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The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has been extended for another 12 months, pending regulatory amendments.
As announced during the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the provision will now run from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. However, the extension must still be operationalised through amendments published in the Government Gazette.
What is happening?
The current COVID-19 SRD grant cycle ends on 31 March 2026.
Following the President’s announcement at SONA 2026, the grant will continue for another year. The extension covers the period 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
To make this legally effective, the Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, must publish amendments to the SRD Regulations before 31 March 2026.
The draft amendments were published on 11 February 2026. Members of the public now have 21 days to submit written comments.
If approved, successful applicants will continue receiving R370 per month from April 2026 until March 2027.
Why it matters to you
If you currently receive the R370 SRD grant, this extension means payments are expected to continue for another year.
However, the regulations must still be finalised. Until the amendments are officially gazetted, the extension is not yet fully operational.
Public comments could also influence how the regulations are implemented.
Therefore, beneficiaries and advocacy groups have a limited window to respond.
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