In a welcome announcement for South Africa’s unemployed citizens, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially increased the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant from R350 to R400 beginning June 2025. This long-anticipated change comes in response to rising economic hardship, inflation, and public pressure to strengthen the country’s social safety net.
The R50 monthly increase offers some relief for millions of South Africans who depend on this grant for their most basic needs, such as food and essential living costs.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Grant Amount | R400 per month (up from R350) |
| Effective From | June 2025 |
| Eligibility Age | 18–60 years old |
| Income Threshold | Less than R624/month |
| Other Conditions | No other government support or UIF, NSFAS |
| Application Mode | Online (SASSA website, WhatsApp, app) |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly disbursement (June 3–28, 2025) |
| Disbursement Channels | Banks, Postbank, retail outlets, mobile money |
| Appeals | Within 30 days via online appeals portal |
Why the SRD Grant Was Increased
The decision to raise the SRD grant comes after several years of stagnation at R350. Since its introduction during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SRD grant has provided critical aid to unemployed South Africans. However, due to inflation and escalating costs of living, R350 has increasingly failed to meet even the most basic survival needs.
The R400 increase, although modest, is the first upward adjustment in several years and signals the government’s recognition of the country’s growing financial inequality and the need to address poverty and hunger.
Eligibility Criteria for the R400 SRD Grant (Effective June 2025)
The Department of Social Development has laid out clear and updated guidelines for those seeking to qualify for the SRD grant under the revised structure:
- Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid asylum seeker/refugee permit
- Applicants should be between 18 and 60 years old
- No other form of income support should be received (no UIF, NSFAS, or any other SASSA grant)
- Must earn less than R624 per month
- Should have a functional bank account or a registered mobile payment channel
- Applications must be submitted digitally through the SASSA official platforms
How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted via:
- SASSA Official Website
- SASSA WhatsApp line
- SASSA Mobile App
SRD R400 Payment Schedule for June 2025
Disbursements will follow a weekly structure in June to ease pressure on the system and ensure timely distribution to all qualified beneficiaries.
Payment Rollout by Week:
| Week | Payment Dates | Channels Used |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | June 3–7, 2025 | Direct Bank Deposits, Postbank |
| Week 2 | June 10–14, 2025 | Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers Retail |
| Week 3 | June 17–21, 2025 | Mobile Payment Services (e.g., CashSend) |
| Week 4 | June 24–28, 2025 | Appeals & Backlog Processing |
Beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications once their payment is successfully processed. SASSA also encourages all recipients to regularly check their contact information and banking details to avoid unnecessary delays.
Importance of the SRD Increase to R400
Though the increase may seem small, it carries significant weight. With unemployment rates continuing to hover above 32%, particularly among young people, this R400 grant offers some breathing room to the country’s most economically vulnerable.
Benefits of the Increase:
- Better alignment with inflation and rising food prices
- Addresses civil society’s demands for higher support
- Helps families bridge the gap in times of unemployment
- Reinforces the idea of a potential Basic Income Grant (BIG) in future policy debates
While advocacy groups have pushed for the SRD grant to be aligned with the R624 monthly food poverty line, this R400 increment can be seen as a step forward, possibly paving the way for more sustainable and substantial income support programs in South Africa.
What to Do if Your Application Is Rejected
If you receive a rejection notice for your SRD application, you still have the right to appeal. According to SASSA, appeals must be lodged within 30 days of the decision.
Common Rejection Reasons:
- Income records are not updated
- Submission of multiple applications
- Incorrect personal details (e.g., ID number, banking info)
The appeals platform has recently been enhanced to ensure faster processing and greater transparency, allowing applicants to track the progress of their submissions more effectively.
Final Thoughts
The increase of the SRD grant to R400 in June 2025 is a vital, positive development for millions of South Africans struggling to make ends meet. While it may not solve all economic hardships, it provides a tangible form of support that helps recipients maintain basic dignity in the face of unemployment, rising costs, and social inequality.
With better eligibility guidelines, weekly payments, and improved appeal mechanisms, the SRD grant now stands as a more responsive and relevant tool in South Africa’s ongoing battle against poverty.
