The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) payment is a lifeline for millions of South Africans who have little or no income. In September 2025, the amount provided is R370 per month. This program supports families in need by offering basic financial relief that helps cover food, medicine, and everyday essentials. By focusing on easy-to-understand information, this article explores who qualifies, how payments are made, when they arrive, and how the grant changes lives.
What is the SASSA R370 Payment?
SASSA stands for the South African Social Security Agency. This agency provides a range of grants to help people with no steady income. The SRD grant, specifically, is designed for those who are unemployed or affected by tough economic times, ensuring they are able to buy daily necessities and avoid basic hardship. Payments are issued monthly, and people can collect theirs through a direct bank deposit or at selected retail stores and post offices.
Who Can Get the Payment?
To qualify for the SRD grant, applicants must meet several requirements. The following table summarizes what is needed:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details (September 2025) |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African, refugee, or resident |
| Age | Between 18 and 59 years |
| Residence | Must live in South Africa |
| Financial Test | Monthly income less than R624 |
| Unemployment | Must be unemployed or have no regular income |
| Exclusions | No other state support (UIF, NSFAS, etc.) |
Anyone applying should check their grant status using their identification number and mobile number, which helps them learn if and when their payment is due.
Payment Dates & Methods
SASSA pays different types of grants on set days each month, while SRD grants are issued randomly, usually in the last week. Here are the main dates for September 2025:
| Grant Type | Payment Date (September 2025) |
|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | 2 September 2025 |
| Disability Grant | 3 September 2025 |
| Children’s Grants | 4 September 2025 |
| SRD R370 Payment | Between 24th and 30th September 2025 |
Payments can be received via:
- Direct deposit into a bank account
- Cash withdrawn at Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Post Office outlets
- Cash send for those without bank accounts
How Many People Get the Grant?
South Africa’s grant system is large and far-reaching. For 2025, about 19 million people receive grants other than the SRD. The SRD grant adds support to more than 9 million additional people each month. All grants together represent a major portion of the country’s social spending.
| Social Grant Type | Number of Recipients (2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Non-SRD Social Grants | 19,000,000 |
| SRD R370 Grant | 9,000,000+ |
| Total Grant Budget | R284.7 Billion |
| SRD R370 Budget | R35.2 Billion |
How Does SASSA Decide Who Gets Paid?
Applicants must pass a “means test.” This checks if they earn less than R624 per month, have no big savings, and aren’t getting other government aid. If someone starts earning again or gets money from another support program, SASSA reviews and may end their payments. Status checks contain clear messages:
- ‘Period Pending’: Waiting for review
- ‘Period Approved’: Funds will be paid soon
- ‘Period Declined’: Application not successful for that month
Why This Program Matters
For many people, the SRD grant is their only income. R370 may be modest, but it can cover a week’s supply of food or basic utilities. It helps prevent hunger and homelessness, providing hope during long periods of unemployment. These payments help families stay afloat, supporting transport costs for job searches and enabling children to eat and learn.
Real-Life Impact
Many grant recipients say the money has helped keep their families going when no other income was available. A parent in Gauteng shared, “Without SASSA, my children would have no food. It’s not much, but it means I can look for jobs and not worry about our next meal.” People across provinces echo this hope and dignity brought by regular support.
Government Commitment & Changes
Government leaders have pledged to keep the SRD grant active and even explore making it permanent for the poorest citizens. In 2025, the social grant budget was increased to address rising poverty and need. Additionally, starting in September, all new applicants are required to register their fingerprints or facial recognition data, a move meant to prevent fraud and enhance security.
SASSA Grants Payment Increase Table
| Grant Type | Amount in March 2025 (R) | New Amount in April 2025 (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age (60–74) | 2,190 | 2,310 |
| Old Age (75+) | 2,210 | 2,330 |
| War Veterans | 2,210 | 2,330 |
| Disability | 2,190 | 2,310 |
| Care Dependency | 2,190 | 2,310 |
| Child Support | 530 | 560 |
| Foster Care | 1,180 | 1,250 |
| SRD Grant | 350 | 370 |
How to Apply
To ask for the SRD R370 grant, applicants need to:
- Visit a SASSA office or use the designated online portal.
- Provide an ID number and cell phone details.
- Follow updates to see if the application is approved.
- Once approved, receive payment based on the schedule.
Final Thoughts
The SASSA R370 grant, though modest, is a vital support for millions in South Africa. It goes beyond money—it brings dignity, relief, and hope to families who might otherwise go hungry. As the program adapts and grows, its future may see higher payments and even more safeguards, but its mission—to help struggling people—remains constant.
