SASSA SRD R350 Grant Until March 2025
Enoch Godongwana announced the SASSA SRD grant would be extended by a year until March 2025. R34 billion will be allocated for the grant. The National Treasury announced the announcement in its Medium-Term Budget Policy (MTBP) on November 2nd, 2023.
In the event that you are relying on the grant for basic needs, it is possible to continue receiving the grant for another year.
Also Read About: How to Activate New SASSA Card
When & Why SASSA SRD R350 Grant was Initiated?
COVID-19 in 2020 was the occasion for the government to initiate the Social Relief of Distress program. As a result of the pandemic, millions of people around the world were affected. Due to this, dozens of businesses closed and unemployment skyrocketed in South Africa. Due to this sudden economic shock, many citizens found themselves struggling to meet their basic needs, adding additional stress to families already struggling financially.
The South African government realized it needed to assist its citizens at that time, and implemented the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant of R350. Many South Africans lost their jobs or couldn’t earn enough to survive as a result of the SRD grant.
In spite of COVID’s end, the government continues to fund the SRD grant, which remains an important source of support for many South Africans. Food, necessities, and other necessities help alleviate poverty and promote stability in times of hardship.
SASSA SRD R350 Grant Extended
SASSA SRD grants have not been made permanent by the government, who announces a one-year extension every year after COVID-19. SASSA SRD R350 grants will be extended until March 2025 under the Medium-Term Budget Policy (MTBP) released by the National Treasury.
For the next four years, the government will make R34 billion available to citizens as a grant. Funding sources are still being sought so that the grant can continue after 2025, even though no budget has been allocated.
A comprehensive review by the Department of Social Development and National Treasury is also necessary before the grant can be made available to citizens after March 2024, according to Enoch Godongwana.
According to the National Treasury and Department of Social Development, the R350 grant will continue until March 2025.
Also Read About: How to Reset Your SASSA Password
Government’s Future Plans for SRD Grant
South Africans rely on the R350 grant for a living, so the government is doing its utmost to maintain the grant, as President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated. They face challenges in finding consistent funding. They plan to continue funding the SRD grant in this manner.
To plan for 2025, the Treasury said the entire social grant system needs to be reviewed comprehensively. There is no doubt that the government intends to continue it, but it only needs to figure out where funding will come from in the future.
Responsibility As a Citizen
In spite of the fact that the government is already doing its best to help us when we are in bad financial shape, there are still many citizens who are in good financial condition who are applying for grants.
It is important for us to understand that the grant is for those who really need it. Applicants with income sources and assets exceeding the means test criteria are encouraged not to apply. You should leave the grant amount for those who are in real need.
Please cancel your grant if you are receiving the R350 grant and no longer need it, so that it can be given to another needy family.
Also Read About: How to Report SASSA Frauds & Avoid Common Scams
Conclusion
SASSA has extended the SRD R350 Grant until March 2025, allowing those who rely on it to meet their basic needs. Enoch Godongwana, the finance minister, announced a budget of R34 billion for the extension, specifically for the SRD grant. Until plans for permanent funding are in place, it is important you assess your need for the grant and consider canceling it if you no longer require assistance, ensuring that support reaches those who truly need it.
