SASSA SRD Grant Boost – Court Ruling Confirms Increased Payment Amount & Latest Update

A landmark court ruling in January 2025 has confirmed that the SASSA SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant will increase, with big changes coming by mid-2025. This decision, handed down by the Pretoria High Court, affects millions of unemployed South Africans who rely on the grant to make ends meet.

If you’re one of them, this update could mean more money, easier access, and broader eligibility.

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Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s changing, who qualifies now, how to apply, and when to expect the new payment.

Ruling

In response to rising inflation and growing economic pressure, the Pretoria High Court ruled that the existing SRD regulations were unconstitutional. The ruling calls for:

1. Increased SRD grant amount
2. Higher income threshold
3. In-person application access
4. Fairer definition of “income”

The government now has until May 2025 to implement these changes.

Changes

Background

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The SRD Grant was launched in 2020 to assist unemployed South Africans during the pandemic. While helpful, the original R350 grant (increased to R370 in 2024) hasn’t kept pace with inflation. The 5.6% inflation rate in early 2025 made it even harder for recipients to survive.

The court recognized that the low grant amount, strict income threshold, and online-only application process unfairly excluded millions.

Ruling Details

Here’s what the court ordered:

SRD Grant Amount Must Increase

• R370/month is no longer enough to meet basic needs
• Government must adjust it based on cost of living and inflation
• Analysts expect it to rise to R420–R500/month

Income Threshold Will Increase

• Current income limit: R624/month
• New threshold will be higher, allowing more people to qualify
• SASSA must adopt a progressive approach to determine income

In-Person Applications Allowed

• The current online-only system excludes those without internet
• SASSA must open office-based applications for those in need
• Local SASSA offices will handle walk-ins by mid-2025

Fair Definition of Income

• Occasional family support or one-time deposits won’t count as income
• This helps more people qualify who were unfairly disqualified

Eligibility

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Here’s who can apply for the SRD grant in 2025:

• South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
• Unemployed and not receiving UIF, NSFAS, or other social grants
  (Child Support Grant is allowed)
• 18 to 59 years old
• Living in South Africa
• Income below new threshold (to be updated)

Application

• Online only at the SASSA SRD Portal
• Use your SA ID and mobile number
• Provide your bank details (used for income verification)

New Process (After May 2025)

• You’ll be able to apply in person at SASSA offices
• Bank verification rules will be updated
• One-off payments won’t disqualify you

Payments Increase

• Changes must be in place by May 2025
• The first increased payment could happen in June 2025
• New application rules and thresholds will roll out in the coming weeks

What Should You Do Now?

1. Monitor SASSA’s official website for updates
2. Prepare your documents: ID, bank info, income proof (if needed)
3. Be ready for in-person applications starting by May
4. Don’t ignore SMS/email from SASSA — these may include update instructions

This court ruling is a huge win for financially vulnerable South Africans. More people will qualify, applications will become easier, and grant amounts will better reflect real-world costs. Stay informed and apply early to avoid delays once the changes roll out.

FAQs