The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments for March 2024. Only individuals who were approved for grant payments will be paid during the third month of the year.
SRD grant payments for March will be made between 25 March 2024 and 29 March 2024
SRD grant payments are made during the final week of the month after Sassa completed various verification checks. These verification checks seek to ensure only deserving individuals receive SRD grant payments.
Funds will take about 2 – 3 working days to reflect in the client’s account after payment has been processed.
Why And How Sassa Conducts SRD Grant Verification Checks
To qualify for the SRD grant in South Africa, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria set by Sassa. They need to be South African citizens, permanent residents, or special permit holders. Additionally, they should not be receiving other government support such as UIF benefits or NSFAS bursaries.
Moreover, their bank account balance should be less than R624 to be eligible for the R350 grant.
Sassa collaborates with the Department of Home Affairs to conduct verification checks for identity and citizenship, while bank details are shared with the Department of Treasury for income verification. Once eligibility is confirmed, Sassa proceeds with payments.
This verification process is crucial for adhering to the end-of-month payment schedule.
Where to Collect Your SRD Grant Payment
As an SRD Grant beneficiary, you have the option to have your grant paid directly into your bank account, enabling immediate access to the funds. Alternatively, if you don’t have a personal bank account, you can opt for the Cashsend payment option.
To utilise the Cashsend option, you’ll need your ID number and phone number, along with a registered cellphone and proof of identification. Grant beneficiaries can also collect their R350 grant at select retail stores nationwide, including Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, and Boxer stores.
SRD grant applicants can complete a Sassa status check to see if they were approved for grant payments. If an applicant’s SRD Sassa Application is rejected, they may submit a SRD grant appeal to the Independent Tribunal For Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
SRD Grant Extended To 2025
Originally a short-term grant for the unemployed during lockdowns, the SRD grant has been extended until March 2025, providing essential support to individuals without income. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the grant kept many people out of poverty despite its amount.
