- Current Extension Until March 2025:
- The SRD grant has been extended until 31 March 2025, with payments scheduled for the remaining months of January, February, and March 2025.
- The grant amount remains at R370 per month, as increased in April 2024.
Payment Dates for 2025:
- January 2025: 25 to 31 January
- February 2025: 22 to 28 February
- March 2025: 24 to 29 March.
- Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their payment status on the official SASSA SRD website during the designated payment week.
No Reapplication Needed:
- Existing beneficiaries do not need to reapply for the SRD grant in 2025. Approved applicants will automatically receive payments unless their circumstances change.
- Biometric Verification:
- SASSA has introduced a biometric verification system for new applicants to combat fraud. Existing beneficiaries are exempt unless they encounter issues with their applications.
Future of the SRD Grant:
- The SRD grant is set to end on 31 March 2025, with no confirmed extension beyond this date. However, provisional funding allocations for 2025/26 and 2026/27 suggest the possibility of further extensions if approved by the National Treasury.
- The government is exploring long-term solutions, such as a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG), but no concrete plans have been finalized.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or special permit holders.
- They must be unemployed with a monthly income of R624 or less.
- They should not be receiving other government support, such as UIF benefits or NSFAS bursaries.
How to Check Payment Status:
- Visit the official SASSA SRD website.
- Enter your ID number and mobile number.
- Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your phone.
- View your application status and payment date.
Payment Collection Methods:
- Bank Account: Direct deposit for quick access.
- Cash Send: For those without bank accounts.
- Retail Stores: Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, and Boxer stores.
Postbank Card Update:
- The existing SASSA Gold Card will remain valid until replaced by the new Postbank Black Card. Beneficiaries can find card replacement locations by dialing 120218*3#.
- Contact SASSA for Queries:
- Toll-Free Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
- WhatsApp: 082-046-8553
- Email: [email protected].
Key Takeaways
- The SRD grant remains a critical support system for millions of South Africans, but it is set to end in March 2025 unless further extensions are approved.
- Beneficiaries should stay informed about payment dates, eligibility criteria, and updates on the grant’s future.
- For the latest updates, visit The Citizen or the official SASSA SRD website.
For more details, you can refer to the original articles on The Citizen:
