PRETORIA, April 2026:— The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially confirmed the payment schedule for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant for April 2026.
This month marks the beginning of the 2026/27 financial year, bringing significant updates to the social security landscape.
April 2026 SRD Payment Schedule
Unlike permanent social grants, the SRD R370 grant is processed in batches during the final week of the month.
For April 2026, the official payment windows are:
- Window 1: 23–24 April 2026
- Window 2: 29–30 April 2026
Beneficiaries are reminded that these are “processing windows.” Funds may take an additional 2–3 business days to reflect in personal bank accounts after the system marks a status as “Approved”.
SRD Frozen at R370 Amid Permanent Grant Increases
While seven other permanent social grants received above-inflation increases this month, the SRD grant remains frozen at R370.
National Treasury has allocated R36.4 billion to extend this specific grant until 31 March 2027. For comparison, other grants active since 1 April 2026 include:
- Older Persons/Disability Grants: Increased to R2,400
- Child Support Grant: Increased to R580
Strict New Eligibility Checks and the “R628 Rule”
SASSA has intensified its “digital sweep” of beneficiary bank accounts.
To remain eligible for the April R370 payment, an applicant’s total monthly bank deposits must not exceed the R628 threshold.
The agency warns that the system cannot distinguish between a salary and a “temporary loan” from family; any deposit totaling R628 or more will trigger an automatic disqualification for the month.
Over 1.2 million applications were reportedly declined in early 2026 due to these tightened criteria.
Verification and System Upgrades
By April 2026, SASSA aims to have completed major system upgrades, including direct integration with the Department of Home Affairs to reduce processing delays and fraud.
All new applicants must now undergo biometric verification, such as facial recognition, to authenticate their identity.
How to Check Your Status
Beneficiaries are urged to verify their individual “Pay Date” via the official SASSA SRD Portal.
If your status is “Declined,” you have 90 days to lodge a request for reconsideration through the same portal.
Would you like more information on how to appeal a declined status or how to update your banking details for the next cycle?
Also Read
SASSA SRD STATUS CHECK 2026:How to Check Your R370 Grant Status
SASSA May 2026 Grant Payment Dates Confirmed: See When You’ll Be Paid
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