In 2025, South Africa’s Department of Social Development (DSD) has announced important modifications to the application process for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants. These modifications aim to simplify the process so that individuals with low income can receive assistance quickly and with minimal complications.

If you have previously applied for an SRD grant and found the income-related questions confusing, these updates may be useful for you. This guide outlines the upcoming changes, their potential impact on you, and explains how you can provide your feedback on these updates by April 14, 2025..

What is an SRD Grant?

The SRD grant started as a temporary relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it gradually became a necessary support for millions of people. The amount of this grant is still per monthin 2025, but its application process is still considered difficult and unfair for many.

Why are changes necessary?

Many people are excluded from applications simply because a relative deposited some money in their bank account – such as a help. The government takes it as permanent income and declares the person ineligible.

In 2024, some social organizations such as Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and PayTheGrants filed a case in court. In early 2025, the High Court ruled that the application process was not OK and that the government should make it more humane and fair, in line with the Constitution.

What changes are being made?

urrent process:
– The form asks many questions related to income
– If there is any family help, you may still be disqualified
– Many people get rejected because of misinformation or confusion

NEW OFFER:
– Questions related to income will be completely removed from the form
– Now only name, ID, phone number and bank verification permission will be asked
– Every month SASSA will check your own bank details to see if your monthly income is more than

This change will make the application process simple, humanized, and less messy.

Will there still be an income check?

Yes, even if the questions related to income are removed from the form, every month SASSA will look at your bank transactions to check if your monthly income is less than.

If more money came into your account in a given month (whether it was a one-time help or a loan), you will not receive a grant for that month.

How ​​will this affect you?

– Your eligibility each month will depend on your bank account
– If more money came in in a month, there will be no payment that month
– Living is getting more expensive, but the income limit is still R625
– Many organizations want this limit to be increased so that people can take advantage of real needs

You can also give your opinion – deadline 14th April 2025

The government wants ordinary people to give their opinion on these changes, so that policies can be made even better.

How to send your opinion:

1. Visit www.dsd.gov.za
2. Read the draft changes given there
3. Submit your opinion via email or website
4. You can also share your experiences or give suggestions if you want

The voice of every citizen is essential – this can improve policies at the grassroots level.

How ​​to Apply for SRD Grants (if changes go into effect)

If these changes are approved, the application process will become even easier:

Step-By-Step Guide:
1. Visit **www.sassa.gov.za**
2. Select the SRD Grant link
3. Login or register with your ID number and mobile
4. Allow bank checks
5. Fill out the new, simple form and submit
6. Keep checking your status every month at srd.sassa.gov.za

Who will benefit from this?

To the general public:
– Fewer questions, less confusion
– Easy to apply
– Just make sure that you only have less than R625 deposited into the account every month

To social organizations:
– This is big win for them
– They are still demanding an increase in the grant amount and a change in the income limit

To the government:
– Work will be easy
– Less court cases and complaints
– Policies will become more inclusive

Small Change, Big Impact

Removing income-related questions from the form is a small change, but it can have a big impact. This will help people have less difficulty applying, fewer rejections, and help those in need get help at the right time.

FAQs