The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has opened applications for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for February 2025. Eligible individuals requiring financial assistance can now apply.
Who Qualifies for the SRD Grant?
Applicants must meet strict criteria to qualify for the SRD grant:
- Residency Status: Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or holders of special permits.
- Income Threshold: Monthly income must be below R624, and the bank account balance must not exceed this amount.
- Exclusions: Applicants receiving other forms of government support, such as Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits or NSFAS bursaries, are ineligible.
How Sassa Verifies Eligibility
Sassa employs multiple verification processes to confirm applicants' eligibility:
- Identity Verification: The Department of Home Affairs confirms identity and citizenship.
- Income Verification: The Department of Treasury checks bank details to verify income.
Payments are disbursed only after these checks are completed, with funds typically transferred at the end of each month.
Steps to Apply for the SRD Grant
Follow these steps to submit your SRD grant application:
- Access the Website: Visit the SRD grant application portal.
- Select Citizenship Status: Choose either "South African ID Holder" or "Asylum Seeker/Special Permit Holder" at the bottom of the webpage.
- Begin Application: Click the yellow bar labelled "Click here to apply online" under the relevant section.
- Verify Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number and submit the one-time pin (OTP) sent by Sassa.
- Complete the Application: Follow the prompts to provide the required information and submit your application.
Payment Options for Approved Recipients
Approved recipients can choose to receive their SRD grant payments directly into their bank accounts or collect the funds at participating supermarkets, including Pick n Pay, Boxer, Checkers, USave, Shoprite, OK, and Spar.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure timely processing and payment.
