The future of the SASSA SRD grant hangs in the balance, as millions await the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling. Back on 25 August 2026, government challenged the Gauteng High Court. The SCA’s judgment was reserved and is yet to be handed down, with no clear indication of when that might be. Nevertheless, here’s what each of the outcomes could be …
SASSA SRD GRANT HANGS IN THE BALANCE
Firstly, the last round of SASSA SRD grant payouts took place in October between the 22nd and 26th. As ever, barring official confirmation, November’s payment dates are likely to run in the final week of the month – somewhere between the November 23rd and 27th. But let’s recap the court proceedings that has SASSA SRD grant recipients waiting in limbo …
Back in January 2025, the High Court found that parts of the SASSA SRD grant regulations were ‘unconstitutional and invalid.’ These included the online-only application process, and that the definition of ‘income’ was too broad. The case was brought against government by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and #PayTheGrants.
After losing, government and the South African Social Security Agency appealed. It argued, basically, that the state simply cannot afford to do more and that a court shouldn’t prescribe budget decisions to the National Treasury. Meanwhile, the R370 grant itself, as confirmed in the 21 October MTBPS, is extended for another year until at least March 2028. So, keep applying on the official Social Relief of Distress online portal.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO SASSA SRD GRANT RULING?
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
But what do you think? Would you like to see the SASSA SRD grant change into Basic Income Support, or be done away with altogether? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …
