Who Qualifies for the SASSA SRD R370 Grant?
Updated June 2026 • Full eligibility requirements
What Is the SRD R370 Grant?
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a monthly payment of R370 provided by the South African government through SASSA (the South African Social Security Agency). It was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been extended to support unemployed South Africans who have no other source of income or government support.
The grant is means-tested, meaning SASSA verifies your income and circumstances every month against government databases including SARS, UIF, Home Affairs, NSFAS, and others.
Eligibility Requirements — Who Can Apply
To qualify for the SASSA SRD R370 grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:
-
✓
South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
You must be a South African citizen, a person with permanent residency, or a recognised refugee or asylum seeker with a valid permit. -
✓
Between 18 and 59 years old
The SRD grant targets working-age adults who fall outside the Older Persons Grant age bracket. If you are 60 or older, you may qualify for the Older Persons Grant instead. -
✓
Unemployed and not earning income
You must not be employed or earning any income. SASSA checks UIF records and SARS tax data to verify this each month. -
✓
Not receiving any other SASSA grant
You cannot receive the SRD grant if you already receive another SASSA grant such as the Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, or Older Persons Grant. -
✓
Not receiving any other government support
This includes NSFAS bursary funding, UIF payments, or any other government financial support that provides regular income. -
✓
Income below R624 per month
Your monthly income must not exceed R624. This figure is reviewed periodically. Income from informal work or temporary gigs counts. -
✓
Resident in South Africa
You must be physically residing in South Africa at the time of your application. -
✓
Valid South African ID
You must have a valid South African ID (green barcoded ID book or smart ID card). Your ID must be verifiable through the Department of Home Affairs system.
What Disqualifies You From the SRD Grant?
- ✗Currently employed and earning a salary or wages
- ✗Receiving UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) payments
- ✗Registered as an NSFAS bursary recipient
- ✗Already receiving another SASSA grant
- ✗Monthly income exceeds R624
- ✗Under 18 or 60 years and older
- ✗Not a South African citizen, permanent resident, or recognised refugee
- ✗ID cannot be verified by Home Affairs
- ✗Residing outside South Africa
Special Cases — Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Refugees and asylum seekers are eligible for the SRD R370 grant, following a court ruling that confirmed their right to access social relief. To qualify:
- You must have a valid refugee status document (Section 24 permit) or valid asylum seeker permit (Section 22 permit).
- Your permit must be valid and not expired at the time of application.
- You must meet all other eligibility requirements (income, age, no other grants, etc.).
What About People Doing Informal or Casual Work?
If you earn money from informal work — such as selling goods, washing cars, or doing occasional casual labour — you may still qualify as long as your monthly income does not exceed R624. SASSA's means test looks at your total monthly income from all sources.
If you earn more than R624 in a specific month from casual work, you would be ineligible for that month only. Your eligibility is re-assessed each month, so you are not automatically disqualified for future months if your income drops again.
How SASSA Checks Eligibility Every Month
Every month, SASSA runs automated checks on your application against data from multiple government systems:
Department of Home Affairs
Verifies your identity and confirms you are a valid South African citizen or resident.
SARS (Tax Database)
Checks whether you have registered income or tax contributions above the threshold.
Department of Employment (UIF)
Checks whether your employer has been making UIF contributions on your behalf.
NSFAS
Checks whether you are an active NSFAS bursary recipient.
SASSA Grant Database
Confirms you are not already receiving another social grant.
Government Payroll
Checks whether you are employed by any government department or entity.
Think You Qualify? Apply Now
Apply for the SASSA SRD R370 grant on the official government portal.
Apply at srd.sassa.gov.za →