The rumors and social media posts have been circulating about some sort of new R700 SASSA monthly grant in 2025. The real or fake versions: here is the scoop, according to what the officials have said and credible reports have come forth.
Does An R700 SASSA Grant Really Exist?
Neither SASSA nor the South African Government has come out to announce any new social grant of R700 for the year 2025. Several online sources and social media posts have been claiming that the aforementioned grant has already been launched with specific payment dates and application procedures. The truth being that SASSA issued a rare warning instructing people to be wary of the “R700 grant” scam or false claim being widely circulated online.
Indeed, no supposed recurring R700 benefit shows on SASSA’s official list of grants and relief measures.
Thus, any message, invitation to apply, or advertisements for a “SASSA R700 Grant” should be treated with the utmost suspicion. Do not use any such unsolicited enquiry to divulge personal or bank details. Always cross-verify with SASSA through official channels.
The Actual: The SRD R370 Grant and Other R370 Grants
Really, there is no R700 grant; however, there is an SRD grant paid at R370 per month. Key notes on the SRD R370 grant:
- It is for persons between 18 and 60 years unemployed and who are not in receipt of any other social grants.
- Applicants must satisfy a means test (income/assets criteria), and they cannot be in receipt of UIF or any other SASSA social grants.
- An SRD grant is basically a temporary grant and also tends to be for a period of only three months, although an extension can be given in certain cases.
- During the 2025 national budget, but the government gave a guarantee that R370 payment would be paid up to March 2026.
Hence, whatever created confusion must have either emanated from misconception on some people’s part or deliberately from some malevolent contributors trying to make the public believe that there is now the new R700 grant.
How does one apply for the genuine SRD grant (R370)
Here is how the system operates for the eligible individual:
- Visit the official SRD portal: One has to lodge an application through the official SRD portal.
- Produce Documents Needed: Such documents requested would usually be a 13-digit bar-coded IDC, proof of residence, and any other documents that SASSA deems necessary.
- Submission: Following submission, SASSA will verify the documents and acceptance, based on income, with respect to qualification or not.
- Status Check: You can check the status of your application through the same SRD portal.
- Appeal: You do hold the right to make an appeal within the time stipulated if you are declined.
- Note: You never have to apply for payment monthly. Your eligibility is continuously assessed any time existing data are available.
Payment Dates and Disbursement for SRD/Other Grants
SRD payments of R$370 occur in the last week of the month; contrary to popular belief, payments of R700 grants do not occur. Other official SASSA grants, like Old Age, Disability, Child Support, etc., are paid at the beginning of the month. For instance, the old-age grants in September 2025 will be disbursed on the 2nd of September (Tuesday), disability will be disbursed on the 3rd, and child support and others will be disbursed on the 4th of September. Since 2025, all other social grants except SRD have been increased in April every year.
What to Do When Offered the “R700 Grant”
Be suspicious: There is no credible evidence, either in the form of official statements put out by SASSA or any government documentation, to prove the existence of any R700 grant:
- Never share your details: Fake forms are often used by scammers to fraudulently collect an individual’s ID, banking, and other personal details.
- Always double-check through the official channel: Check through www.sassa.gov.za or call the SASSA helpline.
- Report a scam: Forward reports of all such phishing messages promising R700 to SASSA or any appropriate fraud-attenuating body.
also read : SASSA SRD Grant October 2025 – Official Payment Dates Announced