The Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has been a vital source of financial support for many South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant, which is administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), has provided a monthly stipend to eligible individuals.
However, the SRD grant is a temporary measure, and its duration has been extended several times.
SRD Grant Application and Approval Process
Before we dive into the key dates, it’s essential to understand the SRD grant application and approval process.
To apply for the SRD grant, individuals must submit an application through the SASSA website or via WhatsApp.
The application process typically involves providing personal and financial information, which is then verified by SASSA.
Once the application is approved, the grant is paid out monthly.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SRD grant, individuals must meet specific criteria, including:
- Being a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Being unemployed and not receiving any other form of government assistance
- Having no alternative source of income or financial support
- Being resident in South Africa
Application Status
Once an application is submitted, it can take several weeks for SASSA to process and approve it.
Applicants can check their application status on the SASSA website or via WhatsApp.
SRD Grant Payment Dates
The SRD grant is typically paid out on a monthly basis.
The payment dates are usually announced by SASSA in advance, and applicants can expect to receive their grant payments on the following dates:
Monthly Payment Dates
The SRD grant payment dates are usually the same every month.
However, SASSA may adjust the payment dates due to various reasons, such as public holidays or system maintenance.
Payment Cycle
The SRD grant payment cycle typically runs from the 1st to the 30th of each month.
Applicants can expect to receive their grant payments during this period.
SRD Grant End Dates
The SRD grant is a temporary measure, and its duration has been extended several times.
The current end date for the SRD grant is:
Current End Date
The SRD grant is currently set to end on 31 March 2025.
However, this date may be extended or changed by the government.
Previous Extensions
The SRD grant has been extended several times since its introduction in 2020.
The previous extensions were as follows:
- Initial end date: 31 October 2020
- First extension: 31 January 2021
- Second extension: 30 April 2021
- Third extension: 30 September 2021
- Fourth extension: 31 March 2022
- Fifth extension: 31 March 2023
- Sixth extension: 31 March 2024
- Seventh extension: 31 March 2025
What Happens After the SRD Grant Ends?
Once the SRD grant ends, applicants will no longer receive the monthly stipend.
However, SASSA may provide alternative forms of assistance or refer applicants to other government programs.
Alternative Forms of Assistance
SASSA may offer alternative forms of assistance, such as food parcels or other forms of relief.
Applicants can contact their local SASSA office to inquire about available alternatives.
Other Government Programs
Applicants may be eligible for other government programs, such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Applicants can contact the relevant government department to inquire about available programs.
How to Stay Informed About SRD Grant Updates
To stay informed about SRD grant updates, applicants can:
Visit the SASSA Website
The SASSA website provides up-to-date information on the SRD grant, including application and payment dates.
Follow SASSA on Social Media
SASSA has official social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Applicants can follow these accounts to stay informed about SRD grant updates.
Contact SASSA
Applicants can contact SASSA directly to inquire about SRD grant updates or to request assistance.