For millions of South Africans relying on the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, timing is everything. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that August payments will go out between 27 and 30 August, giving beneficiaries clarity ahead of the month’s end.
How the Payment Schedule Works
SASSA reminded applicants that payments are processed in cycles.
This means that anyone with pending issues on their application will only receive funds once those issues are resolved.
“The next payment date for August for COVID-19 SRD is from 27 to 30 August,” the agency confirmed.
What ‘Referred’ Status Means
A lot of applicants have been wondering about the mysterious “referred” status that sometimes appears on their SRD application.
According to SASSA, this simply means that the applicant must verify their identity before funds can be released.
“It means you must verify your identity,” the agency said, adding that this step is part of their ongoing security measures.
“You get referred status to enhance security, ensure that we are paying the eligible beneficiary, and minimise the risk of paying the wrong person.”
Payments Resume After Verification
The good news for those with a referred status is that resolving it does not affect payment eligibility.
Once verification is completed, payments resume as scheduled, including any historic amounts that may have been delayed.
“If referred status has been resolved you will get paid from the next payment cycle and historic payments will be paid as per the schedule,” SASSA explained.
Staying Updated to Avoid Delays
The SRD grant continues to be a vital lifeline for South Africans facing economic hardship.
SASSA has also reminded beneficiaries to keep personal details updated, as outdated information can lead to unnecessary delays in receiving funds.
