SASSA SRD R350/R370 Grant July 2025: Who Can Apply and How to Get It?

In today’s time when the whole world is going digital and employment opportunities are constantly decreasing, the financial assistance given by the government has become a big relief for the general public. The big step taken by the South African government during the COVID-19 pandemic was the SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant, which we know as SRD Grant.

What is this SRD Grant?

SRD i.e. Social Relief of Distress is a special government scheme that helps those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic or any economic crisis, or whose income is not enough to support their family.

The government announced in 2025 that the SRD grant has been extended till March 2026. This means that eligible people will continue to get help of R370 every month.

How did it start?

The COVID-19 pandemic shook the whole world. It also had a very deep impact in South Africa. Millions of people lost their jobs, businesses closed, and normal life came to a halt.

In such a situation, the government introduced the SRD Grant, so that those who have no source of income can get help in meeting at least basic needs.

How many people are benefiting from this grant?

According to government data, in 2025, about 9 million (90 lakh) people are getting direct benefits from this SRD grant. A total of 28 million people are dependent on some kind of government assistance. This proves how important and effective this scheme is in the country.

Example

Imagine a person who is 25 years old, after completing his studies, he is not able to get a job and the financial condition of the house is also weak. If he is neither a part of any social assistance scheme nor is getting a scholarship, then he can apply for this SRD grant and get help of R370 every month.

Who can apply for this grant?

This grant is not for everyone. The government has set certain conditions to ensure that only the right people can get help:

1. Citizenship

• You must be a South African citizen or a legal refugee.
• If you are an asylum seeker, you must have a Section 22 permit or visa.

2. Residence

• You must currently live in South Africa. People living abroad are not eligible for this scheme.

3. Age

• You must be between 18 and 59 years old.

4. Unemployment

• You must not be employed and your monthly income should not exceed R624.

5. Other government assistance

• You must not be receiving benefits from any other social assistance scheme, such as unemployment insurance, NSFAS (scholarships), or the COVID-19 relief scheme.

6. Not living in a government institution

• If you are living in an institution funded by the government, such as an old-age home or care centre, you will not be eligible for this scheme.

7. Refusing opportunities is a no-no

• You should never refuse a job or education-related opportunity without a valid reason. This shows that you are trying to be self-reliant.

How to apply?

SASSA has made the application process very easy and digital so that more and more people can take advantage of it. You can apply in the following ways:

Through the online website

• Visit the https://srd.sassa.gov.za website.
• Enter your mobile number and click on “Send SMS”.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Password) on your mobile.
• Enter the OTP and click on “Verify PIN”.
• Accept the Declaration and Consent Form.
• Then fill in your personal details – such as your name, ID number, address, gender etc.
• Choose the payment method and fill in your bank details.

Other application options

• Via WhatsApp (use SASSA’s official number)
• Via SASSA Chatbot
• USSD Code (no internet required)

Documents required?

It’s interesting that the SRD grant doesn’t require any scans or uploads. You just need to fill in your details correctly. Just make sure that:

• Your mobile number is active
• Your ID number is correct
• Your bank details are correct

Is it necessary to reapply every three months?

SASSA used to say that you need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months. But after the April 2024 update, this is no longer necessary.

Now SASSA itself evaluates your financial situation every month to see if you are eligible. So don’t worry about applying again and again, just keep your details updated.

Read more: $900 Senior Bonus Coming in August 2025: Payment Dates, Eligibility & How to Claim

How important is this help?

This SRD grant has not only given financial help to millions of people but also given them self-esteem and a new hope to live. Those who did not even have money to eat are getting relief of at least R370 a month.

Although this amount is not very big, but for those who have no other means, it is proving to be a life-saving help.

Conclusion

If you or anyone you know meets all these eligibility conditions, then they should apply for the SRD grant without delay.

This money is not a donation, it is help from the government to help you stand on your feet.

If you have a very low monthly income, no job, and you are not a part of any other support scheme – then this scheme is for you.