The South African authorities have taken the predominant step of increasing the Social Relief (SRD) supply to help the unemployed.
This grant was first delivered to provide monetary help at some point during the COVID-19 pandemic and has now been prolonged to 31 March 2026, with adjustments to its payment dates as well. This provision affords monetary assistance to South Africans who do not acquire other government assistance.
This boost is vital for hundreds of thousands of people who are dealing with economically demanding situations because of the excessive unemployment price. From March 2025, this supply will be preserved to provide critical financial assistance to those in need.
Overview of the SRD Grant Extension
Grant | Amount | Payment Dates | Eligibility |
---|---|---|---|
SRD Grant | R370 per month | March 26 – March 29, 2025 | South African citizens aged 18-59, low income |
R700 Grant Misinformation | N/A | N/A | False claim circulating in the media |
Eligible Payment Methods | Bank accounts, CashSend, Retail stores | Ongoing until March 2026 | Must meet income and no other grants |
SRD Grant Payment Dates and Schedule in 2025

For March 2025, SASSA will make SRD grant payments from 26 March to 29 March. This payment will be had to all eligible beneficiaries.
However, beneficiaries need to make sure to replace their banking statistics, as SASSA Gold Cards will now not be legitimate after 28 February 2025.
SASSA has urged all beneficiaries to choose different charge strategies as a way to have enduring access to the SRD grant.
How to apply for an SRD grant and track payment status
Beneficiaries can easily check their application status and payment dates through the following ways:
- Online Check: Visit SASSA’s official SRD website and enter your South African ID number and registered mobile number.
- WhatsApp Tracking: Get updates by sending a message to SASSA’s official WhatsApp number 082 046 8553.
- Toll-free number: Call 0800 60 10 11 to get personalized assistance and know the status of the payment.
Eligibility for SRD Grant
Applicants must meet the following conditions to receive the SRD grant:
- Age should be between 18 and 59 years.
- Applicants must be South African citizens, refugees, or special permit holders.
- Monthly income should not exceed R624.
- Must not be receiving any other government assistance, such as UIF or NSFAS.
The SRD grant is a vital support for unemployed individuals, especially in countries with high unemployment rates.
Resolving misinformation about the R700 grant
Recently, misinformation about an R700 grant surfaced, causing confusion among beneficiaries. On 7 March 2025, SASSA officials confirmed that there is no such R700 grant.
This confusion was spread through social media posts and unofficial channels. SASSA has urged the public to disregard such claims and to only rely on verified government communications.
Beneficiaries should be vigilant to avoid fraud, such as when they share their personal information on unofficial links, which can lead to identity theft.
How the new payment system will work

To receive the SRD grant, beneficiaries are required to update their payment information. After February 2025, when SASSA Gold cards become invalid, individuals will have to update their bank account information or opt for other payment methods, such as:
- Direct Deposit: Payments into personal bank accounts.
- CashSend Services: For those who do not have a bank account.
- Retail Collection Points: Receiving payments from stores such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite.
This multi-channel payment system is designed to offer more flexibility and less difficulty getting entry to for all eligible individuals.
SASSA’s extension of the SRD grant until March 2026 is a sizeable breakthrough for hundreds of thousands of South Africans dealing with economic hardships. With the new payment dates and updated price systems, beneficiaries want to live alert and knowledgeable—a good way to get hold of the help on time.
Regular checking of the application status and updating the payment details can avoid any kind of delay in receiving the grant.
FAQs
1. What is the SRD grant?
The SRD grant is financial assistance for unemployed South Africans who do not receive other government support, aimed at alleviating financial challenges, especially during high unemployment periods.
2. How long is the SRD grant extended for?
The SRD grant has been extended until 31 March 2026, providing continued financial assistance to eligible individuals facing economic hardship due to unemployment.
3. What are the payment dates for March 2025?
In March 2025, SRD payments will be made from 26 to 29 March. Beneficiaries must ensure their banking details are updated as SASSA Gold Cards expire by 28 February 2025.