and regional contact details
Keeping contact and banking information updated helps avoid disruptions.
Bigger changes coming to South Africa’s grant system
Government has confirmed that broader reforms are being developed to modernise social support systems.
These reforms aim to:
- Improve fraud detection
- Strengthen verification systems
- Protect vulnerable beneficiaries
- Build a more sustainable income support system
The SRD grant remains a key part of South Africa’s social protection system while long-term solutions are developed.
