SASSA SRD Grant R370

SASSA SRD R370 or previously R350 is a most famous grant in South African in 2026. There are plenty of other grants but Social Relief of Distress has no match. More than 18 million people are getting financial aid from this grant in 2026. It was started to combat the unemployment gap created during COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020.

However, the grant is still active and millions of applicants apply for this grant every month. The government of South Africa has announced that we are officially terminating this grant on 31st March, 2026.

Learn about this grant, application process, monthly payment dates and much more on this page.

SASSA SRD R370 COVID-19 Grant

The SRD grant started in May 2020 as a short-term support plan for people who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was meant to end in October 2020, but the government later extended it until April 2021.

Many NGOs and civil society groups, including PBO, saw how high the demand for the SRD grant was. They urged the government to extend the grant for more years and to make the rules easier so more vulnerable people could receive support.

However, the government did not act on these suggestions, even as the third wave of COVID-19 was getting closer. Visagie and Turok (2020) had already warned that ending the SRD grant could lead to serious problems. Despite these warnings, the government did not act, as the Treasury Department claimed that continuing the grant long-term was financially unsustainable.

SRD Grant Applications and Budget 2026

In 2022, the government set aside R44 billion for the Department of Social Development (DSD) to support 10.5 million people until March 2023. But the number of eligible applicants soon rose to 10.9 million, and the budget could no longer cover everyone. To manage this, DSD made the rules stricter. It added a means test for the R350 grant. This step reduced the approvals, and only 6.5 million people qualified out of the 10.9 million applicants.

In 2025, the Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that we have allocated a R35.2 billion budget for the SRD grant with 9 million plus approved applicants.

What Are the SASSA SRD Grant Payment Dates for 2026?

The SRD grant payment dates are not fixed and prescheduled. However, the payment dates are announced between the 25th and the end of the month. You need to bookmark our SASSA payment dates page to stay alert to your grant payday.

How to Apply for the SASSA SRD Grant Online?

We already have a detailed guide on the SRD grant application for South Africans who want to apply. However, here is an overview of how someone can apply for the grant.

Before you start, get these ready:

  • Your South African ID number.
  • A working mobile phone with your number.
  • A stable internet connection and a private device.
  • Any supporting documents you may need (bank details, proof of residence, medical proof) handy in case the form asks.

Now:

  1. Open your web browser and go to srd.sassa.gov.za.
  2. Find and click “Click here to apply online” on the homepage.
  3. The site will ask for your phone number and your South African ID number. Type them carefully.
  4. Tap the button to request the OTP (one-time pin).
  5. Check your phone for the OTP SMS. Enter the code on the website exactly as you received it.
  6. Read the declarations and consent text. If you agree, tick or select the boxes to accept.
  7. The full application form will now appear. Work through it section by section.
    • Fill in your personal details (name, address, date of birth) exactly as on your ID.
    • Provide contact details and any bank information if asked.
    • Answer any questions about your income or household honestly.
  8. Pause and double-check each field before you move on. Small typos can cause delays.
  9. If the form asks for documents, upload clear photos or PDFs. Make sure each file is readable.
  10. When the form is complete, press Submit. Wait for the site to confirm your submission.
  11. You should get an SMS or on-screen message that your application was received. Save this message. It may include an application number.
  12. Keep an eye on your phone and email for follow-up messages from SASSA. They might ask for more documents or give the decision.
  13. If you do not get an OTP, try these steps: request the OTP again, restart your phone, or check your network signal. If it still fails, contact SASSA support.
  14. If the portal times out, reopen it and log in again. Do not re-submit the same application unless the site confirms the first one failed.
  15. Keep copies of any documents and the confirmation SMS. Use them if SASSA asks later.

Eligibility Criteria for SRD Grant in 2026

If you want to get approval for your SRD grant application, then make sure you follow the SRD grant eligibility criteria for 2026.

  • The applicant must be 18 to 59 years old.
  • The applicant must have a valid South African ID.
  • The person must be a citizen, refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder living in South Africa.
  • The applicant must earn less than R624 per month.
  • NSFAS or UIF beneficiaries do not qualify.
  • People living in government institutions are not eligible.

How to Check SASSA SRD Grant Application Status?

The SASSA SRD status check is available on our website. You just need to have your:

  1. ID number
  2. Phone number
  3. Check your application status online.

How to Appeal for a Declined or Failed SRD Grant Application?

Once you have applied for the SRD grant, you may face application disapproval due to some issues. If you are truly eligible and your application is declined, then you can use the SASSA appeal application guide to submit your appeal for reconsideration online.

  1. Go to the SASSA appeal portal at srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal.
  2. Enter your South African ID number and your mobile phone number in the appeal section.
  3. Click “Send PIN” to receive the OTP on your phone.
  4. Type the OTP on the website to verify your number.
  5. After verification, the portal will show all your declined months, such as April, May, or June.
  6. Select the month you want to appeal.
  7. Choose the reason for your appeal from the list provided.
  8. Submit the appeal and wait for the confirmation message.

What is the Payment of the SRD Grant in 2026?

The SRD grant was offering R350 in previous periods. However, the new payment is set to:

R370

What is the Future of the SRD R370 Grant?

The future of the SRD R370 grant remains important for millions of people who depend on it. The government has extended the grant until March 2026, which gives temporary relief to more than 18 million beneficiaries. Many policy experts believe the grant will stay in some form because unemployment levels remain high and many households still rely on this support. Government discussions also point toward a possible shift to a long-term income support system. The final decision after 2027 will depend on the country’s budget, economic growth, and how many people continue to qualify.

F.A.Q

What is the SRD grant?

SRD stands for Social Relief of Distress grant. It was started in May 2020 to tackle the hardships of COVID-19’s bad impacts. Now the grant is offering a R370 cash payment to the eligible applicants.

Who can apply for the SASSA SRD R370 grant payment?

People who are South African citizens, residing in the country, earning less than R624 per month, and not receiving other SASSA grants are eligible.

Can I apply for the SRD grant at the SASSA office?

No, you can not apply for the SRD grant at the SASSA office. You can only apply online.

What if my grant application is not approved?

You need to make sure you are complying with the SRD eligibility criteria. If your application is still declined, lodge an appeal for reconsideration online.