SRD Grant Extended to March 2026 — What Beneficiaries Should Know

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has officially confirmed that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, commonly known as the R370 SASSA grant, will be extended until March 2026. The announcement was made during the 2025 Budget Speech, offering continued relief to millions of unemployed and vulnerable South Africans.

Originally introduced in 2020 as a temporary COVID-19 response, the SRD grant has evolved into a vital safety net supporting over 8.5 million beneficiaries monthly. The extension until 31 March 2026 provides stability and reassurance to individuals who rely on the grant to meet basic needs like food, transport, and data.

“We have made provision for the extension of the Social Relief of Distress grant until March 2026, while we work on options for a longer-term replacement,” said Minister Godongwana.

What This Means for You:

• The R370 monthly grant will continue without interruption
• No need to reapply if your current SRD application is active and approved
• Monthly bank verification checks will still apply to confirm eligibility
• SASSA is reviewing longer-term income support options, such as a job-seeker grant linked to employment programmes

Will the SRD Grant Become Permanent?

The government is considering integrating the SRD grant into a broader system of income support tied to employment and training opportunities. This may include:

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• A basic income-type model
• A revised job-seeker allowance
• Integration into the Active Labour Market Programmes under Social Development

Stay Alert for Scams

SASSA urges all beneficiaries to use official platforms when checking their status or updating personal information:

• Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
• Call: 0800 60 10 11 (Toll-Free)
• Avoid sharing your ID number or bank PIN via WhatsApp or social media

Final Word

The extension of the SRD grant until March 2026 shows government’s continued commitment to supporting low-income South Africans — especially while job creation remains sluggish. More updates are expected in the coming months as SASSA consults on long-term solutions.