The South African government has confirmed that the SRD (Social Relief of Distress) R370 grant will continue until March 2027, according to TimesLive (February 2026). The grant amount remains at R370 per month — unchanged since April 2023. National Treasury cited fiscal constraints as the reason no increase was approved. Existing beneficiaries do not need to reapply; current applications remain valid through the extension period.
Key Takeaways
- SRD R370 extended until March 2027
- Grant amount: R370/month — no increase
- Unchanged since April 2023
- No reapplication required — current applications remain valid
- National Treasury cited fiscal constraints for no increase
- Livelihoods Support Grant proposed as eventual replacement (no date confirmed)
What This Means for SRD Beneficiaries
If you are currently receiving the SRD R370 grant, your application continues automatically through March 2027. You do not need to submit a new application because of the extension.
However, you will still need to:
- Reconfirm your application annually when SASSA opens the reconfirmation window
- Ensure your banking details are current at srd.sassa.gov.za
- Maintain eligibility — SASSA continues to cross-check income, employment, and other grant data monthly
If your SRD status shows “Pending” or “Declined” at any point, this is due to monthly eligibility verification — not the extension. Your eligibility is rechecked each month.
→ Check your SRD status
→ SRD reconfirmation guide
Why Was the Amount Not Increased?
National Treasury cited fiscal constraints in the 2026/27 Budget. The SRD R370 grant has not increased since April 2023, when it rose from R350 to R370. Civil society organisations and advocacy groups, including Black Sash and the Institute for Economic Justice, have pushed for an increase to at least R624 (the food poverty line) — but this was not approved.
The food poverty line in 2025 was R796/month per person (Statistics South Africa). The R370 grant covers less than half of that figure.
Is the SRD R370 Being Replaced?
A Livelihoods Support Grant has been proposed in policy documents as an eventual replacement for the SRD R370. The Livelihoods Support Grant is envisaged as a broader income support mechanism, potentially at a higher amount and with a different eligibility framework. However:
- No implementation date has been confirmed
- No legislation to replace the SRD has been enacted
- The SRD R370 will remain the active grant until formal replacement is legislated
Do not make any financial decisions based on a Livelihoods Support Grant date — none has been set. The SRD R370 continues until at least March 2027 under the confirmed extension.
SRD Grant — Key Facts for 2026/27
| Detail | Information |
|---|
| Grant amount | R370/month |
| Extension period | Until March 2027 |
| Amount unchanged since | April 2023 |
| Who qualifies | South African citizens aged 18–59 with no income above R624/month and no other SASSA grant |
| How to check status | srd.sassa.gov.za |
| SASSA contact | 0800 60 10 11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reapply for the SRD R370 because of the extension?
No. The extension applies automatically to existing valid applications. You do not need to submit a new application. Continue to check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za each month.
Will the SRD R370 amount increase in 2026?
No. The amount remains R370/month for the full 2026/27 financial year (April 2026 – March 2027). National Treasury confirmed no increase in the 2026/27 Budget.
What happens to my SRD grant after March 2027?
No decision has been officially announced beyond March 2027. The government may extend the SRD again, or the Livelihoods Support Grant (a proposed replacement) may be implemented. SASSA will communicate any changes before March 2027. Monitor srd.sassa.gov.za and SASSA’s official channels for updates.
Why was my SRD declined even though the grant is extended?
A decline means your monthly eligibility check found a disqualifying factor — for example, income detected via SARS or UIF, a new job registered at the Department of Labour, or a duplicate grant application. The extension does not change the monthly eligibility criteria. If you believe the decline is incorrect, appeal via srd.sassa.gov.za.
Sources
TimesLive — timeslive.co.za — “SRD R370 grant extended to March 2027 — no amount increase confirmed”, February 2026
National Treasury — treasury.gov.za — 2026/27 Budget Review: Social protection expenditure
SASSA — sassa.gov.za — SRD grant eligibility and payment information
