Missed Your COVID-19 SRD Grant Payment? Here’s What to Do

Missing a Social Relief of Distress (SRD) payment from SASSA can be stressful — especially if you rely on it for essentials.

Below is a clear, step-by-step guide that explains why payments are missed, how to check your status, and exactly what actions to take to resolve the problem quickly and correctly.

Quick checklist (do these first)

1. Have your 13-digit ID number and the phone number you used when you applied ready.

2. Check your SASSA status online, via WhatsApp or USSD (methods listed below).

3. If your status is “declined” or “verification required,” collect the documents SASSA requests (ID, proof of banking or affidavit proof of income).

4. If approved but unpaid, note the payment date shown or any message SASSA provides and contact SASSA if the date has passed.

Also Read: SASSA Confirms January 2026 Grant Payment Dates

Why payments get missed (common causes)

• Pending verification — SASSA often runs means and identity checks; if verification isn’t complete the payment is withheld.

• Incorrect / changed contact details — the OTP/SMS may fail if the phone number on file is wrong.

• Banking or payment method problems — incorrect bank details, closed accounts or failed EFTs will block payouts.

• Duplicate or conflicting records — being listed as a recipient of another grant or detected data mismatch can trigger a hold.

• Rejected on eligibility grounds — new eligibility rules or updated means tests can result in declines.

How to check your SRD status (official, no-guess methods)

Use the official SASSA SRD systems — do not rely only on social posts.

1. SRD Portal (official) — Visit the SASSA SRD portal and use the status check option with your ID and phone number. This is the authoritative place for application messages.

2. SASSA WhatsApp — Save SASSA’s official WhatsApp number and use the automated menu to check SRD status (follow the on-screen prompts).

3. USSD — Dial the official USSD code (if available) and follow the prompts to check application status (enter ID and phone number).

4. Moya / zero-rated apps — Some partners (e.g., Moya app) allow status checks without data. Use only official or trusted apps.

5. Call centre or SASSA office — If digital checks are inconclusive, call SASSA’s help lines or visit a local office with ID and the phone used to apply.

Also Read: SASSA Confirms COVID-19 SRD Grant Payment Dates for December 2025

If your status is “Pending verification”

• Gather ID document, proof of banking (bank card/statement) and any documents SASSA requested (e.g., affidavit if you don’t have bank account).

• Use the SRD portal or contact channels to upload / submit the documents. Keep screenshots of uploads and any confirmation SMS.

• Re-check status every 48 hours; verification often completes after documents are validated.

If your application was declined

1. Read the decline message on the SRD portal carefully — it will often state a reason.

2. If the decline was for missing/incorrect documents, fix the issue and reapply if permitted. Use the same portal link.

3. If the decline is for eligibility (e.g., income threshold), you can still request a formal review or lodge a complaint with SASSA — keep records of your situation and any evidence of unemployment or changed circumstances.

If your status is “Approved” but you haven’t been paid

• Check the payment date given on the portal or SMS. Payment cycles are published; if the date has passed, contact SASSA immediately with your ID, AppID (if you have one), and any payment reference.

• Confirm your banking details on record. If the account has changed since approval, inform SASSA; you may need to provide proof for a manual payment.

• If you were meant to receive a cash or voucher payment (local arrangements vary), ask SASSA which paypoint or vendor is being used.

How to lodge a complaint or request a review

1. Use the SRD portal contact form or the phone/WhatsApp channels to submit your complaint; include ID, AppID, clear description, and screenshots.

2. If you get no satisfactory response, escalate to the SASSA provincial office or submit a complaint to the Office of the Public Protector / Department of Social Development (if appropriate). Keep copies of all communications.

3. For urgent humanitarian need while the dispute is resolved, check local NGOs, municipal emergency relief or community food relief programmes — they may provide temporary assistance.

Tips to avoid future payment problems

• Always register a working phone number and update SASSA immediately if it changes.

• Keep scanned copies/photos of your ID and banking proof ready.

• Use official channels only for status checks and uploads — avoid third-party “status check” websites that ask for extra fees or unnecessary personal data.

What to do if you need evidence for other services

If another agency requests proof of SRD status, download or screenshot the status page from the SRD portal showing your ID, status and any payment date/message. That is usually accepted as proof while you seek resolution.

Sources & where to check

• Official SASSA SRD contact and status guidance (use this first).

• Government services overview for Social Relief of Distress (eligibility and general process).

• Recent published SASSA payment schedules / news (for context on payment cycles).

• Practical status-check options (WhatsApp, USSD, Moya app) and step instructions.

• Application guidance and SRD application checklist (official guidance PDFs and help resources).

Also Read:Your SASSA Survival Guide for 2026: What Every Beneficiary Must Know

Frequently Asked Questions (as requested)

How do I apply for Covid-19 SRD R350?
Apply through the official SASSA SRD portal: visit the SRD application page, choose “Apply,” enter your 13-digit ID and the cellphone number you’ll use, follow the OTP verification, and complete the form.

Keep the AppID/SMS confirmation. Use the SRD portal for the application and status checks.

Who is eligible for the SRD R350 grant?
Eligibility has varied over time; generally applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees (with qualifying permits) who are between certain ages, unemployed, and not receiving other social grants.

Means tests and income thresholds apply — always confirm the current criteria on the official SASSA pages before applying.

How to apply for R370 grant?
The R370 SRD (or updated SRD amounts) uses the same official SRD portal and process: go to the SRD application area, submit your ID number, phone number, verify via OTP, and complete the application.

Follow any additional instructions for document uploads if requested. Use only the official SASSA SRD portal to apply.

Who is eligible for the SASSA R370 grant 2025?
Eligibility for the 2025 R370 cycle depends on SASSA’s published criteria for that payment period; applicants generally must be citizens or qualifying residents, unemployed or without sufficient income, and not receiving other social grants.

Because SASSA updates rules and means thresholds, always check the current eligibility notice on the official SASSA SRD pages before applying.

Also Read

SASSA Login Problems: Troubleshooting Guide & Solutions

SASSA Online Application for R350: Complete Guide