What Does “Application Submitted” Mean for SRD Grant?

THE SASSA SRD grant is extended for another year 2026. During the 2025 Budget Speech, The Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana announced that we have extended the SRD grant for one more year. The government has allocated R422.3 billion rand for this grant extension.

Applied for the SASSA SRD grant? Got the status “Application Submitted.”? But what does it really mean? Many applicants get confused and start worrying about their grant status. 

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about what happens after you submit your SRD grant application, how SASSA verifies your details, and how long it takes for approval. Let’s dive in!

The SASSA SRD Grant Is Extended for Another Year (2026)

In the 2025 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana proclaimed that the South African government has lent the SRD grant an even longer lifespan, one year more, which now means it will exist until 2026. The government has allocated a massive R422.3 billion for this extension, ensuring that millions of South Africans continue receiving this much-needed financial aid.

This announcement was a relief for many beneficiaries who depend on the grant for their daily survival. While the grant was initially introduced as a temporary solution during COVID-19, it has become a pillar of support for many individuals and families in South Africa.

What Is the SASSA SRD Grant? And Why Has It Been Extended So Many Times?

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary financial aid program provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

In 2020, the economic problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to the introduction of the program.

The SRD grant is intended to assist unemployed South Africans whose finances have been strained because of job loss and the poor economy. But the demand for this grant has not abated, and so it has been extended, not once, but five times since it was first introduced.

Reasons for Multiple Extensions

• High Unemployment Rate: South Africa has a high unemployment rate, with many people struggling to secure stable jobs.
• Economic Struggles: The cost of living has risen significantly, making it difficult for many individuals to afford basic necessities.
• Social Welfare Dependence: Many South Africans rely on social grants as their only source of income.
• Government Commitment: The government acknowledges that removing this grant abruptly could worsen poverty levels.
• Inflation and Financial Hardships: Prices of essential goods and services have continued to increase, leaving vulnerable citizens in need of financial assistance.

Currently, the grant amount is R370 per month, and although this may not seem like much, it plays an important role in helping beneficiaries cover basic expenses.

What Is the Meaning of “Application Submitted” for SRD Grant?

When you check your SASSA SRD grant application status and see “Application Submitted,” it simply means that SASSA has received your application. This status reveals that your application has been successfully recorded in their system and is now awaiting review.

At this stage, no decision has been made regarding approval or rejection. Instead, SASSA will conduct various checks to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before moving your application to the next stage. 

So, if you see “Application Submitted,” don’t panic, it just means that SASSA is now processing your request.

How Does SASSA Verify an SRD Grant Application?

Once your application is submitted, SASSA begins the verification process. They use various methods to ensure that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements.

Here are five key verification steps SASSA follows:

• Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Database Check: SASSA verifies your ID details with the DHA to confirm your citizenship and identity.
• Bank Account Verification: SASSA checks whether you have an active bank account and examines your financial transactions to determine if you qualify for the grant.
• Employment Status Check: The agency cross-referenced your details with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to confirm that you are not receiving any UIF benefits.
• SARS Database Check: SASSA checks with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to ensure that you are not receiving taxable income that exceeds the threshold.
• Other Government Grants: SASSA reviews whether you are already receiving other government grants that could disqualify you from the SRD grant.

If your details match all eligibility requirements, your application moves forward for approval. However, if discrepancies are found, your application might be rejected or delayed.

How Long Will SASSA Take to Approve an SRD Grant Application?

On average, SASSA takes about 30 days to approve an SRD grant application. However, in some cases, it can take up to 90 days, depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of verification.

Factors That May Affect Approval Time

• High Volume of Applications: During peak times, SASSA receives millions of applications, causing delays.
• Verification Delays: If there are discrepancies in your information, additional verification may be needed.
• Banking Details Issues: If your bank details are incorrect or not updated, the approval process may take longer.
• System Errors: Sometimes, SASSA’s system may experience glitches, which can cause processing delays.

If your application takes longer than expected, you can follow up with SASSA by checking your status online or calling their helpline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is the SASSA Status “Pending”?

“Pending” means that your application is still under review. SASSA has received your application, but they have not yet completed the verification process.

What Is the SASSA Status “Declined”?

“Declined” means that your application was rejected due to one or more reasons. 

If you believe your application was declined unfairly, you can submit an appeal within 90 days.

What Is the SASSA Status “Failed”?

“Failed” means that there was an issue with your identity verification. You need to check what the issue is and solve it.

Conclusion

So now you know the meaning of the application submitted for the SRD grant and you can wait for the approval. After this phase, you can get approval or rejection from SASSA. If you need further help, contact SASSA by visiting the office in person.