SASSA SRD R370 Eligibility Criteria
Understanding who qualifies for the Social Relief of Distress grant.
Before launching an application or checking your status, it is critical to grasp the firm criteria dictated by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The SRD R370 initiative is exclusively reserved for destitute citizens who have zero alternative sources of income.
✅ Mandatory Qualifications
Your application will only be greenlit if you satisfy ALL the conditions below:
- Legal Status: You must be a documented South African Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or an officially logged Refugee. Individuals holding valid permits under the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit, Lesotho Exemption Permit, or Special Angolan Dispensation are also eligible.
- Geographic Location: You are required to be living inside the borders of South Africa.
- Age Bracket: You must fall between 18 and 59 years of age. Once you turn 60, you become eligible for the Older Persons Grant instead.
- Financial Means Test: Your total monthly income must be below R624. SASSA enforces this by actively auditing your bank account transactions every month.
❌ Automatic Disqualifications
Your profile will be instantly Declined if any of these scenarios apply to you:
- You are the beneficiary of any other permanent SASSA grant (Disability, Old Age Pension, etc.). Important exception: receiving a Child Support Grant for your children does not disqualify you.
- You are actively collecting or registered for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payouts.
- You are a student receiving NSFAS bursary allowances.
- You reside in a state-subsidized care facility (such as a prison, state hospital, or government-funded old age home).
- Your identity number is active on the PERSAL government employee payroll system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive SRD if I also get a Child Support Grant?
Yes. The Child Support Grant is paid for the child's benefit, not yours personally. Receiving a CSG does not disqualify you from the SRD R370 grant. However, if you personally receive a Disability Grant, Old Age Pension, or any other SASSA grant in your own name, you are not eligible for SRD at the same time.
Can refugees or asylum seekers apply?
Yes. Officially registered refugees and asylum seekers with a valid permit from the Department of Home Affairs may apply. Holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, Lesotho Exemption Permits, and Special Angolan Dispensation permits are specifically eligible under the SRD regulations.
What if I earn money informally or occasionally?
SASSA checks your bank account for inflows every month. If deposits in any given month exceed R624, you will be declined for that specific month only. Because each month is assessed independently, you are automatically re-evaluated the following month — a single-month decline is not permanent.
I turned 60 — am I still eligible for SRD?
Once you turn 60, you become eligible for the Older Persons Grant (R2,400/month), which pays significantly more than the SRD. You cannot receive both grants simultaneously. You should apply for the Older Persons Grant at your nearest SASSA office with your ID document.
Did you meet the criteria but get rejected?
If you are certain you qualify but were unfairly denied, you must dispute the outcome.