R624 Income Cut-Off Rule – South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has provided critical financial aid to millions of unemployed citizens during tough times. However, a strict income threshold is now putting this support at risk for thousands. As of July 2025, the R624 income cut-off rule is actively disqualifying many applicants and beneficiaries from receiving the monthly R350 SRD grant. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced the R624 income threshold to determine grant eligibility, meaning anyone with income—formal or informal—exceeding this amount in a given month may be rejected. This includes money received from part-time work, remittances, or even once-off deposits. The rule, although designed to ensure funds go to the neediest, is leaving thousands confused and excluded. Reports have emerged of unemployed individuals who received small support payments from family members, only to be disqualified due to breaching the R624 rule. Many affected applicants claim they are still in desperate need and had no idea that such deposits could cost them their grant. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of who is affected, how the rule is applied, and what steps you can take to check your eligibility or appeal a rejection.
What Is the R624 Income Cut-Off Rule?
The income threshold is a monthly limit set by SASSA, and exceeding it—even slightly—results in disqualification.
- If your bank account shows income above R624, your application may be declined
- This includes deposits from any source, such as:
- Freelance or part-time income
- Family or friend transfers
- Once-off payments
- Child maintenance
- The rule is assessed monthly, meaning each application is reviewed afresh every month
R624 Income Cut-Off Rule – Examples of Disqualifying Income
Even small or unexpected deposits could disqualify applicants. Below is a table showing different income sources and their impact:
| Income Source | Amount Received | Eligible for SRD? | Reason for Rejection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother sends money | R650 | No | Exceeds R624 limit |
| Once-off freelance job | R700 | No | Income above threshold |
| Grocery cash-back | R50 | Yes | Below threshold |
| Social club payout | R800 | No | Considered income |
| R300 from a friend | R300 | Yes | Within R624 limit |
| Bank account refund | R640 | No | Treated as income |
| Part-time gig income | R600 | Yes | Still under threshold |
| Taxi fare repayment | R100 | Yes | Considered reimbursement |
Who Is Most Affected by the R624 Income Cut-Off Rule?
This rule disproportionately affects unemployed people who rely on occasional informal help.
- Those receiving:
- Family support deposits
- Small freelance earnings
- Payments from stokvels
- Individuals unaware that:
- Reimbursements or cash gifts count as income
- Their accounts are automatically monitored monthly
R624 Income Cut-Off Rule – Vulnerable Groups Excluded in July
Many vulnerable citizens are unknowingly violating the rule.
| Group Affected | Description |
|---|---|
| Single mothers | Often receive child support that is misclassified |
| Students doing side jobs | Freelance payments cause automatic disqualification |
| Informal traders | Small business payments count as income |
| Elderly with dependents | Receive family assistance that disqualifies them |
| Youth on temporary jobs | Monthly income from gigs breaches the threshold |
| Households with remittances | Family support from relatives abroad exceeds limit |
How to Check Your July 2025 SRD Application Status
You can confirm your eligibility or rejection reason through official platforms.
- Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Enter your South African ID and registered phone number
- Check the July 2025 status and reason for any rejection
- Look specifically for:
- “Alternative Income Source Identified”
- “Income Exceeds Threshold”
Step-by-Step Status Checking Guide
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Go to SASSA SRD site | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| Scroll to ‘Check Status’ | Click and input your ID and phone number |
| Review July status | See if approved or rejected |
| View rejection reason | “Alternative Income Identified” means income issue |
| Submit appeal | Use the link provided on status page |
How to Appeal SRD Grant Rejection Due to Income Rule
SASSA allows monthly appeals if you believe your rejection was incorrect.
- Log in to the appeals portal: https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals
- Use the same ID and phone number used for application
- File an appeal for July 2025
- Explain your case and submit proof of:
- Source of deposit (e.g., gift, refund)
- Bank statements or affidavits if needed
Important Appeal Tips
- Appeals must be submitted within 90 days of rejection
- Only appeal months where income was wrongly assessed
- Provide clear explanation and documents if possible
What You Should Do to Stay Eligible in Future Months
To prevent rejection going forward, manage your income sources wisely.
- Avoid depositing large amounts into your personal bank account
- Keep your income under R624 if you want to receive SRD
- Consider:
- Using someone else’s account for large once-off payments
- Splitting deposits across multiple months if possible
July 2025 Grant Payment Dates & Application Summary
Here’s a breakdown of key dates and status requirements:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| July 2025 Payment Start | 24 July 2025 |
| Status Check Window | 15–30 July 2025 |
| Appeal Deadline | 22 October 2025 |
| Max Income Allowed | R624 per month |
| Monthly Grant Amount | R350 |
| Payment Platform | Bank / Postbank / Cash Send |
| Who Can Apply | Age 18–59, unemployed, no other income |
| Website to Use | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
The R624 cut-off rule is a harsh but critical filter used by SASSA to ensure only the most financially distressed receive the SRD grant. While it’s aimed at controlling fraud, many deserving South Africans continue to be excluded due to technicalities and lack of awareness. Beneficiaries must remain vigilant, monitor their bank deposits carefully, and appeal decisions when unfairly rejected. The SRD remains a lifeline, and navigating its evolving rules is key to securing it monthly.
FAQs of R624 Income Cut-Off Rule
1. Why was I declined for July SRD Grant?
You may have received more than R624 in your bank account, which makes you ineligible.
2. Can a gift from a family member disqualify me?
Yes, even small transfers are considered income by SASSA.
3. How often is my income checked?
Every month, your bank account is reviewed to determine eligibility.
4. Can I appeal if I was wrongly rejected?
Yes, appeal at https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals within 90 days.
5. What happens if I win the appeal?
You will receive the missed payment for the appealed month.