The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant provides financial support to South Africans who are unemployed and in urgent need.
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In 2026, the SRD grant amount is R370 per month.
Many students wonder if they can receive both the SRD grant from SASSA and NSFAS funding for their studies at the same time.
Understanding the rules around eligibility, income limits, and funding overlap is important to avoid application problems.
What Is the SRD Grant R370?
The SRD grant is a monthly payment for unemployed South Africans who do not receive any other form of social grant or unemployment insurance.
It is managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and aims to provide temporary relief for basic living costs.
The grant amount was set at R370 per month in 2026, and applications are open to eligible citizens or permanent residents.
Who Can Apply for the SRD Grant?
To qualify for the SRD grant, you must be 18 years or older, a South African citizen or permanent resident, and not receiving any other government grant or UIF payment.
Applicants must have a valid South African ID and a bank account or alternative payment option approved by SASSA.
Students receiving full NSFAS funding may be affected, depending on their financial status.
Can You Receive NSFAS and the SRD Grant Together?
Receiving both NSFAS funding and the SRD grant depends on your income and circumstances.
NSFAS assesses household income and grants financial aid based on need.
The SRD grant requires applicants to have no other significant source of income.
In most cases, full-time students funded by NSFAS may not qualify for the SRD grant because they already receive financial support.
Partial NSFAS funding or unpaid bursaries may still allow eligibility, but students must declare all income during the SASSA application.
How Does Income Affect Eligibility?
Both NSFAS and the SRD grant assess income.
NSFAS calculates funding based on household earnings, while SASSA considers any income, including financial aid, when determining SRD grant eligibility.
Students must provide accurate information to avoid disqualification or legal consequences.
Misreporting income can lead to grant recovery or application rejection.
Can You Appeal If Declined?
If your SRD grant application is declined due to receiving NSFAS funding, you may appeal or provide additional evidence.
Appeals are submitted through the SASSA SRD portal, explaining your circumstances and demonstrating financial need.
NSFAS funding status must be disclosed, and SASSA will make a final decision based on your eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for Both Safely?
To apply for NSFAS and SASSA without issues, complete each application accurately.
For NSFAS, submit all required documents, including proof of household income.
For SASSA, declare all sources of financial support.
Students must follow official portals: myNSFAS portal and the SASSA SRD portal. Ensuring transparency prevents conflicts between applications.
What Happens if You Receive Both by Mistake?
If a student receives both NSFAS and the SRD grant incorrectly, SASSA may request repayment of the SRD grant.
Similarly, NSFAS may review funding if income information changes.
It is critical to maintain accurate records and report any changes in financial status to both agencies promptly to avoid legal or financial penalties.
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