SASSA SRD Grant Changes From February 2025 – New Updates and Eligibility Details

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced significant Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant changes, set to take effect in February 2025.

These updates aim to make the grant more accessible by raising the income threshold, introducing in-person applications, and reducing appeal processing times.

With confirmed payment dates, expanded eligibility, and multiple application methods, this article explains everything current beneficiaries and new applicants need to know about the 2025 SRD grant changes.

Changes

The SASSA SRD grant updates include several improvements to help more South Africans in financial distress access financial relief.

• Increased Income Threshold – The qualifying income limit has been raised from R350 to R624 per month, allowing more low-income individuals to apply.
• Payment Amount – The SRD grant remains R370 per month, with no increase for 2025.
• Payment Dates – February 2025 payments will be processed between February 24 and February 28.
• New Application Methods – In-person applications are now available at SASSA offices, in addition to the existing online system.
• Faster Appeals Processing – The appeal response time has been reduced from 90 days to 30 days, ensuring quicker decisions.

SRD Grant

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was introduced in May 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to ongoing economic challenges, it has been extended and is now a permanent part of SASSA’s welfare system.

Unlike other SASSA grants, the SRD grant is temporary and renewed annually. It is specifically designed for unemployed adults who do not receive other social grants, pension funds, or unemployment benefits.

New SASSA SRD Grant

Previously, applicants needed to earn less than R350 per month to qualify. From February 2025, this threshold has been raised to R624 per month. This adjustment allows:

• More low-income individuals to become eligible.
• Better financial relief for unemployed individuals struggling to meet basic needs.
• Inclusion of informal workers who earn small, irregular incomes.

Applications

Previously, SRD grant applications could only be submitted online via the SASSA website. However, many applicants, especially in rural areas, struggled with internet access and technical issues. To address this, SASSA has introduced in-person applications at regional offices.

Applicants can now choose between:

• Online Applications – Submit forms through the SASSA website.
• In-Person Applications – Visit a SASSA office to apply with assistance.
• USSD Service – Dial 1347737# to check application status.

This change ensures that individuals without internet access can still apply for financial assistance.

Extended Appeals

Many applicants face rejections due to minor errors or bank verification issues. Previously, appeals could take up to 90 days to process, causing long delays. From February 2025, the appeal response time has been reduced to 30 days, meaning:

• Applicants will receive faster decisions on appeals.
• More transparency in the review process.
• Fewer delays for those who need financial relief urgently.

Who Qualifies

To be eligible for the SRD grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee.
• Be between 18 and 59 years old.
• Be unemployed or earn less than R624 per month.
• Not receive any other social grants (e.g., Child Support Grant, Old Age Pension).
• Not receive UIF benefits or NSFAS funding.

SASSA will conduct monthly financial checks using banking data and Home Affairs records to verify eligibility and prevent fraud.

How to Apply

Applicants can choose from multiple methods to apply for the SRD grant in February 2025.

Online Application (Recommended)

• Visit the SASSA SRD website.
• Fill in the application form with your ID number, phone number, and banking details.
• Submit your application and wait for confirmation.
• Check your application status online or via SMS.

In-Person Application

• Visit your nearest SASSA office.
• Fill out the SRD grant application form (SASSA officials will assist if needed).
• Submit required documents, including valid ID, proof of residence, and financial statements.
• Receive a reference number to track your application status.

USSD Application

Applicants can check their SRD status using their phone by dialing:

• 1347737# – Follow the on-screen prompts to track progress.

This method helps those without internet access stay informed about their application status.

Payment Details

SASSA has confirmed that SRD grant payments for February 2025 will be processed between February 24 and February 28.

Payment Methods

Beneficiaries can receive payments through:

• Direct Bank Deposit – Funds are transferred directly into recipients’ bank accounts.
• SASSA PayPoints – For applicants without bank accounts, payments can be collected in person.

Payment Status

To track payment progress, applicants can:

• Visit the SASSA website and click on “Check My Status”.
• Enter their ID number and phone number.
• View their payment date and status.

Final Thoughts

The SASSA SRD grant changes in 2025 bring significant improvements, including a higher income threshold, in-person applications, and faster appeal decisions. These updates aim to help more unemployed South Africans access essential financial support.

With payments scheduled from February 24 to February 28, applicants should check their eligibility, submit applications promptly, and track their payment status online.

Staying updated on official SASSA announcements will ensure smooth and uninterrupted access to the SRD grant.

FAQs