SASSA SRD R370 Grant – Status, Application & Eligibility

The SRD Grant, also known as the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, is a temporary grant introduced by the South African government in 2020 to provide financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With millions of South Africans losing jobs and income due to lockdown regulations, the SRD Grant aims to help those with insufficient means to meet their basic needs.

Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the SRD Grant.

What is the SASSA SRD Grant?

• The official name is Social Relief of Distress Grant. Also called SRD Grant or R370 (previously R350) Grant.
• Temporary monthly payment of R370 (previously R350) cash to assist unemployed individuals with no other income source.
• Introduced in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Has been repeatedly extended.
• Administered and paid out by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
• As of April 2024, over 8 million South Africans are SRD grant recipients.

Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for the SRD Grant

To qualify for the R370 (previously R350) SRD grant, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/asylum seeker with valid papers.
• Currently unemployed or not receiving any income.
• Not receiving any social grant, UIF payment, NSFAS stipend, or other government financial support.
• Not a resident in a government-funded or subsidized institution.
• Not cared for in a state institution.
• Passes means test showing no other household income sources.
• 18 years or older, but younger applicants with dependents can apply.
• Available to applicants whether or not they previously qualified for UIF.
• Recipients can reapply for additional 3-month extensions if they remain eligible.

How to Apply for the SRD Social Relief Grant

Eligible individuals can apply for the temporary SRD grant in two ways:

Online Application

• Visit the SASSA SRD website.
• Fill in all required personal, contact, and banking details in the online application form.
• Upload or take photos of your ID, selfie photo, and other supporting documents.
• Submit the completed form online for processing.

In-Person Application

• Visit your nearest SASSA office. Request an SRD grant application form.
• Complete the paper application in full and submit it with copies of your ID, birth certificate, etc.
• SASSA officials will capture your details and process the application.
• Return at a later date to check the status of your SRD application.

Note that applicants must provide their own valid personal details. Do not use another person’s ID number or mobile number as this constitutes fraud.

How Much is the SRD Grant Amount?

The monthly SRD grant amount is a set value of R370 (previously R350) per successful applicant. This value has remained fixed since the grant’s introduction.

All approved SRD grant recipients receive the same R370 (previously R350) amount each month. There is no variation in the grant amount paid out based on individual circumstances.

The R370 (previously R350) value is the same countrywide and does not vary between provinces or areas.

Where and How the SRD Grant is Paid Out

There are two main ways recipients can access their approved SRD grant funds each month:

Bank Account Direct Deposit

• Applicants can provide their own personal bank account details when they apply.
• SASSA will then deposit the R370 (previously R350) directly into this bank account on payment day each month.
• Provides secure access to funds from any location via ATMs, bank transfers, etc.

Check More: Withdraw SASSA Grant by Bank Account

Cash Collection

• Recipients can opt to collect their SRD grant in cash each month from designated pay points:
• Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, and USave stores
• Select Spar outlets
• SASSA pay points
• Local post offices
• The recipient receives an SMS notification with the date and outlet when funds are available.
• Bring your ID and cell number to the pay point, provide details, and collect R370 (previously R350) cash.

SRD Grant Payment Dates

• SRD grants are not paid on a fixed monthly calendar date like other SASSA grants.
• Payment dates vary depending on when an application is approved and entered into the payment processing system.
• Each recipient receives an SMS notification when their R370 (previously R350) grant for that month is available for collection.
• The grant must be collected within 3 months of approval before the funds expire.
• Future grant payments remain uncertain beyond March 2023 as the government continues to review the continuation of the SRD grant on a month-to-month basis.

Check More: SASSA Payment Dates 2024

How to Check SRD Grant Application Status

Applicants can check their R370 (previously R350) grant application status using the following options:

• Enter Your ID Number and Phone Number online in SASSA Status Checker to find your application status

or

• Call the SASSA Call Centre line to enquire about the grant application status and payment details.

or

• Visit the local SASSA office where the SRD application was submitted to request an update.

How Long the SRD Grant lasts

The SRD grant is only supposed to provide short-term temporary relief. Key points:

• The initial introduction in May 2020 was for a 6 month period until October 2020.
• Has been repeatedly extended in 3 to 6-month intervals by the cabinet as the COVID-19 crisis continued.
• The current extension runs until the end of March 2024. Uncertainty whether the grant will be extended again.
• Individuals have to reapply before their grant lapses, pending extension approvals.
• Recipients only get paid for months approved. No backward pay if grants are interrupted.

Reasons an SRD Grant May Be Declined

Not all SRD grant applications automatically get approved. Here are some reasons an application may be declined by SASSA:

• Applicant already receiving another social grant like Child Support, Pension, etc.
• The applicant is still employed or has other sources of income.
• The applicant does not pass the means test for the low household income threshold.
• Applicant fails to provide necessary supporting documents proving eligibility.
• The applicant used an incorrect ID number or mobile number belonging to someone else.
• Details provided cannot be authenticated and validated by SASSA.
• Grants have reached maximum allocation limits and the budget is depleted.

If your SRD application is rejected, you can lodge an appeal with supporting documents to have your case re-evaluated.

Check More: SASSA Status Declined

How to Appeal a Rejected SRD Grant Application

Here is the appeal process if your SRD grant application is rejected:

• Visit your nearest SASSA office and obtain an Appeals Form.
• Indicate the reason provided for your grant being rejected.
• Give detailed explanations and attach documentation proving grounds for appeal.
• Submit the completed Appeals Form along with certified copies of all supporting documents either online or at the SASSA office.
• A SASSA appeal panel will re-evaluate your application based on the new evidence provided.
• You will receive an SMS informing you of the appeal outcome.
• If an appeal is successful, your grant will start processing immediately.

Lodging an appeal is essential to have a rejected SRD grant application reconsidered if you still meet the eligibility criteria.

Check More: Submit SASSA Appeal After Rejection

Reporting SRD Grant Fraud

It is illegal to provide false or inaccurate information on grant applications or for ineligible individuals to claim SRD grants. To report suspected SRD grant corruption and fraud, contact:

• SASSA toll-free fraud hotline: 0800 601 011
• National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701

Information provided will be investigated by SASSA and law enforcement and all due legal processes followed with the perpetrators.

Caring for SRD Grant Funds

Here are some tips recipients should follow to properly manage and care for the SRD grant funds:

• Treat the money with extreme care as if it is your own hard-earned cash. Avoid wasting funds on non-essentials.
• Prioritize spending the grant on important monthly basics like food, utilities, transport, school fees, and medicines.
• Avoid withdrawing the full R370 (previously R350) amount at once. Rather withdraw smaller amounts as needed each week/month.
• Keep grant collection SMS and cash withdrawal receipts as proof of payment.
• Never give your SASSA card PIN to anyone else. Report stolen cards immediately.
• If possible, save or invest a portion of the funds to generate future income.

FAQs about SASSA SRD R370 Grant

Conclusion

The SRD grant provides vital short-term financial relief to individuals badly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Follow all rules and application steps carefully to give yourself the best chance of qualifying for this essential grant.