Are you among the many South Africans still waiting for your R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payment despite being approved in October? Unfortunately, you’re not alone.
Delays have left thousands of beneficiaries frustrated and struggling to meet basic needs. Here’s what we know about the situation, the reasons behind the delays, and what you can do.
Thousands Left Waiting Despite Approval
Nearly three weeks have passed since the payments were due, yet numerous beneficiaries who were approved for the SRD R370 grant in October are still waiting for their funds. For many, this grant is a critical lifeline, helping cover essentials like food and household expenses.
Beneficiaries, such as Monique Mtembu from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, rely heavily on the grant to support their families. Mtembu had previously faced verification issues earlier this year but started receiving her payments by April. Now, despite her October application being approved, no payment has been made.
Reasons for the Delay
According to SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi, the delays are due to additional fraud checks. In recent months, SASSA has intensified its verification processes to combat the rising prevalence of fraud and online crime.
These additional reviews often result in certain beneficiaries being temporarily excluded from payment runs. While SASSA has assured beneficiaries that payments will resume once verifications are complete, no specific timeline has been provided.
Impact on Beneficiaries
The delay has left families like Mtembu’s and others in Eldorado Park in dire situations. Mtembu, who lives with her mother, uncle, grandmother, and three children, expressed her frustration:
“SASSA keeps telling me to be patient. But it’s a new month, and I still haven’t been paid.”
Another beneficiary, Alvina Swartz, also from Eldorado Park, shared a similar experience. Swartz, who lives with her brother and three children, relies on the grant primarily to buy groceries. Despite her October application being approved, her payment date—initially scheduled for 26 October—has not been honored.
Both Mtembu and Swartz noted that they had already completed identity verification earlier this year, which resolved similar delays in the past. However, their profiles now show an “approved” status with no updated payment date.
Advocacy Groups Demand Answers
The ongoing delays have sparked criticism from advocacy groups like the #PayTheGrants campaign. Deputy Director Elizabeth Raiters described the situation as a daily struggle:
“The fraud was not their fault, but they are now being punished. We’ve done identity verification for some of these affected beneficiaries, yet payment dates remain removed.”
Raiters called for immediate intervention to address these delays, emphasizing the devastating impact on vulnerable households.
What Beneficiaries Can Do?
If you’re still waiting for your SRD grant payment, here are some steps you can take:
- Check Your Status Online
Visit the official SASSA website or use the SRD status check tool to monitor updates. Look for any new verification requests or changes in your status. - Contact SASSA Directly
Call SASSA’s toll-free helpline at 0800 60 10 11 to report the delay and seek clarification. Be prepared to provide your ID number and other relevant details. - Stay Updated via Official Channels
Follow SASSA’s social media pages and official announcements for real-time updates. Avoid relying on third-party sources that may provide inaccurate information. - Report Fraudulent Activity
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, report it immediately to protect your funds.
SASSA’s Assurance and Next Steps
SASSA has acknowledged the delays and assured beneficiaries that those who pass the additional verification checks will receive their payments in subsequent payment runs. While the agency has not provided a clear timeline, they urge beneficiaries to remain patient as they work to address the issue.