Latest update on August 2024 SASSA SRD grants

As the payment date for August 2024 SASSA SRD grants approaches, we’ve received numerous inquiries about how to check your SRD status. We’ll cover that shortly, but first, let’s go over the important dates for the August 2024 SASSA SRD grants.

AUGUST 2024 SASSA SRD GRANTS

Spread over a number of days, August 2024 SASSA SRD grants start on Sunday 25 August and run until Thursday 29 August. A reminder that the agency says funds may take between 2-3 days to reflect in your account. The government grant started during the COVID-19 pandemic and is aimed at people with absolutely zero income.

As a result, when you make your application online at the SASSA SRD website, the agency cross-references your details against those of the Department of Home Affairs. This not only confirms your citizenship status but also if you’re misrepresenting yourself to unlawfully gain SRD funds. South Africa’s unemployment rate is worsening by the quarter and the agency has to safeguard its fund to make sure they’re going to the ones who need it most.   

SASSA SRD STATUS CHECK

The South African Social Security Agency, increased SRD by R20 to R370 earlier in the year and it saw fit to extend the grant window to March 2025. Currently, approximately 9-million residents with zero financial means receive the grant. However, after the demoralisingly poor unemployment figures for Q2 2024, we can only assume the push to turn SRD into a Basic Income Grant for the unemployed by 2026 will only be accelerated.

Nevertheless, we’re asked repeatedly by readers why they’re not receiving SRD funds even though they’ve applied. The answer here is to check your SASSA SRD status each month and, more importantly, take action on your profile based on SASSA’s feedback. The way to do so is to visit the SRD status check website HERE and input your identification and phone number. Alternatively, you can WhatsApp 082 046 8553 or call 0800 60 10 11 toll-free and follow the prompts.

YOUR SRD STATUS DESIGNATION

When you check your status for August 2024 SASSA SRD grants, you’ll receive one of the following responses. We will explain what action you need to take, if any, to resolve the situation:

• COMPLETE – Your application is received but is not approved yet. However, there is nothing more you need to do here
• PENDING – SASSA is in the process of verifying your application for the month. No further action is needed.
• APPROVED – Congrats, SASSA has accepted and approved your grant application for the month. The agency will inform you when your next payment is due.
• BANK DETAILS PENDING – If SASSA does not have your banking details or a chosen payment method, you need to update this urgently.
• REAPPLICATION PENDING – This means you need to submit a reapplication for the SRD grant.
• DECLINED – SASSA has declined your application because you did not meet all the criteria. The reason why you were declined will be listed.
• CANCELLED – This is if you have a job and no longer meet the requirements. Or the agency believes you’re receiving other income. To clear any issues around potentially fraudulent activity, like your account being hacked, you can email: referred@sassa.gov.za

BIOMETRIC ACCESS

There’s been plenty of consternation over it, but going forward you will have to submit biometric data to SASSA, too. This it to stop the increase of fraud and corruption through ghost accounts. This biometric data takes the form of a photograph taken on a smartphone.

The difficulty beneficiaries are facing is not having a smartphone with sufficient data to upload the picture. Plus, some also believe if you don’t have a smart ID card with the Department of Home Affairs this may also stop the system from accepting your photo.