Can People With Criminal Records Get the SRD R370 Grant?

Many South Africans with criminal records often wonder if they can apply for the SRD R370 grant. Criminal history and SRD eligibility are commonly misunderstood, creating confusion for eligible individuals.

This guide explains whether people with criminal records qualify for the SRD R370 grant, the official SASSA rules, and how to apply successfully.

Table of Contents

Understanding SRD Grant Eligibility Requirements

The SRD R370 grant is meant for individuals who are unemployed and financially distressed. Criminal history alone does not automatically disqualify applicants.

However, SASSA evaluates eligibility using financial criteria, residency status, citizenship, and other verification checks.

Key SRD grant requirements include:

Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder
Must be between the ages of 18 and 60
Not receiving UIF, NSFAS, or another social grant
Not receiving financial support exceeding the income threshold
Must pass SASSA verification checks

These checks include ID verification, income screening through bank checks, and cross-referencing government databases.

While individuals with criminal records may worry about “SRD background checks,” SASSA does not evaluate criminal history for standard SRD eligibility.

Do Criminal Records Affect SRD R370 Eligibility?

According to current SASSA rules, having a criminal record does not prevent someone from applying for or receiving the SRD R370 grant.

What matters instead is whether the applicant meets socio-economic criteria and verification requirements.

For example, an ex-offender who is unemployed and not receiving UIF or financial support qualifies like any other applicant.

However, the situation is different for incarcerated individuals. If a person is currently serving a sentence in a correctional facility, they are not eligible for SRD payments because their basic needs (including food and housing) are provided by the state.

This distinction matters because many ex-offenders regain eligibility once they are released and successfully reintegrate into society.

People often ask whether SASSA does a “criminal eligibility check.” SASSA’s verification checks are financial and identity-based, not legal or conviction-based.

There is no SRD rule disqualifying beneficiaries due to previous convictions, parole status, or rehabilitation programme participation.

How to Apply for the SRD R370 Grant With a Criminal Record

Applying for the SRD grant follows the same procedure for individuals with or without a criminal background.

SASSA encourages online applications to simplify access for unemployed applicants and low-income households.

Steps to apply:

Visit the official SRD website or use the WhatsApp/USSD channels
Provide your ID number and mobile number for verification
Confirm your banking information for means testing
Agree to consent notices for income verification
Submit the application and wait for SMS confirmation

Helpful tips for ex-offenders:

Use banking details in your name to avoid delays
Keep your phone number active for SMS approvals
Check monthly SRD status online to verify approval and payment dates

Common Questions About SRD Eligibility and Criminal Records

Many applicants with criminal records are unsure about technical issues and rules around the SRD grant. Below are the most common concerns answered clearly.

Does SASSA check criminal records?
No. SASSA does not check whether applicants have previous convictions. Verification checks focus on identity, financial status, and residency.

Can parolees or probationers apply for SRD?
Yes. Parolees and probationers may apply if they meet standard SRD eligibility requirements.

What if someone was arrested but not convicted?
Arrest records do not affect SRD eligibility. SASSA does not evaluate pending legal cases.

Can ex-offenders get back pay if applying late?
No. SRD grant payments are not backdated for months before approval.

What if someone is in a rehabilitation or halfway house?
Eligibility depends on financial need and whether the state is fully supporting them.

Conclusion

People with criminal records can apply for and receive the SRD R370 grant as long as they meet SASSA’s financial and administrative requirements.

Criminal history is not a disqualifying factor for SRD eligibility, and ex-offenders are encouraged to apply to support reintegration and financial stability.

If you meet the criteria, apply online and monitor your status to avoid delays.