R20 to R370 SRD Grant Increase Challenged in Court – Beneficiaries Demand Higher Support

Published On: February 18, 2025

South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has been a crucial financial support system for millions of citizens since its introduction in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially aimed at providing temporary relief to unemployed individuals, the recent increase from R350 to R370 in April 2025 has ignited heated debates.

Many argue that this modest increase fails to keep up with rising living costs, prompting advocacy groups to challenge the government in court. Here’s a closer look at the situation, the key arguments, and what this could mean for the future of social welfare in South Africa.

Overview

The SRD grant, launched in May 2020, was designed to help unemployed South Africans who were not receiving other social grants or unemployment benefits. While it has provided essential relief, the economic landscape has shifted significantly since its inception. Inflation and rising costs have eroded the value of the grant, leading to widespread criticism when the government announced an increase of just R20 in 2025.

Aspect	Details
Current Amount	Increased from R350 to R370 in April 2025
Key Issue	Increase deemed insufficient due to inflation
Proposed Solution	Raise grant to R624, simplify eligibility
Court Case	Pretoria High Court, October 2025
Inflation Rate	Approximately 7% in 2025

Impact

The SRD grant has helped millions of South Africans manage basic expenses like food and utilities. However, with inflation at around 7% in 2025, even essentials like bread, vegetables, and electricity have become significantly more expensive. Recent market reports indicate grocery prices have surged by over 10% in the past year, making it harder for beneficiaries to afford basic needs on R370 per month.

Eligibility

One major concern raised by advocacy groups is the stringent eligibility criteria. While 14 million people applied for the grant in 2023, only 8.3 million were approved. Many applicants face hurdles like digital access issues, documentation requirements, and minor discrepancies in personal information, resulting in rejections.

Advocacy

Organizations like the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and #PayTheGrants have taken the government to court, demanding the grant be increased to R624 to match the food poverty line. They also call for simplified application processes to ensure more people receive the support they need. Advocacy groups argue that a higher grant would not only alleviate poverty but also stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending.

Government’s Response

The government, however, cites fiscal constraints as the reason for the limited increase. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana emphasized that while supporting vulnerable citizens is essential, excessive spending could strain the national budget and jeopardize funding for critical services like healthcare and education.

Court Case

The Pretoria High Court is expected to deliver a ruling later in 2025. If advocacy groups win, the government may be compelled to:

Raise the SRD grant to at least R624.
Simplify the eligibility and application process.
Reallocate resources to increase social grant funding.

This case could set a significant precedent for social welfare policies in South Africa and potentially inspire similar movements across Africa.

Next Steps for Beneficiaries

While awaiting the court’s decision, SRD beneficiaries can:

Stay informed through reliable sources like SASSA’s website.
Seek additional support from community programs and NGOs.
Participate in advocacy efforts to push for increased grants.

The SRD grant debate highlights the urgent need for comprehensive poverty alleviation strategies in South Africa. The court’s decision could reshape social welfare and provide millions with much-needed financial relief, making this a pivotal moment for the nation’s future.