SASSA SRD Grant Increase Confirmed by Court Ruling – Check Payment Amount & Latest Update

The landmark ruling of the Pretoria High Court on 24 January 2025 brought a sigh of relief to millions of unemployed and financially vulnerable citizens in South Africa. The court declared several existing policies related to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant by SASSA as unconstitutional and invalid. Following this decision, the amount of the SRD grant will increase, eligibility criteria will be improved, and the application process will become more accessible.

This decision is a win for all those who depend on this aid to meet their basic needs. Let us know in detail in this article what changes this decision will bring to the general public, and what beneficiaries should do now.

What is the SRD Grant?

The SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant was introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its purpose was to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed and low-income citizens.

Initially, this grant was R350 per month, which was increased to R370 in April 2024. But due to rising inflation and cost of living, this amount was not sufficient. Therefore, many organizations and activists filed a petition in the court, after which this historic decision came.

What did the court say? – 4 important decisions

1. Order to increase SRD grant amount
   The court clearly said that the current amount of R370 is not sufficient. The government will have to plan to increase it gradually according to inflation and cost of living.
2. Instructions to increase the income threshold
   The current limit is R624 per month, which was considered very low. The court has directed to increase it so that more people can take advantage of this scheme.
3. Permission for physical application
   Till now only online applications were accepted, which caused problems for those who did not have internet. The court has directed that SASSA will have to provide the facility of in-person application in its offices.
4. New definition of income
   The court also clarified that any one-time gift or help from family should not be considered as income. This new criterion could make many people eligible again.

How much could the SRD grant increase?

The court did not mention a specific amount, but according to experts:

• An increase of more than R370 is considered certain.
• Some reports suggest the amount could be between R420 and R500.
• The final decision will be made by the National Treasury and announced before May 2025.

When will the changes come into effect?

The government has been given until May 2025 to implement the court’s rulings.

This means that:

• The increase in the SRD grant could come into effect from June 2025.
• The new eligibility conditions and individual application process could start in the next few months.

Who will be eligible for the SRD grant in 2025?

• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
• Must be unemployed and have income below the new threshold (which will be increased).
• Must not be receiving UIF, NSFAS or other social assistance (except for the Child Support Grant).
• Age must be between 18 and 59 years.
• Residence in South Africa is mandatory.

Note: The increase in income limits will now allow more people to be eligible than ever before.

Application Process – What’s Next?

• Current Process (so far)
  Online application only: on the SASSA website or SRD portal.
• ID and mobile number required.
• Income verification is done through bank details.

What will change after the court ruling?

• In-person applications will resume at SASSA offices.
• People will not be disqualified for small deposits.
• Income limits will increase, allowing more people to apply.
• Advice to beneficiaries: Keep an eye on SASSA’s website and social media updates.

What should you do now?

• Check SASSA’s official website regularly for updates.
• Have the necessary documents ready for the physical application.
• Be prepared for the potential increase in the grant by June 2025.

Conclusion

This decision by the Pretoria High Court is a turning point in the history of the SRD grant. Not only will it provide greater relief to millions of people, it will also make the application process more inclusive and equitable.

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