The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has revealed that nearly 80 000 new people apply for the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant every month. This significant increase adds to the 9 million people who are already benefiting from the grant.
With South Africa’s high unemployment rate, the demand for the SRD grant continues to grow. This article will explain how to apply for R370 SRD grant, who qualifies, and what the future holds for this financial aid.
More People Apply for R370 SRD Grant Every Month
According to MoneyWeb, by February 2024, a total of 17.4 million people had applied for the SRD grant since its introduction in May 2020. The highest number of new applications was recorded in:
- May 2024 – 171 907 new applications
- January 2025 – 168 071 new applications
These figures show that more South Africans continue to struggle financially and need assistance. The high unemployment rates in different provinces reflect why more people apply for R370 SRD grant:
- Eastern Cape – 42% unemployment (one of the highest in SA)
- Gauteng – 34% unemployment
- KwaZulu-Natal – 30% unemployment
As the number of unemployed individuals increases, so does the number of applicants who need to apply for R370 SRD grant to survive.
Learn More: SASSA eKYC System is Back – Verify Your Identity Now!
Women Leading in SRD Grant Applications
Statistics from SASSA show that more women than men have applied for the SRD grant:
- 9.3 million applications were submitted by women.
- Nearly 8 million applications were submitted by men.
This suggests that many South African women, particularly single mothers and caregivers, rely on the grant for financial support.
Additionally, more than 14 000 applications were submitted by non-South African citizens, including migrants from Lesotho and asylum seekers.
If you need financial support, you can apply for R370 SRD grant online through the SASSA website.
Who Can Apply for R370 SRD Grant?
Not everyone qualifies for the R370 SRD grant. According to Eyewitness News (EWN), to be eligible, you must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee.
- Be unemployed and not receiving any other financial aid (e.g., UIF, NSFAS, or other social grants).
- Have less than R624 in your bank account per month. If you have more, you do not qualify.
- Be between 18 and 59 years old.
SASSA considers anyone earning more than R624 per month to be financially stable enough not to qualify for the grant. If you meet these criteria, you can apply for R370 SRD grant online.
Age Group Breakdown of SRD Grant Beneficiaries
The SRD grant is available to applicants up to 59 years old, but the highest number of applications come from younger South Africans:
- 62% of applicants are aged 35 years or younger.
- The largest group of applicants is between 20 and 24 years old.
This means that many young South Africans who should be entering the workforce are struggling to find jobs and need to apply for R370 SRD grant for financial relief.
How to Apply for R370 SRD Grant?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for R370 SRD grant through the SASSA online portal:
Steps to Apply Online
- Go to the SASSA website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on “Apply for SRD Grant”
- Enter your personal details (ID number, phone number, and banking details)
- Submit your application and wait for an SMS confirming your status
After submitting your application, you can check your SASSA SRD status online to see if you have been approved or declined.
The Future of the R370 SRD Grant
The SRD grant was first introduced during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 as a temporary solution. However, due to continued financial struggles, the grant has been extended multiple times.
Currently, the R370 SRD grant is set to end on 31 March 2025. Many South Africans hope the government will extend or replace it with a permanent basic income grant.
Economic experts argue that a permanent grant could help reduce poverty and unemployment, but the government faces budget constraints in maintaining this financial aid.
Legal Challenges Surrounding SRD Grant Regulations
Recently, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe appealed a court ruling that found SASSA’s 2023 regulations unconstitutional.
Judge Mpostoli Twala of the Pretoria High Court disagreed with the appeal, arguing that SASSA had not ensured full access to the grant for all who need it.
If these legal challenges continue, SASSA might have to change its eligibility criteria and allow more people to apply for R370 SRD grant.
The R370 SRD grant remains a lifeline for millions of unemployed South Africans. With 80 000 new applicants each month, the demand for this financial relief is higher than ever.
If you are struggling financially, you should apply for R370 SRD grant before the next payment cycle. However, as its March 2025 expiration date approaches, South Africans remain uncertain about the future of social relief in the country.
