The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary form of social assistance provided by the South African government to individuals who are in need of immediate and short-term financial support. The grant is intended to provide relief to individuals and households that are unable to meet their basic needs due to unforeseen circumstances such as job loss, illness, or natural disasters.

• The SRD grant is administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and is typically provided as a once-off payment of R350. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant was temporarily increased to R500 per month for a period of six months in 2020.
• To qualify for the SRD grant, individuals must be South African citizens or permanent residents, must not be receiving any other form of social grant or income support, and must be experiencing a period of distress or hardship. Applicants are required to provide proof of income, assets, and household composition, as well as a statement detailing the circumstances that have led to their financial hardship.
• The SRD grant application process is typically done through SASSA offices or through an online application portal. Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their financial situation and the reasons for their distress, and must also provide documentation to support their application.
• Once an application has been approved, the SRD grant is typically paid out within a few days. The grant can be used to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, and is intended to provide temporary relief until the applicant is able to find other means of support.
• While the SRD grant provides important support to individuals and households in times of need, it is a temporary form of assistance and is not intended to replace other forms of income support or social grants. As such, it is important for individuals who receive the SRD grant to seek out other forms of support and assistance, such as employment or training opportunities, to help them achieve long-term financial stability.