Questions About SASSA and the SRD R370 Grant? Here Are the Answers South Africans Are Searching for Right Now

Millions of South Africans wake up every month with the same urgent questions about SASSA grants.

Is my R370 still coming?

Did my status change? 

Am I still eligible?

This article answers the questions people are actually asking right now — no fluff, no filler, just answers.

Is the SRD R370 grant still running in April 2026?

Yes, and it is now confirmed for a full extra year. The government has officially extended the SRD grant from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with the monthly payment remaining at R370.

    Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe published the revised regulations in the Government Gazette before the 31 March deadline, ensuring no gap in payments for the more than 8 million beneficiaries who depend on it monthly.

Did any grant amounts increase in April 2026?

      Most did  but not the SRD. The old age, disability, and care dependency grants increased from R2,315 to R2,400 on 1 April, while the war veterans grant rose to R2,420. The foster care grant increased to R1,295, and the child support and grant-in-aid grants rose from R560 to R580  increases of between 3.6% and 3.7%, broadly in line with Treasury’s 3.4% inflation forecast. The SRD grant stays frozen at R370, its third consecutive year without an increase.

When exactly will SRD beneficiaries be paid in April 2026?

   SASSA has announced that SRD R370 payments for April 2026 will be made in two separate windows: 23–24 April and 29–30 April 2026. Unlike permanent grants, every SRD beneficiary has a personal payment date assigned after individual verification.

   Check yours at srd.sassa.gov.za  do not rely on a general date circulating on social media.
For permanent grants, Easter has shifted April’s schedule. Older Persons receive payment on 2 April, Disability on 7 April, and Children’s grants on 8 April. Funds remain in accounts after payment day, so there is no need to rush.

What are the SRD R370 eligibility requirements in 2026?

     To qualify, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker between the ages of 18 and 59. You must be unemployed, earn less than R624 per month according to banking records, and not receive UIF, NSFAS, or any other SASSA social grant.

   SASSA now automatically reviews your eligibility monthly using existing information, you no longer need to reapply every three months. Just keep your banking details and contact number up to date.

How do I apply or check my SRD status?

    Apply and check your status entirely online, no queue, no office visit needed. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and enter your 13-digit ID number and registered phone number.

     SASSA’s new SRD portal displays real-time application status, expected payment outcomes, and clear explanations for any delays including mismatched banking details or pending identity verification.

Prefer your phone? WhatsApp 082 046 8553, dial *120*69277# without data, or call the toll-free line 0800 60 10 11. The Moya App also works on zero-rated data on supported networks.

Why was my SRD grant declined — and can I fight it?

      The most common reasons for decline in 2026 are income above R624 detected in bank records, a mismatch between your ID and Home Affairs data, active UIF or NSFAS payments, or simply a family deposit that SASSA’s system read as income.

     Finance Minister Godongwana confirmed that SASSA has checked the bank accounts of 6 million beneficiaries and 8 million credit bureau clients, identifying over 291,000 for review with more than 34,600 grants cancelled.
If you were wrongly declined, you have a legal right to appeal.

Go to srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal, choose the declined month, state your reason, and submit supporting proof such as a bank statement or affidavit. Do this within 30 days for the fastest result — the legal deadline is 90 days. Appeals are reviewed by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), reachable at 012 312 7727 or grantappeals@dsd.gov.za.

Is the SRD grant becoming permanent?

The social relief of distress grant has been allocated an additional R36.4 billion to extend payments until 31 March 2027. Beyond that, President Ramaphosa confirmed at SONA 2026 that the SRD will be redesigned into a permanent Livelihoods Support Grant, a conditional, employment-linked model that connects recipients to job opportunities and skills training. Full details are expected at the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October 2026.

What should I watch out for right now?

  A new WhatsApp scam is targeting beneficiaries in April 2026, with fake messages claiming you must “register for the grant increase.” Increases are automatic no registration is needed. SASSA only uses the official WhatsApp number 082 046 8553. Never share your ID, PIN, or banking details with anyone claiming to help you access your grant.

Report scams to SASSA's fraud hotline and open a case at your nearest police station.

Your Essential SASSA Contacts

SASSA Official Site: www.sassa.gov.za
SRD Portal: srd.sassa.gov.za
SRD Appeals: srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals/appeal
DSD Appeals Portal: srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals
WhatsApp (Status): 082 046 8553
WhatsApp (Apply): 082 054 0016
Toll-Free: 0800 60 10 11
ITSAA: 012 312 7727 | grantappeals@dsd.gov.za
Legal Aid SA: 0800 110 110 (free)