VerifiedThe Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant pays R370 a month to unemployed adults with little or no income. It started in 2020 at R350, rose to R370 in April 2024, and has been extended to 31 March 2027. You apply once, online, and SASSA then assesses you every month.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are:
- aged 18 to 59
- a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee, or a holder of a special permit or asylum seeker permit that the SRD rules recognise
- living in South Africa
- receiving less than R624 a month in income, including money paid into your bank account
- not receiving another social grant for yourself, UIF payments or NSFAS funding
- not living in a state-funded institution such as a prison
The application, step by step
- Open srd.sassa.gov.za on a phone or computer. The application is free.
- Choose the option for South African ID holders, or the option for permit and asylum seeker holders.
- Enter your cellphone number. It must be registered in your own name, because SASSA sends your one-time PIN and all status updates to it.
- Enter the PIN, then your ID number, names and contact details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Accept the declaration and consent. This allows SASSA to check your details against Home Affairs, banks, SARS, UIF and other databases.
- Choose how you want to be paid: into your own bank account, or cash collected at a retailer.
- Submit and keep the confirmation you receive.
What happens after you apply
- Identity verification. New applicants may be asked to complete a biometric check, such as a selfie, to confirm they are who they say they are.
- The monthly means test. SASSA checks your income and bank account every month. Being approved in one month does not guarantee the next.
- Your status. Each month appears on srd.sassa.gov.za as pending, approved or declined. Approved months get a pay date later in the month.
If a month is declined, you have 90 days to appeal. See our SRD appeal guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need documents to apply for the SRD grant?
You do not upload documents for a normal application. SASSA verifies your ID number electronically with Home Affairs. You may be asked to complete a biometric identity check.
Can I apply for the SRD grant if I get a child support grant?
Yes. A child support grant is paid for the child, not for you, so it does not stop you from receiving the SRD grant yourself.
How much is the SRD grant now?
The SRD grant pays R370 a month. It rose from R350 in April 2024 and stayed at R370 in the 2026 Budget.