Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To qualify for the SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee/asylum seeker with a valid permit.(SASSA Status Check, SASSA Information Portal)
- Be between 18 and 59/60 years old (most sources say up to 59; some say to 60).(SASSA Status Check)
- Unemployed or earning less than R624 per month, with a bank balance below that threshold.(Careers Portal)
- Not receiving any other SASSA social grant, UIF benefits, or NSFAS bursary.(SASSA Status Check)
- Provide valid ID or asylum permit, and an active cellphone number in your name.(SASSA Status Check)
How to Apply (Choose One Method Only)
You only need to apply once—using multiple methods won’t make your application faster.(Silicon Africa)
1. Online via Official Portal
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za → select “Apply for SRD Grant”.(SASSA Status Check)
- Enter your cellphone number, receive an OTP, and verify it.(SASSA Status Check)
- Complete the form: ID number, name, address, employment/income status, banking or payment-choice.
- Accept the declaration and consent to allow SASSA to verify your details.(SASSA Status Check)
- Submit and wait for confirmation via SMS with your reference number.(Gauteng)
2. WhatsApp Application
- Save the SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
- Open chat and send “SRD”, then follow prompts to enter your ID, phone number, banking details, etc.(srd-sassa.org, Gauteng News)
3. USSD Application (No internet required)
- Dial *134*7737# on your mobile.
- Follow on-screen prompts to enter your ID number, phone number, and banking information.(Gauteng News)
Payment Options
Once approved:
- Receive R370 (or current amount) via bank transfer (if you provided bank details),
- Or collect cash from retail outlets like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, or the Post Office.(Careers Portal)
- Payments are scheduled monthly—e.g., late February payment window was 24–28 Feb 2025.(Swachhata Hi Seva)
Renewal & Verification
- Yes, you must reapply each month—even if previously approved. SASSA performs monthly eligibility checks.(sassaloans.co.za)
- If you begin earning above the threshold or start receiving other support, you may become ineligible.
What If Your Application Is Declined?
- You have 30 days to file an appeal via the SRD portal.(Gauteng, sassaloans.co.za)
- Appeals are processed promptly—SASSA may request additional documentation, and outcomes are communicated via SMS or email.(sassaloans.co.za, smart-kiddo.com)
Be Aware of Common Issues & Scams
- Many report phone scams where fraudsters register your number to attempt withdrawals. Never approve unexpected SMS prompts—they often indicate identity misuse.(Reddit)
- If someone claims to have mistakenly used your phone number for SASSA, immediately contact SASSA or go to a branch to report the issue.(Reddit)
- Avoid sending documents via ZIP email attachments—they are often not accepted.(Reddit)
Quick Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| ✔️ | Meet eligibility (ID, age, income, no other grants or UIF/NSFAS) |
| ✔️ | Gather your ID/passport number, phone number, and optionally banking details |
| ✔️ | Choose ONE application channel (Online / WhatsApp / USSD) |
| ✔️ | Verify SMS OTP if applying online |
| ✔️ | Complete application accurately and submit |
| ✔️ | Keep your reference number and check status via SMS or portal |
| ✔️ | Apply monthly if still eligible |
| ✔️ | Submit an appeal within 30 days if declined |
Step-by-Step Demo
SASSA Boosts SRD Grant to R400! Full Payment Schedule & Eligibility Explained
This video explains the 2025 application process, payment changes, and how the grant increase works.
Let me know if you’d like help checking your application status or preparing an appeal—I’m happy to assist!
Here’s your updated, verified guide on how to apply for the SASSA SRD Grant in 2025:
Eligibility Criteria (2025)
To qualify for the SRD (Social Relief of Distress) Grant, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee/asylum seeker with a valid permit.(SASSA Status Check, SASSA Information Portal)
- Be between 18 and 59/60 years old (most sources say up to 59; some say to 60).(SASSA Status Check)
- Unemployed or earning less than R624 per month, with a bank balance below that threshold.(Careers Portal)
- Not receiving any other SASSA social grant, UIF benefits, or NSFAS bursary.(SASSA Status Check)
- Provide valid ID or asylum permit, and an active cellphone number in your name.(SASSA Status Check)
How to Apply (Choose One Method Only)
You only need to apply once—using multiple methods won’t make your application faster.(Silicon Africa)
1. Online via Official Portal
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za → select “Apply for SRD Grant”.(SASSA Status Check)
- Enter your cellphone number, receive an OTP, and verify it.(SASSA Status Check)
- Complete the form: ID number, name, address, employment/income status, banking or payment-choice.
- Accept the declaration and consent to allow SASSA to verify your details.(SASSA Status Check)
- Submit and wait for confirmation via SMS with your reference number.(Gauteng)
2. WhatsApp Application
- Save the SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
- Open chat and send “SRD”, then follow prompts to enter your ID, phone number, banking details, etc.(srd-sassa.org, Gauteng News)
3. USSD Application (No internet required)
- Dial *134*7737# on your mobile.
- Follow on-screen prompts to enter your ID number, phone number, and banking information.(Gauteng News)
Payment Options
Once approved:
- Receive R370 (or current amount) via bank transfer (if you provided bank details),
- Or collect cash from retail outlets like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, or the Post Office.(Careers Portal)
- Payments are scheduled monthly—e.g., late February payment window was 24–28 Feb 2025.(Swachhata Hi Seva)
Renewal & Verification
- Yes, you must reapply each month—even if previously approved. SASSA performs monthly eligibility checks.(sassaloans.co.za)
- If you begin earning above the threshold or start receiving other support, you may become ineligible.
What If Your Application Is Declined?
- You have 30 days to file an appeal via the SRD portal.(Gauteng, sassaloans.co.za)
- Appeals are processed promptly—SASSA may request additional documentation, and outcomes are communicated via SMS or email.(sassaloans.co.za, smart-kiddo.com)
Be Aware of Common Issues & Scams
- Many report phone scams where fraudsters register your number to attempt withdrawals. Never approve unexpected SMS prompts—they often indicate identity misuse.(Reddit)
- If someone claims to have mistakenly used your phone number for SASSA, immediately contact SASSA or go to a branch to report the issue.(Reddit)
- Avoid sending documents via ZIP email attachments—they are often not accepted.(Reddit)
Quick Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Meet eligibility (ID, age, income, no other grants or UIF/NSFAS) | |
| Gather your ID/passport number, phone number, and optionally banking details | |
| Choose ONE application channel (Online / WhatsApp / USSD) | |
| Verify SMS OTP if applying online | |
| Complete application accurately and submit | |
| Keep your reference number and check status via SMS or portal | |
| Apply monthly if still eligible | |
| Submit an appeal within 30 days if declined |
🎥 Step-by-Step Demo
SASSA Boosts SRD Grant to R400! Full Payment Schedule & Eligibility Explained
This video explains the 2025 application process, payment changes, and how the grant increase works.
Let me know if you’d like help checking your application status or preparing an appeal—I’m happy to assist!
