Disability and SRD Grants – In a major update that affects millions, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed the temporary merger of the Disability Grant and the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant starting July 2025. Over 2.4 million recipients are expected to be impacted by this administrative shift, which is aimed at streamlining payment processes and reducing duplication. However, the change has created confusion and concern among beneficiaries as the eligibility rules and payment structure have been revised, with a strict deadline of July 15, 2025, to check or update application details. The Department of Social Development has emphasized that the merger is part of a broader strategy to unify grants for individuals with overlapping qualifications—particularly those who have previously alternated between SRD and temporary disability support. With growing cases of fraudulent claims and expired disability certificates, this move will help SASSA reassess and revalidate its existing beneficiary base. Beneficiaries must now verify their details and ensure they meet the updated income and disability thresholds. This announcement has raised concerns over delays, missed payments, and confusion around which individuals qualify under the new system. Officials have stated that no eligible person will lose their grant, but clear compliance with updated rules is mandatory. In this article, we break down what the merger means, who qualifies, how to apply, payment schedules, documentation needs, and key government clarifications.
Why Were the Disability and SRD Grants Merged in July 2025?
The merger was triggered by operational inefficiencies, fraud detection, and overlapping registrations. The department aims to provide seamless delivery to legitimate recipients under a single grant structure.
- Reduce duplication in disability and SRD applications
- Prevent fraudulent switching between grant types
- Integrate biometric verification and live ID photos
- Streamline payments through Postbank and approved banks
- Update income thresholds for SRD beneficiaries
- Identify expired temporary disability certificates
- Improve database accuracy before new grants are launched
Main Objectives Behind the Disability and SRD Grants Unification
This section highlights the critical policy goals that drove the merger of the two grants.
- Eliminate double registrations and cross-claims
- Create a unified tracking system for grant payments
- Ensure faster digital ID verifications with facial scans
- Filter out fraudulent entries before universal grant rollout
- Implement a dynamic means test for all combined applicants
Who Will Be Affected by the Disability and SRD Grants Rule?
Anyone receiving either the SRD R350 Grant or a temporary Disability Grant in the past 12 months will be automatically included in the new verification system.
- 2.4 million recipients affected directly
- Applicants aged 18–59 with mild to moderate disability
- SRD beneficiaries who previously claimed temporary medical disability
- Individuals with expiring disability documentation
- Those flagged for suspicious account duplications
- People using the same ID for both grants
- Grant recipients earning more than R624/month now under review
July 2025 Payment Conditions and Disability and SRD Grants Transition Chart
The following table outlines how the new merged grant structure will be implemented in July:
| Grant Type Previously Received | Merged Status | July Payment Date | Verification Needed? | New Documents Required | Estimated Payout | Risk of Delay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRD R350 Grant | Merged | July 25, 2025 | Yes | Bank/ID/Disability | R350 | High |
| Temporary Disability Grant | Merged | July 27, 2025 | Yes | Disability Report | R1,990 | Medium |
| Both Grants Previously | Suspended | On Hold | Yes | Biometric Update | TBD | Very High |
| Expired Medical Cert Holders | Suspended | On Hold | Yes | New Medical Cert | TBD | Very High |
| Fraud Flagged Applications | Blocked | None | Yes | Fresh Application | 0 | Confirmed |
| Youth Under 25 on SRD Only | Re-verified | July 28, 2025 | Yes | Bank + Biometric | R350 | Moderate |
| Verified Disability (Long-Term) | Continued | July 26, 2025 | No | Existing Docs Valid | R2,090 | Low |
| Pending Appeals | On Hold | TBD | Yes | Supporting Docs | TBD | Very High |
What Should Recipients Do Before July 15, 2025?
SASSA has urged all affected grant holders to take immediate action. Missing the July 15 deadline could result in temporary suspension.
- Log into the SASSA portal or mobile app
- Confirm your grant status and ID details
- Update your latest bank account details
- Upload a recent disability assessment if applicable
- Complete the live biometric scan
- Submit updated proof of income (bank statements, payslips)
- Contact SASSA directly if flagged for double entry
Biometric and Income Reverification Process for Merged Grant
All recipients will undergo a revalidation process to ensure authenticity and updated records.
- Facial recognition scan required from July 10
- Must match ID photo and selfie upload
- Income must be below R624 for SRD qualification
- Disability must be formally documented via clinic or hospital
- Fraud-detected accounts will be auto-blocked
Who Will Automatically Be Disqualified?
Certain categories will no longer be eligible under the new unified rule unless they provide valid supporting evidence by July 15.
- Individuals earning over R6,500/month
- Expired permit holders or foreign nationals without asylum
- Beneficiaries without recent disability assessments
- Duplicate ID or bank account cases flagged
- Missing live photo uploads by July 15
High-Risk Groups Urged to Reapply Immediately
Those in this category should reapply with fresh documentation and complete all biometric steps.
- Previous SRD users with old income proof
- Temporary grant users with expired disability letters
- Those using family member bank accounts
- Anyone who failed face ID verification in the last 3 months
Documents Required to Continue Receiving Payments
A complete list of documentation must be uploaded or submitted to SASSA by the specified deadline to avoid disruption.
| Required Document | Applicable Grant | Submission Format | Mandatory Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| South African ID | All | Digital or Physical | July 15, 2025 |
| Recent Bank Statement | SRD & Merged | Digital Upload Only | July 15, 2025 |
| Disability Assessment Report | Disability Only | Clinic or Hospital | July 10, 2025 |
| Live Selfie Photo | All | In-App Submission | July 10, 2025 |
| Proof of Income (Payslip, etc.) | SRD & Combined | Upload or Email | July 12, 2025 |
| Biometric Facial Verification | All | In-App/Branch Visit | July 10, 2025 |
| Updated Contact Information | All | Web/App Update | July 15, 2025 |
How to Submit Documents Correctly?
Avoid errors and delays by following these steps:
- Use the SASSA GovChat or SRD online portal only
- Ensure your file size is below 2MB for uploads
- Selfie must be clear, no filters or blurry images
- Bank account must be in your own name
- Do not use public WiFi while submitting biometric info
July 2025 Payment Calendar for Merged Grants
A newly issued calendar outlines when payments will be made under the merged grant setup:
| Date | Beneficiary Type | Expected Amount | Verification Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25 | SRD + Disability Merged | R350 – R1990 | Yes |
| July 26 | Long-Term Disability Only | R2,090 | No |
| July 27 | Temporary Disability Only | R1,990 | Yes |
| July 28 | Re-verified SRD Applicants | R350 | Yes |
| July 29 | Youth + New SRD Entries | R350 | Yes |
| July 30 | All Remaining Approved Users | R350 – R2,090 | Yes |
| July 31 | Appeals Approved After Review | R350 – R2,090 | Yes |
This merger may bring long-term efficiency, but immediate action is required from all grant holders. With over 2.4 million people affected and strict verification measures now live, it’s crucial to update your documentation and bank details before the July 15, 2025 deadline. Delays may result in lost payments or temporary suspension of your benefits. Check your status today to avoid disruption.
FAQs on Disability-SRD Grant Merger 2025
Q1: Will I lose my grant due to this change?
No, but you must complete verification and submit required documents by the deadline.
Q2: Can I still get both SRD and Disability Grant separately?
No. They’ve been merged temporarily. You’ll only receive one payout under the unified system.
Q3: What happens if I miss the selfie or bank update deadline?
Your payment will be delayed or suspended until you update the information.
Q4: Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
Yes. Submit an appeal through the SASSA SRD website within 30 days.
Q5: How do I contact SASSA for assistance?
Call the toll-free helpline 0800 60 10 11 or visit your nearest SASSA office.