SRD R370 Grant Eligibility Criteria

SASSA started the grant named “Social Relief of Distress” or “SRD” in abbreviation. The grant wasn’t a preplanned program but it became the need for the citizens in COVID-19. The government was forced to tackle the circumstances as millions of people were becoming jobless day by day during the lockdown.

However, the grant program was started and the agency has delivered millions of Rands to the eligible people. Here one thing should be clear for every applicant: the eligibility criteria. Yes, you can not apply for this grant until you pass the means test and your financial status is marked as unemployed.

In this detailed guide, my duty is to provide each detail about the SASSA SRD grant application eligibility. This is one of the most detailed and easy-to-follow guides on the internet. So sit back, relax, and read it.

Why Has SASSA Implied an Eligibility Criteria for SRD R370 Grant?

The SRD grant has more than 19 million beneficiaries. But the applications that are submitted are higher than that. Let me explain it with a report:

According to the National Treasury report, in the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined the government’s financial plans, including allocations for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. For the 2024/25 fiscal year, R33.6 billion has been earmarked to support beneficiaries. 

Looking ahead, a provisional budget of R35.2 billion is set for 2025/26, with a further increase to R36.8 billion planned for 2026/27. These allocations reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to providing financial relief to vulnerable citizens.

So the grant has a limited budget thus the government can not pay the grant cash to all the people in South Africa. That is why, there is a strict criteria to pass and get the R370 payment from the agency.

SRD R370 Grant Eligibility Criteria for 2025/26

Now I am sharing the updated and detailed SRD grant eligibility criteria for the 2025/26 fiscal year. Take a pen or pencil to note down these rules and check yourself with the criterion rules.

Age Limits

18 to 59 years.

The set age range for those who can apply for the grant is not random. It’s a strategic way to make sure that the funds are directed to an age range that is going through a pivotal period of their lives. From age 18, many young adults are getting ready to venture into their own paths.

This is the age at which young adults are looking for a first-time job, starting college, or beginning a business. The upper threshold of 59 allows the inclusion of another large demographic of people, nearing retirement, who may be reinventing their careers

Income Limitations

Setting clear income criteria (R624 per month) for applicants is a strategic way to ensure resources go to the absolutely poorest people.

Consider this support as an absolute filter to manage and control assistance. This is a mechanism that can be ‘tweaked’ to enable maximum value and spending of available monies.

Membership and Benefits Restrictions

Applicants who are members or beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments, etc., need not apply.

Identification Requirements

In South Africa, if you wish to ‘apply’ for anything, be it a job, university, or driver’s license, you must be able to present a valid South African ID. Or, in place of this, you must have recognized refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit status. 

This stipulation does not seem unfair. After all, how could you not have one of these forms of identification if you were applying? The same applies to the SRD grant.

Residency Requirements

Applicants must reside in South Africa. This requirement ensures that:

South African projects are given priority. Aid and development occur within South Africa. A hand-up is given specifically to “our own.” Potentially, no misuse of funds occurs. No money leaves the country.

Should Have a Bank Account

The applicant should have a personal bank account in his name. It is required to transfer the SRD R370 payment to the beneficiary. So you need to open a bank account in an SASSA grant-supported bank like Tyme Bank or Postbank.

F.A.Q

What is the monthly income limit to qualify for the SRD grant?

Your monthly income should not exceed the amount of R624. If you are receiving more than this amount in your bank account, your application will be declined.

Will the SRD grant continue once approved for forever?

No, the grant payment will not continue forever. SASSA will conduct a means test every 3 months to check if the beneficiaries are still eligible for this payment or not.

Can I receive the R370 payment for my family member?

No, you can not apply for this grant on behalf of your family members. Only one person can apply in his own name.

I don’t have a bank account, will I be able to pass the means test?

SASSA needs to check your bank account to verify if you are eligible for the grant. You need to show some other proof like a job fire letter or something like this.

When will the SRD grant end?

The exact date of ending the SRD grant was 31 March 2025. However, the government is still thinking about extending the grant for 2027 but it is not confirmed yet.