The R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), is a major source of financial support for many South Africans.
As the cost of living continues to rise, questions regarding a potential increase in the grant amount are a constant concern.
What is the R350 SASSA Grant?
The R350 SRD grant was introduced as a temporary measure to assist unemployed South Africans experiencing financial difficulties.
The grant is intended to provide basic support for living expenses such as food and utilities.
It’s important to understand the eligibility criteria for the R350 grant. To qualify, applicants must be:
- South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Between the ages of 18 and 60 years old.
- Unemployed and not receiving any other social grants from SASSA (with some exceptions).
- Not receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments.
About the R350 SASSA Grant Increase
The South African government has acknowledged the rising cost of living and the pressure it places on SASSA grant recipients.
In the 2024 national budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced increases for various SASSA grants, including those for pensioners, child support, and disability.
However, there was no confirmation of an increase for the R350 SRD grant specifically.
While there is currently no confirmed increase for the R350 grant, discussions and debates regarding its future remain ongoing.
Here are some resources to help you stay informed about any potential changes:
- SASSA website: The official SASSA website (https://srd.sassa.gov.za/) is the most reliable source for official announcements and updates regarding SASSA grants, including the R350 SRD grant.
- South African news outlets: Keep an eye on reputable South African news websites and publications for the latest developments on the R350 grant.
- Government communication channels: Follow the South African government’s official communication channels, such as social media accounts, for any official announcements related to social grants.
We recommend checking these resources periodically to stay updated on any news regarding the R350 SASSA grant increase.