A major relief has been announced by the South African government. SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) has officially confirmed that from June 2025, the amount of SRD i.e. Social Relief of Distress grant has been increased from R350 to R400 per month. This change has brought a big relief to millions of unemployed people, who are struggling with ever-increasing inflation and daily needs.
What is SRD grant?
SRD grant is a financial assistance that is especially given to those citizens who are unemployed and whose income is very low. This scheme was launched in May 2020 during the Kovid epidemic so that the needy could get help for at least essential expenses. Initially it was introduced for only a few months, but in view of its need, it was extended repeatedly and now it has become a part of the permanent social assistance system of the country.
What does the increase in the grant mean?
Earlier when the SRD grant was R350, many people were saying that it is difficult to survive a month with such a small amount. R350 is neither enough to cover rations, nor transport expenses, nor mobile data, which has become a necessity today. In such a situation, the increase of R50, which means now you will get R400, is an increase of about 14%.
It seems small, but if you think that this amount is for a month and is given to millions of people across the country, then this change matters a lot.
Quickly understand the main points of this new scheme
| Subject | Description |
|---|---|
| New grant amount | R400 per month (was R350 earlier) |
| Implementation date | From June 2025 |
| Eligibility | Those earning less than R624 and those who are unemployed |
| Age limit | 18 to 59 years |
| Payment method | Bank account, Postbank or Cash send |
| Payment dates | based on the last digits of the ID number |
Why was this change necessary?
Inflation is constantly increasing in the country. The price of a loaf of bread has now become around R20-25, milk is available for R15-R20. In such a situation, R350 does not even cover a week’s ration. There was pressure on the government for a long time to increase this amount so that people could buy at least essential items.
Apart from this, many civil organizations and social workers had demanded the government to increase this amount. Finally, this change came into effect from June 2025.
Full eligibility details
If you want to receive this R400 grant, you must meet a few criteria:
Requirements:
- You must be a citizen of South Africa, or legally living here (resident/refugee)
- You must be between 18 and 59 years old
- You must not be receiving any other government assistance (such as UIF, NSFAS, or any other grants)
- Your monthly income must be less than R624
Required documents:
- Valid ID card or refugee/asylum certificate
- Bank account details
- Active mobile number
- Residence certificate (may be required if needed)
June 2025 payment dates – based on ID number
To avoid congestion and delays, SASSA has divided payments according to the last three digits of the ID number. Check on which day you will get your payment:
| ID Number Ends | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 0 and 1 | 3 June 2025 |
| 2 and 3 | 10 June 2025 |
| 4 and 5 | 17 June 2025 |
| 6 and 7 | 24 June 2025 |
| 8 and 9 | 28 June 2025 |
How to Apply? – 3 Easy Ways
Now applying has become very easy. You can apply online, via WhatsApp or by visiting the office:
- Apply online:
- Go to SASSA’s official SRD website
- Enter your ID and mobile number
- Upload required documents
- Verify via OTP
- Via WhatsApp:
- Save the number 082 046 8553
- Send “Hi” and follow the instructions
- Send your ID and bank details
- Visit a SASSA office:
- Go to your nearest SASSA office
- Take your ID, address and bank details with you
- Staff there will assist you
What changes could come in the future?
The government is considering a number of ways to make the SRD grant more robust:
- Review of income limits: Currently, only those earning less than R624 are eligible for the scheme. This limit could either be increased or removed.
- Legal changes: Due to court orders, the system is being made more transparent and faster.
- Budget expansion: The scheme has a budget of R33.6 billion until March 2026.
- UBIG discussion: In the future, the SRD could be transformed into a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG), which would give a fixed amount to everyone who needs it – regardless of whether they are unemployed or not.
How can this small amount help you with your expenses?
Let’s say you have R50 left at the end of the month. You could use it for the following needs:
| Expense type | Estimated expenses (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Bread and milk (once a week) | R120 |
| Mobile data (1GB per week) | R100 |
| Local transport (2 trips) | R60 |
| Soap, toothpaste, etc. | R50 |
This small increase can help meet many needs, especially for people who have no other income.
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.