Many South Africans who applied for the SASSA SRD grant between 2022 and 2024 have faced the same frustrating message: “Approved, but no payment date.” If you’re unemployed or relying on this support, waiting without answers can be stressful.
This guide explains why approved SRD applications sometimes have no payment dates, the most common reasons behind delays, and what you can do to get your money released quickly.
Why SRD Grants Are Approved Without Pay Dates
When your SRD R350 or R370 grant status shows approved, it means SASSA has verified your eligibility. However, no pay date usually means the funds are not yet scheduled for release. Some common reasons include:
- Banking verification delays – If your bank details are still being checked.
- Postbank or retailer payment backlogs – High volumes of applicants can slow down processing.
- System errors or technical issues – SASSA’s system sometimes experiences glitches.
- Duplicate or mismatched records – Differences in ID numbers, names, or banking info.
- Pending re-confirmation – If you didn’t reconfirm your details during SASSA’s required period.
What to Do If Your SRD Is Approved but No Payment Date
If your SRD status is stuck, here are actionable steps you can take:
- Check your bank details:
- Log in to the SASSA SRD portal and confirm your details are correct.
- Ensure your bank account is active and registered in your name.
- Look for SMS notifications:
- SASSA sends an SMS when payment dates are scheduled.
- Make sure your phone number is updated on the system.
- Switch to a bank payment (if using retailers):
- Payments via Shoprite, Boxer, Pick n Pay, or Postbank often take longer.
- Switching to a bank account can speed things up.
- Be patient with backlogs:
- In months with high application numbers, SASSA staggers payments.
- Payments for older months are sometimes processed together.
SRD Grant Delays: 2022–2024 Timeline
Here’s a quick snapshot of how delays have impacted beneficiaries over recent years:
| Year | Common Issues | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Banking verification delays | Many resolved after re-confirmation process |
| 2023 | Postbank strikes and backlogs | Payments shifted to retailers and banks |
| 2024 | System upgrades & SRD increase to R370 | Delays in adjusting systems, but resolved within weeks |
This shows that delays are usually temporary and linked to system or verification checks.
Tips to Avoid Future Delays
To make sure your grant doesn’t get stuck:
- Always update banking details immediately when they change.
- Reconfirm SRD applications when SASSA asks.
- Avoid using other people’s accounts — payments must go into your account.
- Regularly check the SASSA status page for updates.
- Follow official SASSA channels only — avoid misinformation from fake sources.
Conclusion
If your SRD status shows “approved but no payment date”, don’t panic — it usually means your grant is still being processed.
The best steps are to verify your banking details, stay updated through SASSA’s official portal, and wait for payment scheduling.
FAQs
1. Why is my SRD approved but no payment date?
This happens due to verification delays, banking issues, or payment backlogs.
2. How long does it take to get a payment date after approval?
Usually within 1–3 weeks, but it can take longer during system backlogs.
3. Can I change my bank details after approval?
Yes. Log into the SASSA SRD portal and update your details. Payments will only go into your account.
4. What happens if I don’t get paid for several months?
SASSA often processes missed months together. You’ll receive back payments once your account is cleared.
5. Is “approved but no pay date” the same as rejection?
No. It means you qualify, but your payment hasn’t been scheduled yet.