SASSA SRD Grant Changes Coming in February 2025 – New Payment Amount, Eligibility Updates & Who Qualifies

Published On: February 16, 2025

The SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant remains a crucial financial aid program for unemployed and low-income South Africans. As of February 2025, recipients will continue receiving R370 per month, with an expected increase to R390 in April.

This grant helps many individuals cover essential expenses, and staying informed about changes is key to ensuring continued support.

Payment Details

Here’s a quick overview of the latest SRD grant updates for February 2025:

Topic	Details
SRD Grant Amount (Feb 2025)	R370 per month (no increase yet)
Expected Increase Date	April 2025 (R390 per month)
Eligibility	South African citizens & permanent residents, aged 18-59, unemployed, no other income
Application Methods	Online, WhatsApp, USSD, or in-person
Payment Dates (Feb 2025)	Between February 22 – February 28
Official Website	SASSA SRD Website

Recipients should keep their applications updated and monitor their payment status via the official SASSA website.

SRD Grant

As of February 2025, the SRD grant remains at R370 per month. While there has been discussion about an increase, the adjustment to R390 per month is scheduled for April 2025. Until then, payments remain unchanged.

Not Increasing

The government has cited several reasons for delaying the increase:

Budget limitations – Managing welfare expenditures to sustain long-term assistance.
Economic impact analysis – Preventing inflationary pressure from sudden increases.
Phased implementation – Ensuring an organized transition to the new payment structure.

Who Qualifies

To receive the SASSA SRD grant, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee.
Be between 18 and 59 years old.
Have no other form of financial support or social grant.
Not be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits.
Must reside within South Africa.

NOT Qualify

The following individuals are not eligible for the SRD grant:

Pensioners or disability grant recipients.
Individuals earning above the means test threshold.
UIF beneficiaries or those receiving other government aid.
Non-residents of South Africa.

How to Apply

SASSA provides multiple application methods for accessibility.

Online Application

Visit the SASSA SRD website.
Register and create an account using your ID and contact details.
Fill out the application form with accurate information.
Upload necessary documents like proof of residence.
Submit your application and wait for an SMS confirmation.

WhatsApp Application

Save 082 046 8553 as a contact.
Send a message with “SRD Grant Application”.
Follow the automated instructions.
Submit necessary details and wait for approval.

USSD Application

Dial *134*7737# on your phone.
Follow the on-screen prompts.
Enter your details and submit required documents.
Receive an SMS confirmation upon successful submission.

Payment Dates

SASSA processes SRD grant payments between February 22 and February 28, 2025.

Payments are deposited directly into bank accounts, Post Office branches, or mobile wallets.
Recipients will receive SMS notifications before funds are disbursed.
To check your exact payment date, visit the SASSA SRD Portal and enter your ID details.

Economic Impact

Helps cover essential expenses like food and utilities.
Provides a small but vital income for unemployed individuals.
Reduces financial strain on vulnerable households.

Government’s Future Plans

Further increases to the SRD grant in response to inflation.
Possible introduction of Universal Basic Income (UBI) for unemployed adults.
Long-term social welfare reforms to strengthen financial support for low-income individuals.

The SASSA SRD grant remains a critical financial lifeline for many South Africans. By staying updated on changes and ensuring their applications are in order, recipients can continue receiving the support they need.