R370 Grant Stays Active Monthly Till 2026 – SASSA Urges Beneficiaries to Track Deposit Dates

In a major relief for millions of South Africans, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed that the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will remain active until March 2026. This announcement brings reassurance to unemployed individuals who rely on this monthly payment for basic survival. The government has extended the grant to continue assisting the country’s most vulnerable citizens as the economic recovery process remains slow. SASSA is now urging all beneficiaries to stay informed and track their payment dates closely to avoid missing any disbursements.

This development comes amid rising concerns about the cost of living, unemployment, and inflation. The extension has been welcomed across the nation, especially in rural and township areas where access to job opportunities remains limited. This article provides full details about the monthly R370 grant, eligibility, payment schedule, tracking methods, and common FAQs.

What Is the R370 SASSA Grant and Why It Was Extended?

The R370 SRD Grant is a monthly relief measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to support unemployed South Africans. Initially launched as a temporary relief fund, its continuity till March 2026 shows the government’s recognition of ongoing economic hardship.

Why the Extension Was Needed:

• South Africa’s unemployment rate remains high at over 32%.
• Millions of citizens still have no access to stable income or job opportunities.
• Rising food and fuel costs continue to affect low-income households.
• The grant helps cover essentials like food, transport, and electricity.

Key Points About the R370 Grant Extension:

• The grant amount remains fixed at R370 per month.
• It is available for unemployed citizens between the ages of 18 and 59.
• Applicants must not be receiving other social grants (except child support).
• Payments will continue monthly until March 2026.

Who Is Eligible for the R370 Monthly Grant?

Not everyone qualifies for the SRD R370 grant. SASSA has clear guidelines to determine who can apply and receive the payment.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered on the Home Affairs system.
• Aged between 18 to 59 years.
• Not receiving any other government grant (excluding child support grant).
• Not receiving UIF payments or NSFAS funding.
• Must be unemployed and have no regular income.
• Should not be a resident in a government-funded institution.

Important Notes:

• All applicants must re-confirm their applications every 3 months.
• Banking details must be up-to-date and verified to avoid delays.
• Rejection can occur due to incorrect data or not meeting income threshold.

SASSA R370 Payment Schedule Till 2026

While SASSA does not release a fixed date for all beneficiaries, payment dates are often separated based on the type of grant. SRD R370 payments are typically made towards the last week of each month.

Below is a sample monthly timeline based on previous trends:

Month	Estimated Payment Week	Remarks
July 2025	24 July – 30 July	Track status online from 22 July
August 2025	26 August – 31 August	Delays expected due to public holiday
September 2025	24 September – 30 Sept	Confirm via SASSA portal or WhatsApp
October 2025	25 October – 30 Oct	Update banking details by 20 October
November 2025	25 November – 30 Nov	High volume, expect 1-2 days delay
December 2025	22 December – 29 Dec	Early payments before festive holidays
January 2026	27 January – 31 Jan	New year validations may cause backlog
February 2026	24 February – 29 Feb	Final revalidation before March update

How to Track R370 SASSA Payment Status

SASSA offers multiple convenient platforms for beneficiaries to check their application and payment status. Tracking your payment helps avoid confusion and ensures that your details are correct.

Ways to Track Payment:

• SASSA SRD Portal: Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za
• Moya App: Free to use without data; check application status instantly.
• WhatsApp Service: Send a message to 082 046 8553 and follow the prompts.
• SASSA Toll-Free Number: Call 0800 60 10 11 for verbal confirmation.
• USSD Code: Dial 1347737# on your mobile phone.

Details You’ll Need:

• South African ID number
• Mobile number used during application

Common Statuses You May See:

• Approved – Pending Payment: Your grant is approved but not yet paid.
• Paid – Date Shown: Funds have been sent to your account.
• Declined – Reason Shown: You need to appeal or fix your application.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Even with the best systems in place, applicants may face issues. Here are the most common problems faced by SRD R370 grant beneficiaries and their solutions.

Common Issues:

• Application declined due to income threshold breach.
• Bank account not verified or inactive.
• Mobile number no longer in use.
• Payment delays due to system backlog.

How to Resolve:

• Use the SASSA portal to submit an appeal within 30 days.
• Update bank details on the SRD portal promptly.
• Link your new mobile number to your ID.
• Visit the nearest SASSA office for manual reapplication if necessary.

Important Reminder: Reapply or reconfirm every 3 months to ensure continued eligibility.

Future of the SRD Grant After 2026

While the grant is confirmed until March 2026, there are ongoing discussions within the government about turning it into a permanent Basic Income Grant (BIG). If implemented, it could provide monthly income support to unemployed South Africans even beyond 2026.

Possible Scenarios:

• Government might increase the grant amount.
• A means-testing system may be introduced to determine monthly benefit.
• The SRD system could be absorbed into a larger social security reform program.

Until any formal announcement, beneficiaries are advised to continue applying every 3 months and updating their details.

Important Dos and Don’ts for Beneficiaries

Dos:

• Confirm your application every 3 months.
• Keep your ID and phone number consistent.
• Check status regularly.
• Use official SASSA platforms only.

Don’ts:

• Don’t pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
• Don’t ignore ‘declined’ status – always appeal.
• Don’t use someone else’s bank account for payments.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to update info.

The extension of the R370 grant until 2026 is a lifeline for millions of South Africans. While it may not solve all financial hardships, it ensures basic support for the unemployed and vulnerable. Beneficiaries are strongly urged to stay updated, reconfirm applications regularly, and track payment statuses through official SASSA channels. This initiative, while temporary, represents a critical social intervention as the nation works toward long-term economic recovery. Stay informed, stay eligible, and don’t miss out on what’s rightfully yours.

FAQs: R370 SASSA Grant (2025–2026)

Q1. Is the R370 SRD grant permanent now?
No, it is extended only until March 2026. However, plans for a Basic Income Grant are under discussion.

Q2. Can I receive the R370 if I already get a child grant?
Yes, child grant recipients can still qualify for the SRD grant.

Q3. How often do I need to confirm my application?
Every 3 months, you must reconfirm to stay active in the system.

Q4. What if my application is declined?
You can appeal the decision via the SRD portal within 30 days of the status update.

Q5. How do I update my banking details?
Log in to the https://srd.sassa.gov.za portal and select “Update Banking Details.”

Q6. What is the best way to get fast updates?
Download the Moya App or use the WhatsApp support line.

Q7. When exactly are payments made?
SASSA does not issue fixed dates. However, SRD grants are usually paid in the last week of each month.

Q8. Can I get the payment in a friend’s bank account?
No, SASSA only pays to verified personal accounts matching the applicant’s ID.