The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants for April 2026 will be paid out on 23–24 April and 29–30 April 2026, giving eligible beneficiaries two separate collection windows during the month.
The announcement, published under the agency’s #SassaCares campaign, reinforces SASSA’s ongoing commitment to delivering relief to South Africans facing financial hardship — with its stated mission of paying “the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place.”
To qualify for the COVID-19 SRD grant, an applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or holder of a qualifying special permit — including those under the Special Angolan Dispensation, Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation.
Asylum seekers whose section 22 permit or visa is valid are also eligible, provided they are registered on the Department of Home Affairs database or SASSA’s social grant database with a unique identifying number.
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South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or qualifying special permit holder
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Between the ages of 18 and 59 years
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Currently residing within South Africa’s borders
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Not resident in a government-funded or subsidised institution
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Not in receipt of any other social grant
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Must not unreasonably refuse employment or educational opportunities
Applicants must also fall between the ages of 18 and 59, be currently residing within South Africa, and must not be a resident of a government-funded or subsidised institution.
Crucially, they must not unreasonably refuse to accept available employment or educational opportunities.
Beneficiaries who are unsure of their status are encouraged to check with SASSA through official channels before the payment windows open.
The agency warns against falling victim to fraudulent payment schemes, urging the public to rely only on verified SASSA communications.
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