SASSA Increases SRD Grant to R400: The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has recently announced an increase in the amount of the Social Distress Relief (SRD) grant. Now eligible beneficiaries will receive an assistance amount of R400 every month. This increase has been made for those who are facing financial crisis and need additional financial support.
In this article, we will know who is eligible for the SRD R400 grant, what is the application process, what will be the new payment schedule and other important information related to it.
Eligibility for SRD R400 Grant
SASSA has set some eligibility criteria to receive this grant. If you want to avail this scheme, you must meet the following conditions:
Citizenship and Residence
- The applicant must be a citizen of South Africa, a permanent resident or a recognized refugee.
- It is mandatory for the applicant to reside in South Africa at the time of applying.
Income and Employment Status
- The monthly income of the applicant must be less than R624.
- The applicant must be unemployed and not receiving any other government financial assistance (NSFAS, UIF or other SASSA grants).
Age limit
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Banking and contact information
- The applicant must have a valid bank account to which payments can be sent directly.
- An active mobile number and email ID to receive the necessary information sent by SASSA.
How to apply for the SRD R400 grant?

SASSA made the process to get this grant assistance simpler. One can access the grant application through three main channels such as visiting SASSA locations, online submission or utilizing the WhatsApp messaging system. The grant application process includes following the provided instructions for straightforward processing.
1. Prepare the required documents
Have the following documents ready before applying:
- South African Identity Card (ID) or Refugee Permit.
- Bank account details (for direct payment).
- Income certificate (if applicable).
- A valid mobile number for verification.
2. Apply online
- Visit the official website of SASSA.
- Click on the “Apply for SRD” option and fill in the required information.
- Upload the required documents and submit the form.
- You will receive a confirmation SMS after successfully applying.
3. Apply via WhatsApp
- Send a WhatsApp message from your mobile to 082 046 8553.
- Follow the instructions and provide the required information.
4. Apply at SASSA office
- Visit your nearest SASSA service center.
- Fill in the application form and submit the required documents.
- After submitting the application, you will receive a reference number, by which you can track the status of your application.
New Payment Schedule for SRD R400 Grant
SASSA has set the payment dates for the SRD R400 grant based on the last digit of the applicants’ identification number (ID Number). The table below provides the payment schedule for March 2025:
ID Number Last Digit | Payment Date (March 2025) |
---|---|
0 & 1 | 25 March 2025 |
2 & 3 | 26 March 2025 |
4 & 5 | 27 March 2025 |
6 & 7 | 28 March 2025 |
8 & 9 | 29 March 2025 |
Important Information:
- The payment will be deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- Beneficiaries who do not have a bank account can receive their funds from the following authorised payment centres: Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, and Checkers.
Conclusion
Increasing the SRD grant to R400 is a great relief for those who are facing financial difficulties. It will be a vital support especially for unemployed and low-income citizens.
If you are eligible for this grant, apply as soon as possible and keep track of your payment dates so that you can receive timely assistance. For any information or problems, you can visit SASSA’s official website or contact their helpline.
This initiative brought about by SASSA will serve to bring relief to thousands of South Africans – so, don’t delay in applying!
FAQs On SASSA Increases SRD Grant to R400
Q. What is the SRD R400 Grant?
A. The SRD R400 Grant is a temporary financial assistance scheme provided by SASSA for people who are going through a financial crisis and are not availing other financial assistance schemes from the government.
Q. Can a person whose income is more than R624 be eligible for this grant?
A. No, if your monthly income is more than R624, you will not be eligible for this grant.
Q. How long do I have to wait after applying?
A. After successfully submitting the application, your eligibility will be checked by SASSA. If approved, you will receive the amount on the scheduled payment date.