As South Africa grapples with an unemployment rate of 32.9% and over 55.5% of its population living below the poverty line, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant remains a lifeline for millions. The SRD grant, increased to R370 per month in April 2024, provides critical financial support to unemployed citizens, refugees, and asylum seekers facing economic hardship. With June 2025 payments approaching, beneficiaries and applicants need to know their payment dates, eligibility status, and how to navigate the system efficiently. SRD R370 grant’s eligibility criteria, payment schedule for June 2025, application and appeal processes, and practical tips to ensure you receive your funds. Stay informed and secure your grant with ease.
What Is the SASSA SRD R370 Grant?
The SASSA SRD R370 Grant, initially launched as the R350 COVID-19 Relief Grant in 2020, is a temporary financial aid program administered by SASSA under the Department of Social Development. Extended through March 2026, it supports South Africans, permanent residents, refugees, and asylum seekers aged 18 to 60 with no other income sources. The grant, now R370 per month (up from R350), helps cover basic needs like food and transport amid rising living costs, with inflation pushing food prices up 5.2% in 2025, per Statistics South Africa.
Approximately 7 million South Africans rely on this grant, which is disbursed monthly to approved beneficiaries. Unlike other SASSA grants (e.g., Old Age, Disability, or Child Support), the SRD grant has no fixed payment date, with payouts typically occurring between the 25th and 30th of each month, depending on verification and banking processes. Checking your payment status regularly is crucial to avoid missing funds.
Eligibility Criteria for the SRD R370 Grant
To qualify for the SASSA SRD R370 Grant in June 2025, you must meet strict criteria, as SASSA conducts monthly means tests to verify eligibility:
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Citizenship and Residency: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, recognized refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder (e.g., from Lesotho or Zimbabwe) residing in South Africa.
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Age: Between 18 and 60 years old during the payment month.
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Income: Your monthly income must not exceed R624 (the food poverty line), and your bank account balance must be below this threshold. Income includes wages, pensions, or investments but excludes certain deductions like taxes or medical expenses.
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No Other Support: You must not receive other government grants (e.g., Child Support Grant, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) payments).
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Unemployment: You must have no formal employment or other income sources.
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Valid Documentation: A valid South African ID, asylum seeker permit, or special permit is required, along with a registered mobile number in your name.
SASSA verifies eligibility monthly using data from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), banks, and other agencies to prevent fraud. Over 210,000 beneficiaries faced suspended payments in June 2025 due to inaccurate income declarations, highlighting the importance of accurate details.
June 2025 Payment Schedule
The SASSA SRD R370 Grant for June 2025 will be disbursed between June 25 and June 30, 2025, based on approval and payment method. Unlike other SASSA grants (e.g., Old Age Grant on June 3, Disability Grant on June 4, and Child Support Grant on June 5), SRD payments have no fixed date and vary by applicant. Beneficiaries receive an SMS with their specific payment date, typically 2–3 days before funds are available.
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Direct Deposit: For those with verified bank accounts (e.g., FNB, Nedbank, TymeBank, or Capitec), funds take 2–3 business days to reflect after processing. Ensure your account is in your name, as SASSA does not deposit into third-party accounts.
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Postbank Black Card or Retail Outlets: If you collect cash at outlets like Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Post Office, you must present your South African ID and the SMS confirming your payment date. Note that SASSA Gold Cardsare being phased out, with all beneficiaries required to transition to Postbank Black Cards by May 31, 2025.
To confirm your payment date, check your status regularly, as delays can occur due to bank verification or public holidays (e.g., Youth Day on June 16, 2025).
How to Check Your SASSA SRD R370 Payment Status
SASSA offers multiple ways to check your June 2025 SRD payment status, ensuring accessibility for all beneficiaries. You’ll need your South African ID number and the mobile number used during your application. Here are the primary methods:
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Online via SASSA Portal:
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Visit srd.sassa.gov.za.
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Navigate to the “Check Status” section.
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Enter your ID number and phone number.
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Click “Check Status” to view your status (e.g., Approved, Pending, Declined) and payment date, if assigned.
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WhatsApp:
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Save the official SASSA number 082 046 8553 to your contacts.
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Send a message with “Status” or your full name and ID number.
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Follow prompts to receive your status and payment date.
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USSD Code:
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Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# from your registered phone.
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Select “SASSA R370 Status” and enter your ID number.
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Receive a message with your status and payment details.
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Moya App (Data-Free):
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Download the Moya App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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Go to the “Discovery” section, select “SASSA,” and enter your ID number and phone number.
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View your status without using mobile data.
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Phone Call:
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Call 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free) from your registered number.
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Provide your ID number and answer verification questions to receive your status.
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Email:
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Email [email protected] with your full name, ID number, and phone number.
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Expect a reply within 24 hours with your status.
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In-Person:
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Visit a SASSA office with your ID document and application details. Staff can check your status and assist with issues.
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Common status messages include:
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Approved: Your payment is scheduled, with a date provided via SMS.
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Pending: Your application is under review, often due to verification with DHA or banks.
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Declined: You didn’t meet eligibility criteria (e.g., income above R624, NSFAS registration, or invalid ID). You can appeal within 30 days.
How to Apply for the SRD R370 Grant
If you haven’t applied, the process is straightforward and online-only:
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Visit srd.sassa.gov.za.
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Click “Apply for SRD.”
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Enter your phone number to receive a One-Time Pin (OTP).
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Provide your ID number, full name, and banking details (or select cash collection).
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Submit the application and wait for approval (typically 60–90 days).
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Verify your banking details to avoid “Pending Banking Verification” errors.
Ensure your ID and phone number are valid, and your bank account is in your name. SASSA no longer requires re-applications every three months, as eligibility is reviewed monthly.
Appealing a Declined Application
If your application is declined, you can appeal within 30 days via the Department of Social Development (DSD)website (srd.dsd.gov.za):
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Click “Lodge an Appeal.”
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Enter your ID number and phone number.
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Receive an OTP and submit your appeal with supporting documents (e.g., proof of no income).
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Check your appeal status using the same portal or 0800 60 10 11.
Common rejection reasons include “Alternative Income Source Identified” (income above R624) or “NSFAS Registered.” Submit accurate financial details to resolve these issues.
Avoiding Common Issues
To ensure smooth payment:
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Update Banking Details: Log into srd.sassa.gov.za to confirm or update your bank account. SASSA verifies accounts monthly to prevent fraud.
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Select a Post Office: If collecting cash, choose a Post Office on the SASSA portal to avoid “Post Office Not Selected” errors.
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Check SMS Regularly: Payment date SMSes are sent to your registered number. Keep it active.
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Avoid Scams: SASSA never requests fees or personal details via unsolicited calls or texts. Verify communications through srd.sassa.gov.za or 0800 60 10 11.
Other SASSA Grants in June 2025
In addition to the SRD R370 grant, SASSA disburses:
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Old Age Grant: R2,310 (age 60–74) or R2,330 (75+), paid June 3, 2025.
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Disability Grant: R2,310, paid June 4, 2025.
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Child Support Grant: R560, plus R280 top-up, paid June 5, 2025.
These grants have fixed dates, unlike the SRD grant, and require similar status checks for approval.
Economic Context and Importance
With 38.9 million South Africans (63% of the population) projected to live in poverty by 2026, per a World Bank report, the SRD R370 grant is critical. It reduces hunger, supports local economies, and prevents social unrest amid limited job opportunities. However, challenges like delayed payments, verification issues, and a R624 income capcriticized as too low persist. Advocacy groups are pushing for an increase to R1,500 to align with rising costs.
Tips for Beneficiaries
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Budget Wisely: Use the R370 for essentials like food or transport. Consider saving small amounts for emergencies.
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Stay Informed: Follow SASSA updates on srd.sassa.gov.za or join community groups for news.
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Seek Help: Contact 0800 60 10 11 or visit a SASSA office for application or payment issues.
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Replace Gold Cards: Transition to the Postbank Black Card by May 31, 2025, to avoid payment disruptions.
Final Thoughts
The SASSA SRD R370 Grant for June 2025 is a vital resource for millions facing economic hardship in South Africa. With payments scheduled between June 25 and June 30, checking your status via srd.sassa.gov.za, WhatsApp (082 046 8553), or USSD (*120*3210#) ensures you don’t miss your funds. Meet eligibility criteria, keep your banking details updated, and appeal rejections promptly to secure your payment. Despite its modest amount, the grant offers critical relief in a challenging economy. Visit srd.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11 for support, and use this lifeline to meet your basic needs in 2025.