SRD R370 Extended Until March 2027 as Treasury Confirms R36.4 Billion Allocation
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed in the 2026 Budget Speech that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant of R370 will continue until 31 March 2027. Treasury has allocated R36.4 billion for the extension, providing certainty to roughly 8.5 million beneficiaries who rely on the monthly payment.
The announcement ends months of speculation about whether the grant, originally introduced in 2020 as a COVID-19 relief measure, would be discontinued at the end of the 2025/26 financial year. The Treasury has now extended it for a sixth consecutive year.
What the Extension Means for Beneficiaries
Existing SRD recipients do not need to reapply. The grant continues at R370 per month, paid monthly to qualifying applicants whose income falls below R624 per month (the official means-test threshold).
If you are already receiving the SRD, your payment cycle continues without interruption. New applicants can still apply through the official SASSA SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za or through the WhatsApp channel.
For step-by-step instructions on checking your status, see our guide to SRD R370 status checks.
Why R370 and Not More
Civil society organisations including Black Sash and the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) have pushed for an increase to R624, which is the official food poverty line. Treasury did not announce any increase to the R370 amount in this budget cycle. The grant amount has remained at R370 since April 2024, when it was raised from R350.
Minister Godongwana acknowledged the pressure but cited fiscal constraints. "The SRD grant remains an important safety net, but increasing the amount would require trade-offs we cannot currently afford," he said in the Budget Speech delivered on 19 February 2026.
Path to a Permanent Basic Income Grant
The extension comes against a backdrop of ongoing debate about converting the SRD into a permanent Basic Income Grant (BIG). The Department of Social Development confirmed it is in discussions with Treasury about a phased transition, though no timeline has been announced.
The 2027 sunset date suggests Treasury wants flexibility to redesign or replace the SRD rather than commit to it permanently. Expect further policy announcements in the lead-up to the 2027 Budget Speech.
Verification Requirements Still Apply
The extension does not relax the eligibility checks introduced over the past two years. All applicants - new and existing - remain subject to:
- Biometric face verification through iiDentifii
- Monthly means test cross-checks against bank account inflows, UIF records, tax records, and government payroll
- South African ID verification through Home Affairs
If your application has been declined, you can lodge an appeal through the official SRD portal within 90 days of the decline.
What to Watch in 2026/27
Three things to watch over the next 12 months:
- Reconfirmation cycles - SASSA may introduce stricter monthly reconfirmation requirements. Make sure your phone number, banking details, and consent are up to date.
- Postbank Gold Card transition - all remaining Gold Card holders must move to the new Postbank Black Card before 31 August 2026. SRD recipients paid into Postbank accounts are affected.
- Budget 2027 - the next decision on whether to extend, replace, or scale up the SRD will be made in February 2027.
Source: 2026 Budget Speech, National Treasury, delivered 19 February 2026. BusinessTech coverage of the announcement.
Related SASSA Guides
Disclaimer: We are not associated with SASSA in any way. We provide independent information to help you. For official info visit www.sassa.gov.za or call the toll-free line 0800 60 10 11 or email GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.
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