The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has confirmed the payment dates for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for November 2023. As with previous months, beneficiaries will have to wait for the final week of the month to receive their money.
In November 2023, SRD grants will be paid to approved applicants from 24 November 2023 to 30 November 2023.
The SRD grant, commonly referred to as the R350 grant due to its monetary value, does not have fixed payment dates like permanent grants distributed by Sassa. However, the grant has a payment week which usually occurs in the final week of a calendar month.
Sassa explained that SRD grant payments are paid in the final week of the month as this is when they have likely completed their verification process.
It's important to note that while grant payments are scheduled to be processed between these dates, the money may only reflect in the SRD grant beneficiary’s bank account a few days later.
Funds will take about 2 - 3 working days to reflect in the client’s account after payment has been processed.
Why Sassa Completes SRD Grant Verification Checks
To be eligible for the SRD grant, applicants must meet the SRD grant eligibility requirements.
Applicants need to be citizens of South Africa and reside within its borders. Permanent residents and special permit holders are also eligible to receive the relief grant.
Grant beneficiaries may not receive any support from the South African government or a state entity. This includes benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). They may also not be maintained by a state institution.
SRD grant applicants must not have more than R624 income in their bank account. The term "income" when referring to the SRD grant is funds in an applicant's bank account. If the balance exceeds R624, the application for the R350 grant will be rejected.
How Sassa Determines If You Meet SRD Grant Requirements
Sassa employs multiple verification processes to ensure that applicants satisfy the eligibility criteria for the SRD. This process involves collaboration with various state entities, government departments, and banks.
Specifically, Sassa collaborates with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the identity numbers and citizenship status of applicants. Additionally, the applicant's bank account details are shared with the Department of Treasury, and subsequently with the bank chosen by the applicant for income verification.
It's crucial to emphasise that the timeframe for bank verification is variable and not fixed. The applicant's information is transmitted to the Department of Treasury, which then forwards it to the designated bank selected by the applicant.
Once the bank completes the income verification process, the information is sent back to the Department of Treasury, and ultimately, it is handed over to Sassa to facilitate the grant payment.
How To Check If Your SRD Grant Application Was Successful
Sassa encouraged grant beneficiaries to complete a Sassa status check to see when their SRD grant will be paid. If an applicant’s SRD Sassa Application is rejected, you can submit a SRD grant appeal to the Independent Tribunal For Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
When Will The SRD Grant Payment Stop?
In November, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced an extension of the SRD Grant for an additional 12 months. This move is set to provide continued support to millions of vulnerable South Africans who have come to rely on this crucial financial support.
The grant’s implementation was initially set to conclude in March 2024. However, the extension announcement means that grants will be paid to eligible individuals until March 2025.
SRD Grant payments are set to remain at R350 for the duration of this extension.
