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Sassa has confirmed to The Citizen the scheduled payment dates of the SRD grant for May 2025. Get the details here.
Sassa administers the SRD grant, which provides crucial financial support to unemployed and vulnerable individuals across the country. Pictures: iStock and Sassa
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has released its May payment date schedule for the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
Managed by Sassa, the D Department of Social Development’s SRD grant is in its fifth cycle in 2025, assisting about 9.2 million eligible South Africans, refugees and asylum seekers since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Sassa SRD grant: Early pay in May
The payment of the R370 grant usually takes place at the end of every month from the 25th.
The agency’s grant payment department, however, does not pay grants on public holidays or weekends, and with the 25th of May being a Sunday, grants will be paid earlier.
Sassa spokesperson Andile Tshona confirmed to The Citizen that this month’s SRD grant payment will be processed from 23 to 28 May.
Check your status
During the payment week, Sassa recommends recipients check their Sassa status on the SRD website to confirm the exact date their grant payment will be in their bank accounts.
Grant recipients should bear in mind that it could take around two to three working days for funds to reflect in a beneficiary’s account after the payment has been processed.
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Eligibility for Sassa SRD Grant
According to the latest figures supplied by Sassa, more than 17 million people applied for the SRD grant in September 2024.
The following are some of the requirements that persons must meet to be eligible to receive these grants:
- They need to be citizens, have a permanent South African residency or be special permit holders.
- Shouldn’t receive other government support in the form of Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits, National Student Financial Aid Scheme bursaries or permanent social grants.
- Must fall between the age brackets of 18 and 60.
- Make no more than R624 every month.
How to check SRD grant application status via phone
- Dial 080 060 1011, and
- Provide your ID number.
SRD biometric identification
Sassa has introduced a biometric verification system for beneficiaries to counter fraud.
New SRD grant applicants now have to complete biometric verification as a mandatory step before they are approved for the grant.
If you’re already a beneficiary of any Sassa grant, you don’t have to do anything unless you experience problems with your grant application.
For detailed information about the biometric verification process, you can contact Sassa’s toll-free call centre on 0800 60 10 11 or send a WhatsApp to 082-046-8553.
Collection options
Sassa has put several systems and options in place for R370 grant beneficiaries to access their payment.
1. Bank account
If you’re a recipient of the SRD grant, you can opt to have the payment directly deposited into your bank account. This method ensures prompt access to your funds as soon as they’re available.
2. Cash Send
For individuals without a personal bank account, the Cash Send payment option is available for receiving the SRD grant payment.
This method requires your ID number and phone number for access. You’ll need a cellphone with a registered number and valid identification for this collection method.
3. Retail Stores
Numerous retail stores across the country facilitate the R350 grant collection. Notable options include Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite and Boxer stores.
Sassa queries and complaints
- Contact the Sassa Toll-Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11;
- Contact the Sassa head office on 012 400 2322;
- E-mail Sassa head office at: grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za; or
- Explore a list of Sassa offices across the country here.
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