The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has released the payment dates for the March 2024 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, scheduled for March 2024. Consistent with previous practices, payments will be made in the final week of the month.
Approved SRD grant applicants can expect payments to occur from 25 March to 29 March 2024, spanning four days during the final week of March. Sassa follows this schedule due to its policy of not making payments over weekends or public holidays, with March ending with two such holidays.
Payments (for clients who are approved for the month of March 2024) will be processed from 25-29 March 2024.
Beneficiaries approved for the March 2024 SRD grant are advised to complete a Sassa grant status check to confirm their eligibility.
During that week clients are encouraged to view their status on the SRD website for the exact date that payment will reflect into their bank account.
They can do so by visiting the SRD website during the payment week to ascertain the exact payment date, bearing in mind that it may take up to three working days for funds to be accessible after processing.
Funds will take about 2-3 working days to reflect in the client’s account after payment has been processed.
Last R350 Grant Payment
Additionally, March marks the final month for SRD grant beneficiaries to receive the R350 grant. However, the implementation of the grant will continue, albeit with an increase.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced on 13 March 2024, that the grant would be increased to R370 from 1 April 2024, representing a rise of R20 or 5.7%.
Subject to the finalisation of the comprehensive social security, we will increase the R350 [grant] to R370 by the first of April this year.
Why SRD Grant Payments Are Paid At The End Of The Month
Explaining the timing of SRD grant payments, Sassa clarified that their verification process to ensure applicant eligibility necessitates payment at the end of the month.
To qualify for the SRD grant in South Africa, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria set by Sassa. They need to be SA citizens, permanent residents, or special permit holders.
They may not be receiving other government support in the form of UIF benefits or NSFAS bursaries. Their bank account should have less than R624 to be eligible for the R350 grant.
Sassa conducts verification checks in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs for identity and citizenship checks and shares bank details with the Department of Treasury for income verification.
Ultimately, the end-of-month payment schedule for the SRD grant aligns with Sassa's verification process to ensure deserving recipients receive assistance.
