As of 17 February 2026, SASSA has confirmed the February 2026 SRD payment window.
The Department of Social Development announced that approved beneficiaries will receive their COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant between 20 and 25 February 2026.
What is happening?
The Department of Social Development published confirmed payment dates for the COVID-19 SRD grant for February 2026.
According to the official notice, payments will be processed from 20 February to 25 February 2026.
This applies to beneficiaries whose February applications have been approved.
The SRD grant is administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and currently provides R370 per month to qualifying applicants.
Why it matters to you
If you rely on the R370 SRD grant, these dates help you plan your month.
Knowing the payment window can help you:
- Avoid unnecessary trips to collection points
- Check your status before travelling
- Budget for food, transport, and essential expenses
However, payments may not reflect on the same day for every beneficiary. Processing times can differ depending on your bank or chosen payment method.
What you need to know
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant | COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) |
| Amount | R370 |
| Payment window | 20–25 February 2026 |
| Administered by | SASSA |
| Applies to | Approved February 2026 beneficiaries |
Who qualifies for the SRD grant?
According to SASSA’s criteria:
- You must be between 18 and 59 years old
- You must reside in South Africa
- You must have insufficient income
- You must not receive another social grant for yourself
- You must not be receiving UIF or NSFAS funding
Applicants must also meet identity and residency verification requirements.
What you should do next
- Check your SRD status online before the payment window.
- Confirm your banking details are correct.
- Wait for SMS confirmation before visiting a retailer or ATM.
- Avoid sharing your ID number or OTP with anyone.
If your application is declined, you may submit an appeal through the official SRD appeals platform.
For step-by-step help, read our SASSA Grants guide in the SASSA Grants section.
Where to get help
For official information, contact:
- SASSA official website
- SASSA toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11
- Department of Social Development social media pages
You can also explore more verified updates in our SASSA Grants category hub.
Get practical updates that affect your household and business. Subscribe to the Pondoland Times newsletter.
Download the Pondoland Times app for verified community updates.








![2026 budget speech 2025 and grant changes explained [live] Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana Tables 2024 Budget](https://pondolandtimes.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Godongwana-218x150.jpg)



