IMPORTANT: The SRD grant, previously set at R350, has now been increased to R370, providing an additional R20 in support.
The SASSA SRD R370 grant does not officially exist as part of South Africa’s current Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programs. However, there might be some confusion with the SRD R350 grant, which is a temporary grant provided by the South African government to help those in financial distress due to unemployment and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s a detailed explanation about this grant to clarify:
SASSA SRD R350 Grant
The South African government introduced the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant in response to the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its goal is to provide financial assistance to unemployed individuals who do not have other sources of income or social grants during these challenging times. The grant is set at R350 per month and is available to those meeting the eligibility criteria.
Key Details of the SRD R350 Grant
Grant Amount
The SRD grant provides R350 per month to eligible individuals. Despite occasional misinformation about an R370 grant, the correct amount has been R350 throughout the relief program.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SRD R350 grant, you must meet certain conditions:
Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
Be 18 years or older.
Not be receiving any other form of income or government support, such as UIF, pension, or disability grants.
Not be receiving any other social grants from SASSA, except for the Child Support Grant.
Be unemployed and not contribute to or receive any National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.
Application Process:
The application process for the SRD R350 grant is simple and can be done in several ways:
WhatsApp: Applicants can send a message with the word “SRD” to 082 046 8553 and follow the prompts.
USSD Code: Dial *134*7737# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts to apply.
Payment Methods
SASSA provides several payment options for recipients of the SRD grant, ensuring access to funds in a way that suits their individual needs:
Direct Bank Transfer: The money can be deposited directly into the applicant’s bank account.
Cash Send: For applicants without bank accounts, SASSA partners with retailers to enable cash collection using a Cash Send voucher code.
South African Post Office (SAPO): Grant recipients can collect their payments from selected Post Office branches based on a staggered ID-based payment schedule to reduce queues.
Retail Stores: Recipients can also collect their grant from participating retailers such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer, and USave.
The applicant has an income or receives support from another government program, such as UIF.
Discrepancies in personal information, such as incorrect ID details, leading to identity verification issues.
Registration as a student receiving NSFAS funding or as a government employee.
Appealing a Rejected Application
If your SRD application is rejected, you can submit an appeal through the SASSA SRD website:
Go to the “Apply for Reconsideration” section and enter your ID number and phone number.
You can appeal each month that your application was rejected within a 90-day window after the rejection.
How Long the SRD Grant Lasts
The SRD R350 grant was initially introduced for a limited time but has since been extended multiple times due to ongoing economic challenges. The government reviews its continuation based on the current social and economic climate, and SASSA and the South African government regularly provide updates.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Delays in Payment: Some recipients experience delays in receiving payments due to various factors like verification backlogs or incorrect banking details. To avoid delays, ensure that your banking information is accurate and up-to-date.
Incorrect Information: If you submitted the wrong information, such as a bank account not in your name, it could result in delays or rejections. You can correct these details via the SASSA SRD website.
Lost Cash Send SMS: If you are using the Cash Send option and lose the SMS with the PIN for withdrawal, you can wait for a new SMS in the next payment cycle or contact SASSA for assistance.
Impact of the SRD R350 Grant
This grant has played a significant role in helping millions of South Africans who faced financial distress due to the pandemic and the economic downturn. It has become an essential lifeline for many individuals who lost their jobs and have no other means of support.
Although there is no official SRD R370 grant, the SRD R350 grant has been a critical support system for millions of South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. It is important to understand the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the available payment methods to ensure that you can access the grant if you are eligible. If your application was rejected or delayed, you have options to resolve these issues through appeals and verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your SRD R350 grant application was rejected, you can reapply by submitting an appeal through the SASSA website. Go to the “Apply for Reconsideration” section, enter your ID number and phone number, and follow the prompts to submit your appeal. You can reapply each month if rejected within a 90-day window.
The SRD R350 grant is a temporary financial assistance program by the South African government to support unemployed individuals who are not receiving any other income or social grants except the Child Support Grant. It provides R350 per month to eligible individuals.
You can check the status of your SRD R350 grant online through the SASSA SRD website. Enter your ID number and phone number to track the status of your application and payments.
You can apply for the SRD R350 grant through multiple channels:
WhatsApp: Send the word “SRD” to 082 046 8553 and follow the prompts.
USSD: Dial 1347737# on your mobile phone and follow the instructions.
If your application is rejected, you can submit an appeal on the SASSA website. Be sure to review the reason for rejection and ensure that all your personal and banking information is correct.
There is no official SRD R370 grant. The confusion may stem from misinformation. The SRD grant amount has always been R350 per month.
You can check if your SRD R350 grant application has been approved by visiting the SASSA SRD status check portal. Enter your ID and phone number to verify your application status.
To check your SRD R350 grant status online, visit the SASSA SRD website and navigate to the status check section. Enter your ID number and phone number to view the status.
You can check your SRD R350 grant balance through the SASSA SRD website or by using the USSD code 1347737#. Follow the prompts to view your payment details.
To verify your SRD R350 grant payment status, visit the SASSA SRD website and use the status check function. You will need to provide your ID number and registered phone number.
