As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the president introduced a social relief of distress grant of R350. The grant was made to help unemployed South Africans who have faced undue hardships due to the pandemic get through the nationwide lockdown that was enforced at the time.
The SRD grant is now R370 per month for qualifying applicants. The government has announced its extension from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Check SASSA’s official portal for current eligibility and application information.
The South African social security agency [SASSA] has recently outlined how individuals can apply for the SRD grant, as well as how they can keep track of their grant payment statuses once they have applied.
How to track your SASSA application (Sassa status)
Once you have submitted your application for a social relief grant, you can track your application status by doing the following:
- Start at SASSA’s official SRD portal and select the application-status option for your applicant category.
- You will be able to check the progress of your social relief grant by entering your ID number and cell phone number. You will then receive an update on the application, either via SMS or on the next page on the website.
- Use the current contact or status options shown on the official portal. Do not rely on an unverified WhatsApp number or share a PIN or one-time verification code.
How to apply for the R370 social relief of distress grant
The application process of this grant has been different from that of the other social grants, due to lockdown regulations, instead of physically having to go to SASSA head offices to fill in an application form. The application process has been made completely accessible online.
To apply, start with the official SRD portal and use the instructions for your applicant category:
- Open https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
- Select the application route that applies to your identity or residency category.
- Provide the information and consent requested by SASSA.
- Use the help and contact details published on SASSA’s official site if you need assistance.
- Keep your registered contact details up to date and save your application information.
Provide the identity, contact and other information requested through the official application process. Follow any further verification instructions that apply to you.
Who is eligible for the SRD grant?
- Applicants who meet the current financial and other qualifying conditions for the SRD grant.
- Applicants who meet the citizenship, residency or special-permit category rules specified by SASSA.
- Applicants who are not receiving any other social grants or unemployment insurance benefits.
- Applicants who meet the grant’s current age requirements and reside in South Africa.
- Applicants who do not receive any stipends from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme[NSFAS]
If you disagree with a declined application, follow the appeal instructions for the relevant decision and month. A referred application may require a different verification step; check your status and the official guidance.
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and follow the current appeals link and deadlines for your decision.