The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that R370 COVID-19 SRD grant payments for December 2025 will be made between 19 and 24 December. This applies to all approved applicants across South Africa, including towns in the Eastern Cape such as Mthatha, Bizana, and Port St Johns.
When to expect your R370 payment
Payments are not made to everyone on the same day. After approval, it may take 2–3 working days for the funds to appear, depending on your bank.
If your status says “pending”, it means SASSA is still verifying your income and identity. This process uses external sources such as banks and other institutions.
How to appeal a declined SRD status
If your grant is declined due to income detected, and you believe this is incorrect, you can appeal via the SRD portal.
Follow these steps:
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Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
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Click on “Appeal”
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Enter your ID and phone number
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Follow the instructions to submit your appeal
You can only appeal once per month.
December 2025 SRD Payment Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant type | COVID-19 SRD (R370) |
| Payment period | 19–24 December 2025 |
| Who qualifies | Approved low-income applicants |
| Decline reasons | Detected income via bank checks |
| Appeal process | Via srd.sassa.gov.za |
Local payment tips for Eastern Cape towns
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Bizana: SMS confirmations usually arrive late at night
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Mthatha: Most payments reflect after 8AM
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Lusikisiki: Avoid long queues by checking early
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Flagstaff: Status checks are more reliable before noon
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Port St Johns: Retailer withdrawals work faster than bank transfers
FAQs from local applicants
Why is my status still pending?
Pending means SASSA is still verifying your details through bank and government databases.
How long after approval do I get paid?
Usually 2–3 working days after the payment date appears in your status.
Can I change my payment method?
Yes. Use the SRD portal during the open update window to change your bank or card info.
