A very relieving news has come for unemployed citizens in South Africa. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has made it official that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will be raised to R400, as compared to R350, since June 2025.
There had been a long time demand on this increase as the poor and unemployed class of the country was finding it extremely tough due to ever growing inflation and financial crisis in the country. Now the government has listened to the voice of the people and has increased this grant by R50.
Why was this increase necessary?
The SRD grant was started during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time millions of people across the country had lost their jobs and had no source of income. At such a time, the government started giving assistance of R350 per month as a temporary relief.
But since then inflation has increased a lot. Today, it has become impossible to meet even the most basic needs like food, electricity, transport etc. in R350. Keeping this in mind, the government has now increased this amount to R400.
Key details of R400 SRD grant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New grant amount | R400 per month (was R350 earlier) |
| Effective date | From June 2025 |
| Age limit | 18 to 60 years |
| Maximum income limit | Less than R624 per month |
| Other conditions | Not receiving any other government assistance (such as UIF, NSFAS etc.) |
| Application process | Online only (via SASSA website, WhatsApp, app) |
| Payment frequency | Weekly payments (3–28 June 2025) |
| Methods of payment | Banks, Postbank, retail stores, mobile money |
| Right of appeal | Online appeal within 30 days of rejection |
Who can apply for this grant?
There are some important eligibility criteria for this R400 SRD grant. Let us see how it goes:
- Citizenship: The applicants must be legal refugees, permanent residents or South African citizens.
- Age: The age must be 18–60 years.
- Failure to receive any other assistance: People who are already on any other state assistance like UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) or any other SASSA grant would not receive this scheme.
- Low income: Your monthly income should be less than R624.
- Bank account or mobile payment system: You must have a working bank account or a mobile money channel.
How to apply?
SASSA has made the application process completely digital so that more and more people can easily apply from home. To apply, you can use the following platforms:
- Visit SASSA’s official website and fill out the form.
- Apply via SASSA’s WhatsApp service.
- Application can also be made by downloading the SASSA mobile app.
Keep in mind that providing any wrong information may result in the application being rejected.
Weekly payment schedule for June 2025
SASSA has this time divided the payment into four weeks so that there is no pressure on the system and all beneficiaries can get the money on time. Below is the weekly payment schedule for June 2025:
| Week | Date | Payment Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 3–7 June | Direct Bank Deposit, Postbank |
| Week 2 | 10–14 June | Retail Stores like Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers etc. |
| Week 3 | 17–21 June | Mobile Money Services (such as CashSend) |
| Week 4 | 24–28 June | Appeals and settlement of pending cases |
Through SMS, you will be informed once your payment is processed. Thus, you need to ensure that you update your mobile information and your bank details.
What will be the benefits of this increase?
Now the question is, what will a mere R50 hike change?
The truth is—
- This is a necessary step that acknowledges that inflation is real.
- It will balance demand and supply, as food prices have risen too much.
- The government has indicated that it is considering permanent measures like the “Basic Income Grant” (BIG) in the future.
- This will provide some relief to the youth and the unemployed so that they don’t feel completely destitute.
- There have been calls to bring this grant to the level of the R624 food poverty line, but this R400 hike is a small but important step in the right direction.
What to do if your application is rejected?
If your SRD grant application is rejected, don’t worry. You have the right to appeal within 30 days.
Common rejection reasons:
- Income information is not up to date.
- Applied more than once.
- The name, ID number or bank details are incorrect.
SASSA has now upgraded its appeal website, allowing you to easily track the status of your appeal and get timely resolution.
Conclusion: A ray of hope
Today, when millions of people in the country are struggling with unemployment, inflation and social inequality, this R400 aid is not just a penny but a source of self-esteem and hope to live.
This grant will not only help the needy to get the basics of life, but it also shows that the government is now listening to the voices of its citizens.
Now it’s up to you:
- Keep your mobile and bank details updated.
- If the application is rejected, appeal on time.
Every small amount, every small initiative, is the beginning of a big change. This R400 aid is a sign of that change.
FAQ
1. How much is the SASSA SRD grant in 2025?
The SRD grant has now increased to R400 per month from June 2025, up from R350 previously. This increase is a big relief for unemployed citizens.
2. Who can apply for this R400 grant?
South African citizens aged 18 to 60, refugees or permanent residents who earn less than R624 per month and are not receiving any other government assistance.
3. What is the application process?
The application is entirely online—can be done via the SASSA website, WhatsApp service or mobile app. Providing incorrect information may result in the application being rejected.
4. How and when will payments be made?
Payments will be phased in over four weeks in June 2025—weekly payments will be made via banks, postbanks, retail stores and mobile money.
5. What if my application is rejected?
You have the right to appeal online within 30 days of the rejection. You can track the status of your appeal through SASSA’s new portal.
Shreya Singh is a dedicated financial journalist known for her in-depth coverage of government programs and economic updates. She consistently delivers accurate information on U.S. topics such as Stimulus Checks, IRS announcements, and federal relief efforts. Shreya also reports on UK welfare programs, covering developments in Universal Credit, PIP, and DWP news. Her clarity and commitment to trustworthy reporting have earned her a loyal following among readers seeking insightful financial updates.