The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has begun disbursing Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments for January 2026. Approved beneficiaries will receive R370, with payments scheduled between 23 and 28 January. Payments will begin on Friday the 23rd but there will be a pause as payments are not made over the weekend. Payments will recommence on Monday 26th January.
“Clients are encouraged to view their status on the SRD website to see the exact date the payment will reflect in their bank accounts,” Sassa advised.
Payments may take up to three working days to appear in bank accounts.
How to Receive SRD Grant Payments
Beneficiaries can choose to receive funds via direct bank deposit or collect their money from participating retailers. These include Pick n Pay, Boxer, Checkers, USave, OK, and Spar.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply for the SRD grant, applicants must submit their ID number, name, and surname for verification through the Department of Home Affairs.
The ID number is then checked against databases from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Individuals receiving financial support from any of these sources are ineligible for the SRD grant.
Both ID and mobile numbers undergo fraud risk scoring before Sassa makes a final decision. Applicants who are declined may submit an appeal.
SRD Grant Valid Until 2026
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed the extension of the SRD grant until March 2026. The grant was previously set to end in March 2025. Full details are likely to be available when the Minister announces the national Budget in February this year.
