The Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was introduced by the South African government in 2020 as a temporary measure to provide financial assistance to individuals who were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant was initially intended to be a short-term solution, but it has been extended several times.
SRD Grant Extension and Reapplication
The SRD grant has undergone several extensions since its introduction.
The grant was initially set to expire in October 2020, but it was extended until January 2021.
Further extensions were made, with the grant being extended until March 2023.
However, the grant has undergone significant changes, and reapplications were required.
In February 2022, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) announced that the SRD grant would be extended for a further year, until March 2023.
However, the agency also announced that the grant would be means-tested, and applicants would need to reapply.
The means test was introduced to ensure that the grant is targeted at those who need it most.
Eligibility Criteria for the SRD Grant
To be eligible for the SRD grant, applicants must meet certain criteria. The eligibility criteria include:
- Being a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Being resident within the borders of South Africa
- Being at least 18 years old
- Not being in receipt of any other social grant
- Not being in receipt of any unemployment insurance benefits
- Not being in receipt of any financial assistance from the state
- Having insufficient means to support themselves and their dependents
How to Apply for the SRD Grant
Applications for the SRD grant can be made through the SASSA website or through the SASSA mobile app.
Applicants will need to provide personal and contact details, as well as information about their income and expenses.
Applicants can also apply through the following channels:
- SASSA website
- SASSA mobile app: available on the App Store and Google Play
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- USSD: 134 7737#
Payment of the SRD Grant
The SRD grant is paid monthly, and the payment amount is R350. Payments are made through various channels, including:
- Bank accounts
- Mobile money transfers
- Cash payments at Pick n Pay or Boxer stores
- Cash payments at post offices
Status of the SRD Grant
As of February 2023, the SRD grant is still available, but it is subject to review and possible extension.
The South African government has not made any official announcements regarding the future of the grant beyond March 2023.
It is essential for beneficiaries to stay informed about any changes to the grant and to reapply if necessary.
Beneficiaries can check their application status and payment information through the SASSA website or mobile app.
Reapplication for the SRD Grant
In 2022, SASSA announced that all SRD grant beneficiaries would need to reapply for the grant.
The reapplication process was necessary due to the introduction of the means test.
Beneficiaries who did not reapply were not paid from April 2022 onwards.
Beneficiaries who need to reapply can do so through the SASSA website or mobile app.
They will need to provide updated information and supporting documents to ensure that they still meet the eligibility criteria.
Required Documents for Reapplication
- Identity document
- Proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Proof of expenses
- Bank account details
Reapplication Process
- Visit the SASSA website or mobile app
- Click on the “Reapply” button
- Enter your ID number and mobile number
- Follow the prompts to provide updated information and supporting documents
- Submit your application
Reapplication Status
Beneficiaries can check their reapplication status through the SASSA website or mobile app.
They will need to enter their ID number and mobile number to access their application status.