SASSA SRD Grant Qualification Criteria 2026
The SRD grant started in May 2020 when President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced it after the first hard lockdown. Many people lost their jobs, and they had no money for basic needs. The government wanted to give quick help, so it created this short-term social relief.
The grant helped millions, so the government extended it many times. People felt hope each time they received support. Now the grant moves toward its final stage. It will end in March 2026. The rules also became strict. Many people worry because they still need this support to survive.
This post has all the SASSA SRD grant eligibility criteria for 2026. You can read them and make sure you are eligible or not. I have also added the eligibility check calculator that will help you to check if you are eligible or not quickly.
SASSA SRD Grant Qualification Checker 2026
Choose options. Enter monthly income. Click Calculate.
SASSA SRD Grant Qualification Criteria 2026
Now, let’s check out the complete details of what are the rules for the SRD grant to be approved in 2026.
1) Required Residency Type of Applicant
You must fall under one clear residency group. You can apply if you are a permanent citizen, asylum seeker, special permit holder, or refugee. The system checks your documents. You cannot apply if you have dual nationality. SASSA needs a verified status to confirm your identity and residency clearly.
2) Age Limit
The allowed age is between 18 and 59 years old. SASSA checks your age with your ID number. Your age must fit the working-age group because the grant supports unemployed adults. Anyone below 18 still gets support from guardians. Anyone above 59 moves into other grant categories, like the Older Persons grant.
3) Monthly Income Limit
The monthly income must stay under R624. You must track every amount you receive, even small deposits. SASSA checks your bank account to confirm your income level. You cannot hide extra earnings because the system reads your financial activity. You only qualify when your income stays truly low.
4) NSFAS/UIF/Pension Programs
You cannot receive support from NSFAS, UIF, or any pension program. These funds count as stable income. SASSA checks these databases. You must choose only one support channel. You cannot take double financial help. The grant supports people with no other assistance, so you must not receive these programs.
5) Bank Account in Your Name
Use only a bank account that belongs to you. SASSA checks the account holder’s name. You cannot use someone else’s account. You must control your money yourself. You avoid delays when your account links correctly to your ID. Your payments move faster when everything matches clearly.
6) Phone Number in Your Name
The phone number (SIM card) must stay under your own name. SASSA sends codes and messages to verify your identity. You cannot use a number owned by another person. You must register your SIM card correctly. Your application moves smoothly when the system sees your phone number linked to your ID.
7) Getting Any Other Social Grant or Financial Support
You cannot take another social grant or financial aid at the same time. The SRD grant works for people with no active assistance. You must stay honest about your support sources. SASSA checks all records. You only qualify when you depend on this grant as your main help.
8) Living in a Government-Assisted Institution
You cannot apply if you stay in a government-funded institution. These places already give full support for daily needs. You receive food, shelter, and care there. SASSA wants to help people who live independently and struggle. You must live outside such institutions to qualify for the SRD grant.
