As of April 2023, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is still available for eligible South Africans who are in financial distress and unable to support themselves or their families. The grant provides a monthly stipend of R350 for a period of six months to eligible applicants who meet the criteria related to their income, assets, and household composition. The SRD grant was initially introduced in 2008 as a response to the global economic recession and has since been extended to provide assistance to those in need beyond the pandemic.

• To apply for the SRD grant in 2023-2024, eligible applicants must complete an application form online or at a SASSA office. The application process involves providing personal information such as ID number, contact details, and banking information if the applicant wishes to receive payments via bank transfer. Applicants are also required to provide information on their income, assets, and household composition to determine eligibility for the grant.
• It is important to note that the application process for the SRD grant can be time-consuming and applicants may experience delays in receiving their payments due to the high volume of applications being processed. To avoid delays, it is recommended that applicants provide accurate and complete information on their application forms.
• Once an applicant has submitted their application form, SASSA will review the information provided and determine whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the SRD grant. If the application is approved, the monthly stipend of R350 will be paid out electronically via a variety of channels including bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash send options. The grant is paid out for a period of six months, after which applicants must reapply if they wish to continue receiving the grant.
• It is important to note that the SRD grant is not intended to provide long-term financial support, but rather to offer temporary relief to individuals and families who are in distress due to unforeseen circumstances such as disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies. Therefore, applicants must ensure that they continue to seek employment or alternative sources of income during the six-month period that the grant is paid out.
• In terms of eligibility criteria for the SRD grant in 2023-2024, applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, over the age of 18, and not be receiving any other form of social grant or financial assistance from the government. Additionally, applicants must meet certain criteria related to their income, assets, and household composition. It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for the SRD grant may change over time, and applicants should regularly check the SASSA website or speak to a SASSA representative for up-to-date information.
• It is worth mentioning that there have been ongoing discussions about the adequacy of the monthly stipend of R350 and the need to increase the amount to provide meaningful support to individuals and families who are in distress. However, as of April 2023, there has been no official announcement regarding an increase in the SRD grant amount.
• In conclusion, the SRD grant is still available for eligible South Africans who are in financial distress and unable to support themselves or their families. The application process involves completing an application form online or at a SASSA office, and providing personal information and details on income, assets, and household composition. The grant provides a monthly stipend of R350 for a period of six months, and applicants must ensure that they continue to seek employment or alternative sources of income during this time. Eligibility criteria for the SRD grant may change over time, and applicants should regularly check the SASSA website or speak to a SASSA representative for up-to-date information.