Is The R350 Grant Increased To R700?

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Is The R350 Grant Increased To R700?

Is The R350 Grant Increased To R700?

Have you seen claims online or on social media stating that the South African government will increase the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to R700 in 2026? Many South Africans who rely on the grant for their daily needs may be hopeful after reading these messages. However, it is important to ask: Is the R350 grant increased to R700? This article will clarify the confusion and provide the latest, verified information about the SRD grant.

As of 2026, the SRD grant has not been increased to R700. While there was a minor increase from R350 to R370 in 2024, there is no official confirmation of any further raise to R700. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the official body responsible for managing and distributing the SRD grant, has not announced such a change. Claims of a R700 grant are false and misleading.

The SRD grant was introduced in 2020 as a temporary relief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, it has become an important support system for more than 8 million unemployed South Africans. Although the grant amount remains relatively low, it plays an essential role in helping beneficiaries afford necessities.

If you are a current beneficiary or planning to apply, it is important to get your information from official SASSA sources to avoid being misled by false claims. Keep reading as this guide explores what is happening with the R350 grant, what changes, if any, are coming, and how you can stay informed.

What Are The Sassa Official Statements

  • In the expanded Budget 2024 review, the National Treasury explained that social grant expenditure, excluding the SRD grant, will increase from R217.1 billion in 2023/24 to R259.3 billion in 2026/27. The COVID‐19 Social Relief of Distress Grant is allocated R33.6 billion in 2024/25 with provisional allocations for 2025/26 and 2026/27.

Read Also: Status Check SASSA R350 Grant 2025/2026

The R350 Grant’s Amount Paid:

The R350 Grant was initially set at a monthly amount of R350. This grant was distributed every month to eligible recipients who met the necessary criteria outlined by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The increases to be implemented during this year are as follows:

An increase of R100 to the old age, war veterans, disability, and care dependency grants. This amount will be divided into R90 effective from April, and R10 effective October; A R50 increase to the foster care grant; and A R20 increase to the child support grant.

Is The R350 Grant Increased To R700?

No, the R350 grant is not being increased to R700 in 2026. Claims circulating on social media suggesting such an increase are false and unverified. As of now, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has not issued any official statement confirming a rise to R700.

In April 2024, the SRD grant was adjusted slightly from R350 to R370 per month. That remains the current monthly amount for eligible beneficiaries. There are no confirmed plans to raise this amount further in 2026.

It is important to note that some individuals may see a total of R700 deposited into their accounts, but this is typically due to back payments for missed or delayed months, not an actual increase in the monthly grant. This may have led to confusion and false assumptions that the grant has doubled.

The rumors about a R700 increase appear to have originated on social media and are not backed by any reliable or official sources. To avoid misinformation, always rely on updates directly from SASSA’s official website or contact channels.

Why Can’t the SRD Grant Be Increased to R700?

Many South Africans are wondering why the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant can’t be raised to R700, especially given the rising cost of living. While the idea sounds helpful, several key factors make such an increase difficult at this time:

Budget Constraints:

  • The South African government operates under tight fiscal pressure. Around 60% of the national budget is already committed to paying civil servant salaries.
  • Increasing the SRD grant to R700 would require a significant reallocation of funds, likely at the expense of other essential services such as healthcare, education, or infrastructure.
  • With limited financial flexibility, a drastic increase in the grant is simply not practical under current conditions.

Ongoing Policy Review:

  • The Department of Social Development has chosen to extend the SRD grant at R370 per month until March 2025.
  • This decision allows government departments more time to assess long-term solutions for social support and poverty reduction.
  • While reforms may be introduced in the future, there are no immediate plans to raise the SRD grant to R700.

Broader Economic Challenges:

  • South Africa continues to face high unemployment and slow economic growth.
  • These issues make it financially difficult for the government to expand social welfare programs.
  • Until the economy improves and more sustainable funding becomes available, increasing the SRD grant to R700 is unlikely.

 Staying Informed About Any Changes or Updates Related To The R350 Grant

To stay informed about any changes or updates related to the R350 Grant, consider the following steps:

  • Regularly visit the official SASSA website (www.sassa.gov.za) for news and announcements.
  • Follow reputable news sources that report on government policies and social grants.
  • Monitor the official social media channels of SASSA for any updates or announcements regarding the R350 award.

SASSA Contact Details

While rumors of an increase in the R350 Grant amount to R700 have circulated, it is important to rely on verified information and official announcements from the South African government and SASSA. To ensure accurate and up-to-date information, it is advisable to refer to trusted news sources and official government channels. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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