The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has begun its distribution of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments for December 2023. Only individuals who were approved for grant payments will be paid this week.
SRD grant payments this month take place between 18 December and 22 December 2023.
SRD grant payments occur at the month's end due to the completion of the verification process by Sassa. While scheduled between specified dates funds may reflect in the beneficiary's 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.
Where To Collect Your SRD Grant Payment
As a SRD Grant beneficiary, you can choose to have your grant paid directly into your bank account. This allows you to access the money as soon as it is available.
In case you do not have a personal bank account, you can use the Cashsend payment option to receive your SRD grant payment.
You can use your ID number and phone number to access your grant payment. You must have a cellphone with a registered cellphone number and proof of identification to use this grant collection method.
Grant beneficiaries can collect their R350 grant at several retail stores around the country. Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite and Boxer stores pay the SRD grant.
Why December SRD Grant Payments Are Earlier
While SRD payments are usually during the final week of a calendar month, December 2023 is different. Sassa does not pay grants on public holidays or weekends. There are two public holidays in the final week of December 2023 which necessitated the earlier payment of grants.
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).
Who Qualifies For The SRD Grant
To qualify for the SRD grant in South Africa, applicants must meet certain criteria. They need to be citizens, residents, or special permit holders, but they shouldn't be receiving other government support in the form of UIF benefits or NSFAS bursaries. Their bank account should have less than R624 to be eligible for the R350 grant.
Sassa conducts verification checks in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs for identity and citizenship checks and shares bank details with the Department of Treasury for income verification. Once satisfied with eligibility, Sassa proceeds with payments, and this verification process accounts for the end-of-month payment schedule.SRD Grant Extension
Originally a short-term grant for the unemployed during lockdowns, the SRD grant has been extended until March 2025, providing essential support to individuals without income. President Cyril Ramaphosa says the grant kept many people out of poverty despite its amount.
