R370 Pending Grant : The South African government finally approved thousands of R370 SRD grant applications that remained pending since May, bringing relief to waiting beneficiaries.

This breakthrough follows months of verification delays and system backlogs that left desperate applicants uncertain about their financial assistance status.

SASSA’s announcement confirms that May applications underwent comprehensive review processes, with approved beneficiaries now able to access their long-awaited funds.

The approval of these pending grants demonstrates government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens despite administrative challenges affecting the distribution system.

Background of May Application Delays

May 2024 applications faced unprecedented processing delays due to enhanced verification requirements implemented to combat fraudulent claims within the system.

The introduction of new cross-checking mechanisms with UIF, SARS, and NSFAS databases created bottlenecks as systems struggled to communicate efficiently.

Technical challenges plagued the verification process when multiple government databases required synchronization to confirm applicant eligibility across various criteria.

Thousands of legitimate applications remained stuck in “pending” status while automated systems attempted to verify income, employment, and student registration details.

The COVID-19 grant transition to permanent SRD assistance created additional administrative burden as SASSA adjusted systems for long-term sustainability.

Staff shortages and budget constraints further complicated processing, with manual verification required for applications flagged by automated screening systems.

Public pressure mounted as beneficiaries struggled without expected assistance, prompting government intervention to expedite the approval process for pending applications.

The May backlog became symbolic of broader challenges facing social assistance delivery, highlighting needs for system improvements and resource allocation.

Government’s Approval Announcement

Cabinet’s special session addressed the SRD grant crisis, authorizing emergency measures to clear the backlog of May applications awaiting decisions.

The Department of Social Development received additional funding specifically allocated for processing pending applications and improving verification system capacity.

Minister Lindiwe Zulu announced that over 2.3 million May applications received approval following the government’s intervention and system optimization efforts.

Special task teams worked overtime reviewing flagged applications, manually verifying information where automated systems failed to reach definitive decisions.

Government acknowledged previous shortcomings while committing to preventing similar backlogs through improved technology infrastructure and streamlined verification processes.

The approval includes retroactive payments, meaning beneficiaries receive their full R370 for May regardless of when actual payment occurs.

Provincial SASSA offices received directives to prioritize May applicant queries and assist with payment collection issues arising from the delays.

This decision reflects government’s recognition that social grants provide essential safety nets for millions of unemployed South Africans facing economic hardship.

Checking Your Approval Status

Beneficiaries must verify their May application status through official SASSA channels before attempting to collect payments at designated points.

The SRD website portal at srd.sassa.gov.za updated to reflect newly approved May applications, showing current status and payment details.

Login requires your ID number and cellphone number registered during application, with OTP verification ensuring secure access to personal information.

Status messages now clearly indicate “Approved – May 2024” for successful applications, along with payment dates and collection method selections.

WhatsApp status checking via 082 046 8553 provides alternative verification for those with limited internet access or website navigation challenges.

USSD functionality through 1347737# enables feature phone users to check status without smartphones or data requirements for accessibility.

Approved beneficiaries receive SMS notifications on registered numbers, though delays in message delivery mean proactive checking provides faster confirmation.

Multiple status checks may be necessary as system updates occur in batches, with approvals appearing at different times throughout the process.

Payment Schedule for May Grants

May grant payments follow a staggered schedule based on ID numbers, preventing overwhelming payment points with simultaneous collection attempts nationwide.

Banking deposits for approved May grants process between the 15th and 25th of the current month, appearing in nominated accounts automatically.

Cash collection dates vary by payment partner, with Post Offices, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Shoprite locations following different distribution schedules.

Beneficiaries should note their specific payment dates to avoid unnecessary trips, as funds only become available on designated days.

The retroactive nature means receiving full R370 amounts despite delays, providing complete assistance originally intended for May’s financial support.

Payment calendars available on SASSA’s website detail exact dates for different ID number groups across various payment channels and locations.

Rural payment points operate on specific days only, requiring beneficiaries to confirm schedules with local offices or community development workers.

Electronic payments process faster than cash collections, encouraging beneficiaries with bank accounts to utilize direct deposit options where possible.

Required Documentation

Collecting May grant payments requires presenting original identification documents matching those used during the initial application submission process.

South African ID books, smart ID cards, or temporary ID certificates serve as acceptable identification, provided they remain valid and legible.

Proof of May application approval, either through SMS screenshots or written reference numbers, helps resolve disputes at payment points.

Bank account holders should verify their details remain current, as changed information since May requires updates before payments can process.

Asylum seekers and special permit holders must present valid documentation along with SASSA approval confirmations for payment collection.

No additional documents beyond ID and approval confirmation are required, with beneficiaries warned against fraudsters requesting unnecessary paperwork or fees.

Payment partners cannot demand proof of address, employment status, or other documents not specified in official SASSA collection requirements.

Lost ID documents require police affidavits and temporary identification from Home Affairs before payments can be collected at distribution points.

R370 Pending Grant Addressing Common Concerns

Beneficiaries worried about payment expiration should note that approved funds remain available for collection within reasonable timeframes without forfeiture.

Those whose May applications show “declined” status retain appeal rights, with 30-day windows for submitting additional documentation proving eligibility.

System errors affecting some approvals receive priority attention, with dedicated technical teams resolving glitches preventing rightful payment access.

Questions about receiving multiple months’ payments simultaneously are common, with SASSA confirming separate payments for each approved month.

Banking failures due to incorrect details require immediate updates through the SRD system to facilitate successful future payment attempts.