SASSA Status Check for Students: R370 Grant Payment Dates (January 2026)

Are you a student waiting for NSFAS funding while relying on the SASSA SRD grant?

January is financially the toughest month of the year for students. If your NSFAS allowance hasn’t kicked in yet, you likely still qualify for the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for January 2026. This guide provides the expected payment dates and shows you how to check your status to ensure you have cash for registration fees or transport.

Can Students Claim the R370 Grant?

Yes, but there is a rule.

You qualify for the SRD grant only if you are not yet receiving other financial aid.

• If your NSFAS status is “Provisionally Funded” but you haven’t received an allowance yet: You generally still qualify for the SASSA grant.
• If you have already received an NSFAS allowance payment: You no longer qualify for the R370 grant. SASSA cross-checks your ID with NSFAS databases.

Payment Dates: When Will You Be Paid in January 2026?

Unlike old-age or child grants (which are paid in the first week of the month), the SRD R370 grant is paid towards the end of the month.

Expected Payment Window for January 2026:

• Dates: Between Monday, January 26, 2026 and Friday, January 30, 2026.
• Note: Funds usually take 2–3 days to reflect in your bank account after the payment is processed.

[Tool] Check Your SASSA Status Online

Before you go to the store or ATM, you must confirm that your application for January has been approved.

1. Go to the official portal: https://services.sassa.gov.za/portal/r/sassa/sassa/home
2. Scroll down to the “Application Status” tab.
3. Click “Click here to check online.”
4. Enter your South African ID Number.
5. Enter the Cell Phone Number you used to register.
6. Click “Submit.”

Understanding Your Status Results

• Approved: Your money is ready to be processed. Check the “Pay Day” field for the exact date.
• Declined: You were rejected. Common reasons include “Alternative Income Source Identified” (e.g., if you received money from parents or NSFAS).
• Pending: SASSA is still verifying your details. Check again in 48 hours.

How to Collect Your R370 Payment

You do not need to queue at the Post Office. The Post Office no longer pays out the SRD grant. Use one of these methods:

• Bank Account (Recommended): The money is deposited directly. This is the safest and fastest option.
• Supermarkets: You can withdraw your grant at Pick n Pay, Boxer, Checkers, Shoprite, or Usave. You must have your ID and the cell phone registered to your account.

Note:

SASSA performs a “means test” every single month. If you are registered at a university and your NSFAS status changes to “Funded” in late January, SASSA may decline your January grant.

Do not try to hide this information. The systems are linked. If you receive NSFAS, focus on your student allowances and leave the SRD grant for those who are unemployed.