In 2025, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will see significant changes in the SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility, particularly the R370 SRD grant that many South Africans rely on. The Department of Social Development (DSD) is proposing sweeping amendments to the Social Assistance Act that could alter the eligibility criteria and application process for this vital form of assistance.
Currently, to qualify for the SRD grant, applicants need to meet specific income thresholds, such as earning less than R625 per month. However, recent developments, including amendments tabled by the DSD, suggest that this income limit might soon be a thing of the past, making the application process less stringent and potentially more inclusive.
This article delves into the expected changes to SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility in 2025, the legal battles surrounding the grant, and how you can apply for the SRD in the future.
Understanding the SASSA SRD Grant
The SASSA SRD Grant is a temporary assistance measure introduced by the South African government to provide financial relief to individuals who are facing economic hardship. Initially launched as a response to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SRD grant has become an essential source of income for many low-income South Africans.
At present, the grant offers a payment of R370 per month, and its primary aim is to alleviate the distress faced by individuals who do not qualify for other forms of social assistance. The SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility criteria target South Africans who find themselves without regular income or in dire financial need.
Current SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility Criteria
As of now, to qualify for the SASSA SRD Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Income Threshold: One of the most important eligibility requirements is that the applicant must earn no more than R625 per month. This income cap has been a point of contention, as many people earning slightly above this threshold are still in desperate need of financial assistance.
Proof of Financial Need: In addition to the income threshold, applicants must also prove they have no other means of financial support. This is done through an application process where SASSA conducts monthly checks to confirm that applicants are genuinely in need of assistance.
South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees are eligible for the SRD grant.
Age Requirements: The SRD grant is available to individuals between the ages of 18 and 59, though it is primarily targeted at adults who are unemployed and not receiving other forms of social grants.
These requirements have helped SASSA allocate the grant to the most vulnerable individuals. However, the limitations of the current system are becoming more apparent, as some applicants, even those who are struggling financially, are excluded from receiving the grant due to bureaucratic hurdles and the stringent income requirements.
Proposed Changes to SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility in 2025
In response to criticisms and ongoing legal battles, the DSD has proposed significant changes to the SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility criteria for 2025. The most notable of these changes is the potential removal of the R625 income threshold, which could widen the pool of eligible applicants and ensure that more people in need of financial assistance are included.
The key proposed changes include:
Removal of the R625 Income Threshold: The income limit of R625 per month is currently one of the main factors used to determine eligibility. However, one of the amendments to the Social Assistance Act proposes that this threshold be removed entirely. This could result in a more inclusive system, where more individuals, including those earning slightly above the current limit, will qualify for the SRD grant. This change follows criticism that the income limit was too low and excluded many South Africans who were facing hardship but earned just above the threshold.
Revised Definition of ‘Income’ and ‘Financial Support’: The proposed changes aim to make a clearer distinction between ‘income’ (regular earnings from employment or business) and ‘financial support’ (assistance from family members or other sources). This distinction is important, as the court case against SASSA highlighted that individuals who may receive financial support from family members should not be unfairly excluded if their primary income is insufficient to meet their needs. As a result, the proposed changes may allow more applicants to qualify for the SRD grant, even if they receive financial support from family or friends.
Expansion of the Application Process: As part of the changes, SASSA is also working on streamlining the application process, making it easier for applicants to apply and for the agency to assess eligibility. There may be improvements in the online application system, as well as more accessible alternatives for those without internet access, such as applications via WhatsApp and USSD.
Public Comment Period: The proposed amendments are currently open for public comment until Monday, April 14, 2025. This gives South Africans an opportunity to have their say on the changes before they are finalized. It is important for citizens to engage in the process, as these changes could affect a significant number of people who rely on the SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility for their livelihoods.
Learn More: SASSA SRD Grant to Continue as Jobseekers’ Support Scheme, Says Minister
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings
Earlier this year, the Pretoria High Court ruled in favor of the #PayTheGrants movement and the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), which challenged the exclusionary practices of SASSA in relation to the SRD grant. Judge Twala ruled that SASSA’s exclusionary approach, which limited the number of successful applicants, was unjust. The agency had argued that it could not afford to pay all eligible applicants, citing insufficient funds. However, the court ruled that the lack of funds was not a valid legal reason to limit access to the SRD grant.
This ruling was a significant victory for the #PayTheGrants campaign, which has long argued that terms like ‘income’ and ‘financial support’ should be separated to ensure that no one in genuine need of financial assistance is excluded. The court gave SASSA and the DSD until May 2025 to amend the system, but the department has since been granted leave to appeal the judgment.
The proposed changes to the SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility criteria are a direct result of this legal challenge and the growing recognition that the existing system does not adequately address the needs of all South Africans in distress.
How to Apply for the SASSA SRD Grant in 2025
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the SASSA SRD Grant, you can apply by following these steps:
Online Application: Visit the official SASSA SRD website to apply for the grant. You will need to provide your valid South African ID number, full name, surname, and a working cell phone number. The system will also require your banking details for direct deposits. If you prefer, you can choose to collect your grant from participating banks or retailers.
WhatsApp Application: For those without internet access, you can apply via WhatsApp by sending a message to the number 082 046 8553.
USSD Application: Another alternative is to use the USSD line *134*7737# to submit your application.
It is crucial to apply before the deadline and ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information to avoid delays or complications in the approval process.
Learn More: How to Apply for an SASSA SRD Grant in 2025
What This Means for the Future
The proposed changes to the SASSA SRD Grant Eligibility are a step towards making social assistance more accessible to South Africans in need. While the removal of the R625 income threshold could mean that more people qualify, the final outcome of the legal challenges and public comment process will ultimately determine how the changes are implemented.
As South Africa continues to recover from the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that systems like the SRD grant evolve to better serve the country’s most vulnerable populations. Whether these changes will succeed in providing more inclusive support remains to be seen, but they are a promising development for those in need of assistance.
