SRD Grant Increased By SASSA 2025: The Social Relief of Distress Grant was announced to receive a much-needed increase from R370 to R400 a month by South African Social Security Agency; pay-outs will start in August 2025.
Why Has It Increased?
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, in the National Budget, had confirmed that the grant will continue until March 2026, with major enhancements for economic relief. The increase complements efforts undertaken by the government to provide a reliable financial lifeline to unemployed citizens and those battling rising costs of essentials.
New SRD Grant Payment Schedule
Starting August 2025, qualifying SRD payment of R370 will go up into R400. SASSA performs staggered payments in which days are in the usual order. SRDs are traditionally released on Thursdays along with Child Support and Foster Care Grants on the third day of the cycle. Older persons and disability grant paydays begin earlier in the week. But SRD applicants should look out for notifications on the third or fourth day of each grant cycle.
Who Qualifies For The Increased Grant?
Applicants must mostly fill out the same conditions:
- Applicants should be unemployed, from 18 years to 59 years old, and should not be receiving any other SASSA grant, UIF, NSFAS, or similar social benefits.
- Applicants consenting during any of the past cycles will be approved for the increase, unless such person’s eligibility has since changed, or they have failed verification requirements.
SASSA will also be ramping up monthly income checks on all beneficiaries using bank data and SARS info, in order to maintain transparency within the system. Beneficiaries who ignore such verification notices will risk being temporarily barred from receiving their SRD payment.
What This Means For You
That extra R30 a month may appear rather modest, but for the unemployed, it certainly aids in buying a few groceries, topping up airtime, or paying utility bills. Together with the approved extension forced through March 2026, these changes shine hope onto and serve as a firm support structure for over four million individuals on the SRD list.
Need To Know, And Next Steps
- Applicants applying for the first time should do so through the official SASSA SRD portal or mobile app and ensure the accurate import, i.e., ID, proof of residence, and banking details.
- There is no need for beneficiaries to reapply; however, if anyone receives an SMS or letter asking for verification, it must be replied to within that timeframe so as not to experience a delay in payment.
- In the third or fourth week of August, keep an eye on your bank accounts or SASSA payout card for deposits of R400. Should this not hit your account, confirm your status online or call the SASSA toll-free line on 0800 60 10 11.
Also Read: SASSA Old Age Grant September 2025: Payment Dates, Amounts And How To Claim