What Is the R370 SRD Grant and Why Your Status Matters
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a monthly payment administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to help unemployed adults who meet eligibility and means-testing criteria. As of 2025, the benefit is R370 per month. Keeping track of your SRD status ensures you know whether your application is approved, pending, or declined, and when funds are due once a month opens. SASSA typically publishes monthly payment schedules for each grant type; SRD payments are generally placed in the last week of the month after the 20th, but you should always check that month’s official update. (IOL)
Quick Summary (Vertical Table)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant |
| Monthly Amount (2025) | R370 (increased from the former R350) (BusinessTech) |
| Who Qualifies | Unemployed adults (18–60) who meet means-testing criteria and are not receiving other social grants or UIF |
| Typical Payment Window | Usually in the last week of each month after the 20th (exact days released monthly by SASSA). (IOL) |
| Official Status Check | https://srd.sassa.gov.za (Application status / appeals) (SASSA) |
| 082 046 8553 (official SASSA line for SRD services/updates) (Government of South Africa) | |
| Appeals Window | Appeal a decline within 30 to 90 days to the Independent Tribunal (ITSAA) via the official portal. (SASSA) |
Eligibility at a Glance
- South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee living in South Africa
- Aged 18 to 60
- Unemployed and not receiving another social grant or UIF
- Meets the applicable means test and verification checks
- Has a valid SA ID and a working mobile number for one-time pins and status alerts
(Confirm detailed, current criteria on the official site before applying.) (sassa.gov.za)
How to Do an R370 SRD Status Check (2025)
1) Online (Official Portal)
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Open the Application Status / Check Online option
- Enter your 13-digit SA ID and the cell number used in your SRD application
- Submit to view the current month-by-month status and the latest outcome
- Save or screenshot the result for your records
(sassa.gov.za)
2) WhatsApp (Official SASSA Line)
- Save 082 046 8553 as a contact
- Send a greeting (e.g., “hi”) and follow the prompts for SRD/status
- Provide your ID and the phone number linked to your SRD application
- Receive your status and any next steps
(Government of South Africa)
3) USSD (Where Available)
- Dial the SRD USSD code (as announced by SASSA) and follow the prompts to check application details or payment readiness. For the latest working USSD instructions, verify on the official channels first. (sassa.gov.za)
What Your Status Means (and What to Do Next)
- Approved: Your application has passed verification for the displayed month. Look out for the payment window and bank processing. If you see a payment date, funds are typically available once your bank clears them. (IOL)
- Pending: Your information is still under verification. Check again after the 20th and monitor SASSA’s monthly schedule. Pending does not mean declined; it means additional checks are in progress. (Facebook)
- Declined: Review the listed reason (e.g., income source identified, alternative support, identity mismatch). If you believe the decision is wrong, appeal within 30–90 days to the Independent Tribunal. (SASSA)
Appeals: Time Frames and Where to Lodge
If your SRD application is declined, you have 30 days (up to 90 days maximum) from the outcome to submit an appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). Use the official appeals page linked from the SRD site and follow the steps to upload any required documents or clarifications. Keep your contact details current; the tribunal communicates outcomes electronically. (SASSA)
Payment Timing and Practical Tips
- When do payments run? SASSA releases monthly schedules. SRD usually falls after the 20th, often in the last week of the month. Exact dates can differ by month; always confirm the current notice. (IOL)
- Bank vs. cash send vs. retail: Bank deposits are the most seamless if your account is verified and active. Retail and cash-send options require ID-matched details at collection.
- Keep details up to date: Mismatched ID vs. cellphone or outdated bank details are the most common reasons for delays. Update them only through official channels. (sassa.gov.za)
- One channel is enough: Submitting duplicate applications across channels can slow verification. Use one method and wait for your outcome. (Government of South Africa)
Common Decline Reasons (Examples)
- Alternative income identified (bank checks reflect inflows above the threshold)
- Receiving another grant/UIF
- Identity or contact mismatch (ID, phone number, or bank details don’t align)
- Residency or age ineligibility
If declined, correct the specific issue and appeal within the allowed window. Where appropriate, update bank or contact details on the official portal before appealing. (SASSA)
Safety: Avoid Scams and Look-Alike Sites
Only use official SASSA or government pages and verified communication lines. The SRD portal hosts application, status, and appeals functions; the WhatsApp 082 046 8553 line is an official channel SASSA has repeatedly publicised. Do not share your OTPs or personal details with third parties or unverified websites. (Government of South Africa)
Official Links
- SRD Portal (status, updates, appeals): https://srd.sassa.gov.za (SASSA)
- SASSA newsroom / service updates: https://www.sassa.gov.za (navigate to Newsroom / COVID-19 SRD sections) (sassa.gov.za)
FAQs
1) How often should I check my SRD R370 status?
Check at least once a month after the 20th and again when SASSA publishes that month’s grant schedule. This helps you catch approvals and payment timing promptly. (IOL)
2) My status shows Approved when will the money reflect?
SRD payments typically run in the last week of the month. Once a payment date shows, bank processing times can vary by institution. If you use retail or cash-send, follow the collection instructions for the date shown. (IOL)
3) My application is Declined. Can I appeal?
Yes. You have 30–90 days to appeal to the Independent Tribunal (ITSAA) through the official appeals page. Provide any requested documents and ensure your details are accurate. (SASSA)
4) Does checking my status cost money?
No. Status checks on the official website and the official SASSA WhatsApp line (082 046 8553) are free (standard data/SMS rates may apply from your network). (Government of South Africa)
5) Can I change how I get paid?
SASSA periodically allows beneficiaries to change payment methods (e.g., to a bank account). Watch official announcements and follow the exact steps when windows open. (IOL)
Final Note
SASSA occasionally updates processing rules, verification flows, and monthly schedules. To avoid delays, check only the official channels, keep your bank and contact details current, and use the appeals window if you receive an outcome you believe is incorrect. (SASSA)
For More Information Click HERE
