No R370 Grant Raise – For the millions relying on South Africa’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, July 2025 brings no relief, only disappointment. The R370 monthly payment – a lifeline for over 8 million citizens – will remain unchanged yet again, despite months of anticipation and rising inflation. Many expected a long-overdue increase in the SRD grant this month, especially after repeated public outcry and promises of “ongoing reviews” from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and National Treasury. However, it has now been confirmed: there will be no increase to the SRD grant in July 2025. This is not the first time the R370 grant has remained stagnant while the cost of living continues to surge. Despite pressure from advocacy groups, civil society, and even members of Parliament, the government has cited “budget constraints” and “policy review delays” as the primary reasons for holding back any increase. With food prices, electricity tariffs, and transportation costs climbing sharply this winter, grant recipients say they are being pushed deeper into poverty. Adding to the frustration is the lack of clear communication from SASSA and the Treasury. While there have been numerous media interviews and statements regarding a possible universal basic income or a higher SRD amount in the future, none have materialized. Instead, millions are left waiting, hoping for answers that never arrive. This article unpacks all the confirmed details surrounding the grant freeze, what the government is saying, the economic impact, and what SRD beneficiaries can expect next.
No R370 Grant Raise: Still No Increase
Despite growing calls for an uplift in the SRD grant, the government has officially announced no changes for July.
- The SRD grant remains R370
- No additional payments or top-ups announced
- Treasury cites lack of funds and fiscal pressure
- No indication of future increase before October 2025
- Inflation continues to erode the real value of the grant
No R370 Grant Raise – Why Was the Increase Expected?
Public sentiment and previous discussions had built high hopes for an increase.
- Social Development hinted at “adjustments under review”
- Food inflation reached over 8% YoY by May 2025
- Unemployment remains above 32%
- Treasury approved funding for other welfare expansions
- Political pressure ahead of upcoming municipal elections
Comparison of SRD Grant Value Over Time
Let’s compare how the SRD grant has changed – or not changed – since its inception.
| Year | Monthly Amount | Inflation Rate (%) | Real Value After Inflation | Major Economic Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | R350 | 3.1 | R340 | COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown relief |
| 2022 | R350 | 5.7 | R330 | Fuel price surge, load-shedding |
| 2023 | R350 | 6.9 | R325 | Political instability, wage strikes |
| 2024 | R370 | 6.3 | R340 | National Budget shortfall |
| July 2025 | R370 | 7.8 | R318 | Power crisis, food basket inflation |
What Treasury Said About the Delay
The National Treasury issued a brief on June 28 confirming no raise.
- Budget allocations for SRD unchanged
- Priority given to energy infrastructure, not welfare
- Long-term basic income grant still “under discussion”
- Treasury cites “limited fiscal space for expansion”
- Review postponed to October 2025 Medium-Term Budget
Impact on SRD Beneficiaries in July 2025
With no raise, millions of South Africans must stretch the R370 even further.
- Electricity price increased by 12.5% this month
- Basic food basket cost rose by R195 on average
- Urban transport costs surged due to fuel hikes
- Rent and utility bills are unaffordable for many
- Recipients report skipping meals and essentials
How Much R370 Can Buy in July 2025?
A breakdown of average monthly expenses for a single adult.
| Item | Average Monthly Cost | How Much R370 Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (Basic Use) | R180 | 49% |
| Maize Meal (10kg) | R90 | 24% |
| Transport (Local Taxi) | R220 | 59% |
| Soap + Toiletries | R95 | 26% |
| Airtime/Data | R70 | 18% |
| Total Needs | R655 | 56% of total needs |
Will There Be a Grant Raise Later in 2025?
The hope now shifts to October’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).
- Government reviewing feasibility of a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG)
- New tax measures being explored to fund welfare expansion
- Budget focus remains on economic recovery and debt servicing
- No official confirmation of raise in August or September
Statements by Government Officials in June
Key leaders made public comments but stopped short of promises.
- Minister of Social Development: “We understand the pain…we are still negotiating.”
- Treasury Spokesperson: “We need sustainable revenue before increasing welfare grants.”
- President Ramaphosa: “We remain committed to protecting our vulnerable citizens.”
SRD Grant Compared to Other SASSA Payments
The SRD grant continues to be the lowest amount paid out.
| Grant Type | July 2025 Amount | Eligible Groups |
|---|---|---|
| SRD Grant | R370 | Unemployed adults 18–59 |
| Old Age Pension | R2,135 | Seniors 60+ |
| Child Support Grant | R560 | Parents/Guardians |
| Disability Grant | R2,135 | Disabled adults |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,250 | Foster care parents |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,135 | Disabled children’s carers |
| War Veterans Grant | R2,155 | Veterans 60+ |
Who Is Affected the Most?
Young adults, unemployed parents, and informal workers feel the pinch hardest.
- No UIF or employment benefits
- No access to food parcels in many provinces
- Dependence on relatives also facing financial strain
- No increase for over 3 years, while living costs skyrocket
Public Reactions Across the Country
Across social media and in protests, SRD recipients have voiced their anger.
- Twitter trends like #IncreaseSRDNow resurfaced in June
- Peaceful protests held in Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban
- NGOs released reports urging R760 minimum grant level
- WhatsApp groups of beneficiaries sharing “how to survive” tips
Parliament’s Response to the Outcry
MPs from opposition parties raised the issue in late June parliamentary sessions.
- EFF demanded an urgent R500 SRD top-up
- DA proposed a means-tested R600 version
- ANC MPs urged for patience until October MTBPS
- No binding resolution passed as of July 1
| Proposed Alternatives | Proposed Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| EFF Emergency Grant Top-Up | R500 | Rejected |
| DA New SRD Framework | R600 | Under Review |
| NGO Minimum Support Plan | R760 | Not tabled |
| Treasury Basic Income Plan | R1,000 | Long-term |
The decision not to raise the SRD grant in July 2025 has sent shockwaves across the nation. For the millions who rely on this payment just to survive, it’s a harsh reminder of the government’s financial constraints and the slow pace of policy reform. With no clear relief in sight before October, beneficiaries are left to navigate one of the toughest winters in recent memory with limited support. Advocacy and pressure from the public may shape future decisions, but for now, R370 is all there is.
FAQs of No R370 Grant Raise
Q1: Will the SRD grant increase in August or September 2025?
A: No official confirmation yet. All updates now depend on the October 2025 budget review.
Q2: Why is the SRD grant still R370 despite inflation?
A: Treasury claims limited budget and higher priority spending, such as infrastructure and energy.
Q3: Can I get another SASSA grant if I receive SRD?
A: No. SRD is not paid alongside other SASSA grants, per current rules.
Q4: What happens if I didn’t get my July SRD payment?
A: Check your SASSA status online or visit your nearest SASSA office for verification.
Q5: Is the Universal Basic Income Grant launching this year?
A: No official date has been set. It remains under policy and budget review.