South Africa will extend its Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant until March 2027 while preparing to introduce a redesigned successor programme, the Department of Social Development has confirmed.
The monthly payment of R370, originally introduced as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, was due to end on 31 March 2026. It will now continue for an additional 12 months in its current form, pending the publication of regulatory amendments in the Government Gazette.
More than eight million people currently rely on the grant, which was initially set at R350 before being increased to R370. The programme costs the state approximately R40 billion per year, raising concerns about long-term affordability without new revenue sources.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address that the grant would be restructured this year. The proposed redesign aims to shift the scheme from a direct cash transfer toward a model more closely linked to employment, skills development and income-generating opportunities.
National Treasury has previously indicated that it is considering transforming the grant into a form of job-seeker support, providing temporary assistance while beneficiaries search for work.
Further details on the future structure of the grant are expected when the 2026 national budget is tabled on 25 February 2025.
Source: South African Department of Social Development and State of the Nation Address briefing.
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