SASSA SRD Grant – In a landmark decision that brings relief to millions of South Africans, the court has officially ordered an increase in the SASSA SRD Grant. This comes after months of public outcry, legal challenges, and growing pressure on the government to adjust the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in line with inflation and the rising cost of living. The new payment structure aims to better support vulnerable citizens who rely on this essential assistance for survival.
Why the Court Intervened in SASSA SRD Grant
The legal action was driven by social justice organizations and economic rights groups who argued that the R350 grant was outdated and insufficient. The court agreed, stating that the Department of Social Development (DSD) and SASSA had a constitutional obligation to provide adequate social support.
- The SRD grant has remained at R350 since its introduction in 2020.
- Inflation and food costs have drastically increased over the past four years.
- Legal experts emphasized that failing to update the grant violated basic human rights.
- Public pressure and petitions from civil society fueled the legal momentum.
- The court mandated a reassessment and immediate update to the payment values.
New SASSA SRD Grant Payment Amounts – Effective June 2025
Following the ruling, SASSA released the revised SRD payment amounts which will be implemented from 1 June 2025. The new structure introduces tiered payments based on applicant circumstances and needs.
Updated SRD Grant Payment Categories – June 2025
| Category | Previous Amount | New Amount Effective June 2025 | Eligibility Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Unemployed Individual | R350 | R460 | No income, aged 18–59, not receiving other grants |
| Informal Worker with No Income | R350 | R500 | Small traders/street vendors with zero income |
| Childcare-Responsible Adults | R350 | R510 | Adults caring for dependents but not receiving CSG |
| Recently Retrenched Individuals | R350 | R550 | Proof of job loss within last 6 months |
| Disabled Individuals (Unregistered) | R350 | R570 | Not receiving disability grants, with medical proof |
| Gender-Based Violence Survivors | R350 | R600 | Verified by shelter/NGO support |
| Homeless Applicants | R350 | R580 | Verified by municipality or NGO |
| Persons with Chronic Illness | R350 | R590 | Not covered by any medical or disability aid |
How to Receive the Increased SASSA SRD Payments
To ensure you receive the new SRD grant amounts, beneficiaries must:
- Confirm their existing application details at srd.sassa.gov.za
- Re-verify banking or payment information before May 25, 2025
- Submit any updated documents if falling under special categories (e.g., retrenched, chronic illness)
Payment Channels for SRD June 2025
| Payment Method | Update Required? | Timeline for Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Yes | Within 2-3 business days |
| Post Office Collection | No | Within 5 business days |
| Boxer/Pick n Pay Outlets | No | Within 5 business days |
| Mobile Wallet (e.g. eWallet) | Yes | Within 48 hours post-processing |
| CashSend Services | Yes | 2–4 business days after confirmation |
Steps to Appeal If You’re Still Receiving R350
If you’re still getting R350 despite qualifying for more:
- Log in to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Use the “Lodge Appeal” option and enter your ID and phone number
- Upload any supporting documents (termination letter, medical notes, etc.)
- Track your appeal status online or by calling SASSA Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
FAQs – SASSA SRD Grant
Q1: Do I need to reapply to get the higher amount?
No, you don’t need to reapply. But you must update your information to reflect eligibility for higher brackets.
Q2: When will the increased SRD payment be reflected?
Payments will start from 1 June 2025, based on your updated records.
Q3: What happens if I miss the verification deadline?
You will continue receiving R350 until you complete your update. Delays may occur in adjustment processing.
Q4: Will everyone get R600 now?
No, only verified special-category applicants (e.g., GBV survivors) will receive the maximum R600.
Q5: Can I get backpay from previous months at the new rate?
No. The court order only affects payments going forward from June 2025.
Contact Details for Queries and Support
For more information, use the following official support channels:
SASSA National Call Centre
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 60 10 11
- Operating Hours: 8AM to 5PM (Mon–Fri)
SASSA SRD Online Portal
- Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Provincial SASSA Offices Contact
| Province | Contact Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 241 8320 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 033 846 3400 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape | 021 469 0235 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape | 043 707 6300 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo | 015 291 7499 | [email protected] |
Community Response to the SRD Grant Increase
The news of the grant increase has been met with widespread relief and appreciation. Civil society leaders have called it a long overdue correction, while many citizens say it will make a meaningful difference in buying essentials such as food, electricity, and transport.
How This Affects Future Budget Planning
The court’s intervention has forced the government to reassess its budget for social development programs. Experts believe this could pave the way for a full Basic Income Grant (BIG) in the near future, aimed at broader poverty alleviation.
What Should Beneficiaries Do Now?
- Visit the official site https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Ensure your ID number, phone, and bank details are correct
- Submit additional documents if you fall into any upgraded payment category
- Track your status and reach out to SASSA if you experience delays
The SASSA SRD grant increase marks a significant policy shift and legal victory for the poor and unemployed. With higher payments now legally mandated, eligible South Africans can look forward to slightly more financial breathing room. However, the effectiveness will ultimately depend on timely rollouts and efficient verification processes.
