SASSA SRD R370 Grant for March 2025: Payment Dates & Who Can Apply

SASSA SRD Grant Hike Upheld by Court Judgment: In a historic ruling on January 24, 2025, the Pretoria High Court declared that some of the regulations for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant were unconstitutional and null. The ruling opens the door for a hike in the SRD grant value, changes to the qualification criteria, and enhanced access to applications. The judgment is a win for the millions of jobless and economically struggling South Africans who depend on the grant to survive. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the SRD grant increase, the latest news, and what beneficiaries must do next.

The Pretoria High Court judgment is a significant win for South Africa’s unemployed millions. The SRD grant value will rise, income levels will be higher, and submissions will become easier. Beneficiaries should keep themselves aware, gear up for changes, and monitor SASSA updates regularly.

Aspect	Details
Current Payment Amount	R370 per month (previously R350)
Proposed Increase	Expected to rise above R370 based on cost of living and inflation
Income Threshold	R624 per month (subject to increase per court ruling)
Application Process	– Current: Online applications only – Court Ruling: SASSA must allow in-person applications at SASSA offices
Court Deadline	Government has 4 months to implement changes (by May 2025)
Official Resources	SASSA Official Website

What is the SRD Grant?

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, launched in 2020 with the COVID-19 outbreak, is a temporary financial relief to those who are unemployed with no other means of income.

Initial allocation was R350 a month, but it rose to R370 in April 2024. This, however, has become insufficient owing to inflation and the increase in living expenses, leading to court action in asking for an upward revision.

The recent court decision held that the existing SRD regulations unreasonably disqualified numerous applicants, did not account for inflation, and contravened the right to social assistance as provided in the South African Constitution.

What Did the Court Decide?

The Pretoria High Court decision consisted of four principal directives:

1. SRD Grant Amount Increase
   The court held that the existing R370 amount was inadequate.
   The government should come up with a strategy to gradually raise the amount according to inflation and living costs.
2. Increased Income Threshold
   The existing income threshold (R624 per month) is inadequate and denies many deserving individuals from receiving the SRD grant.
   The government should increase this threshold, enabling more unemployed individuals to receive the SRD grant.
3. In-Person Applications at SASSA Offices
   In the past, applications were received only online, leaving out millions of people who do not have internet access.
   The court instructed SASSA to add in-person application options, thereby making the process more accessible.
4. Fairer Definition of Income
   The court also instructed that sporadic once-off payments (like family grants or modest gifts) are to be excluded from qualifying as income.
   This new income definition will prevent applicants from being disproportionately disqualified.

The four-month deadline (up to May 2025) has been given to the South African government to abide by these orders.

How Much Will the SRD Grant Rise?

The court did not state the precise amount by which the SRD grant would rise, but experts anticipate:

• A rise above R370, taking into account inflation and living expenses.
• Other sources indicate the new SRD grant may be fixed between R420 and R500 per month.
• The Treasury has to make a budget allocation, and the decision will be made before May 2025.
• Beneficiaries must keep an eye on SASSA announcements for official confirmation of the new payment amount.

When Will the Changes Take Effect?

• The government has been given until May 2025 to start implementing these changes.
• The increase in the grant might be effective from June 2025 (pending government approval).
• New eligibility criteria and physical application procedures must be rolled out within a matter of months.

Who Is Eligible for the SRD Grant in 2025?

• Must be a refugee, permanent resident, or South African citizen.
• Must be unemployed and not in receipt of any other income above the new income threshold.
• Must not be in receipt of UIF, NSFAS, or other social grants (with the exception of child support grants).
• Must be between 18 and 59 years old.
• Must be living in South Africa.

Note: The income threshold will rise, so more individuals will be eligible than previously.

How to Apply for the SASSA SRD Grant Increase Affirmed by Court Decision?

• Existing Application Process (Prior to the Changes)
• Online Applications Only: Apply on the SASSA Website or SRD Portal.
• Use ID & Mobile Number: Use your South African ID and registered mobile number.
• Supply Bank Details: SASSA will confirm your income status using your bank account.

New Application Process (After Court Decision)

• Applications at SASSA offices in person will be introduced.
• Fewer people will be disqualified due to small once-off deposits.
• Income threshold will increase, allowing more people to qualify.

Beneficiaries should check SASSA announcements regularly for updates.