Did SASSA Really Increase the R370 Grant to R624? Here’s the Truth

Many South Africans are confused by recent news about SASSA’s SRD grant and wonder if the R370 payment increased to R624. This confusion often comes from misunderstanding how the grant amount and the income threshold actually work, two completely different figures that affect millions of unemployed citizens.

Did SASSA Really Increase the R370 Grant to R624? (Quick Answer)

No, the SASSA SRD R370 Grant has not increased to R624. The grant amount remains R370 per month. The R624 figure refers to the income threshold used by SASSA to determine eligibility, not the actual payment value.

The Real Grant Amount: R370 Per Month

As of 2025, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant remains R370 per month. This is the amount paid to all approved beneficiaries by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

The grant was first introduced in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to help adults between 18 and 60 years old who have no source of income or other financial support. Initially, the grant was R350, but in April 2023, it was increased by R20 to R370.

Even though advocacy groups and economists have called for an increase to match rising food prices, the R370 amount is still the official monthly payment in 2025.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the Food Poverty Line stands at R760 per person per month, meaning the SRD amount covers only about half of the minimum food needs.

What the R624 Really Means: The Income Threshold?

The R624 figure does not represent a grant increase. It is the income limit (threshold) used by SASSA to check if someone qualifies for the SRD grant.

This process is called a means test. Under this test, if your monthly income — from any source such as small jobs, remittances, or bank transfers, is more than R624, your application is declined for that month.

In simple terms:

• R370 = The amount SASSA pays to beneficiaries.
• R624 = The income limit to qualify for the grant.

If your bank statement shows deposits exceeding R624 in a month, SASSA considers you to have enough financial support and therefore disqualifies you for that payment cycle.

Why R624? Understanding the Logic Behind It

The R624 income threshold is based on South Africa’s food poverty line, as defined by Stats SA. This line estimates the minimum income required to afford basic nutrition.

By using R624 as the upper limit, SASSA ensures the SRD grant reaches those who are most financially vulnerable. However, this rule has faced criticism from social justice organizations and civil groups. They argue that:

• The amount is too low to reflect real living costs.
• Many unemployed people receive small irregular payments (like help from family) but are still deeply impoverished.

As a result, some people lose eligibility temporarily even though they remain in need. There have been court challenges and public petitions demanding that the government review this threshold and adjust it according to inflation.

Has Government Announced Any Increase?

No official announcement has been made about increasing the SRD grant to R624 or beyond R370.

In April 2024, the Department of Social Development (DSD) confirmed that the grant would remain at R370 until at least March 2026. However, government officials, including the Minister of Finance, stated that discussions are ongoing to explore ways of expanding or transforming the SRD grant into a permanent income support program.

The Grant’s Future: Funded Until March 2026

The SRD grant continues to be funded through the national budget until 31 March 2026. This extension ensures that millions of South Africans will keep receiving the R370 payment for now.

According to the National Treasury’s 2024 Budget Review, an estimated 8.5 million people receive the SRD grant monthly, costing the state over R33 billion per year. While this extension brings temporary relief, its future beyond 2026 remains uncertain.

The government is currently studying options for a Basic Income Grant (BIG), which could replace or evolve from the SRD program. However, this proposal depends on fiscal capacity, economic growth, and tax revenue — making an immediate increase unlikely.

The Push for a Higher Grant Value

Many advocacy groups, such as the Black Sash and the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), have urged the government to increase the SRD amount to at least match the food poverty line of R760 or the lower-bound poverty line of R1,058.

They argue that R370 cannot meet even basic human needs like food, transport, or hygiene products. While these campaigns have raised awareness, any decision to increase the grant depends on national budget priorities and economic performance.

Important Facts for Beneficiaries

To avoid misinformation, here are the key verified facts about the SRD grant as of 2025:

• Grant Amount: R370 per approved month.
• Income Threshold: R624 per month.
• Age Eligibility: 18 to 60 years old.
• Payment Duration: Until 31 March 2026 (subject to review).
• Administered by: South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
• Official Sources: sassa.gov.za and gov.za.

Beneficiaries should always check their application status through the official SASSA SRD website or SMS platforms to avoid scams or false information circulating online.

Final Takeaway

The claim that the SASSA SRD grant has increased from R370 to R624 is false. The R370 remains the actual payment amount, while R624 is the income limit that determines who qualifies for the grant.

Although there is ongoing debate and public pressure to raise the grant to reflect South Africa’s rising cost of living, no official increase has been implemented yet. For now, recipients can rely on R370 per month until the end of March 2026, while the government continues exploring permanent solutions to reduce poverty and unemployment.