Can You Pay Home Rent With SRD Grant Payment?

The South African Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary financial support provided by the government. It is meant to help individuals who are unemployed and struggling to meet basic needs. As of 2025, the SRD grant amount is R370 per month. Many beneficiaries ask the same question: Can I use this grant to pay for my home rent?

The answer depends on your personal situation, the cost of your rent, and how you manage your finances. Let’s break it down in a clear and practical way.

What Is the Purpose of the SRD Grant?

The SRD grant, often referred to as the R370 grant, is offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It is part of the government’s effort to help people who are not receiving any other form of income or social assistance.

The main goal of the grant is to provide relief during times of financial crisis. It is not designed to fully support a person or a family but to help cover very basic needs such as food, transport, and toiletries.

Typical Monthly Expenses for SRD Grant Beneficiaries

To understand whether this money can be used for rent, let’s look at the typical expenses a person might have:

• Food: R200–R300
• Transport: R50–R100
• Airtime/Data: R20–R50
• Toiletries: R50–R100

As you can see, these basic needs can easily use up the R370 grant. This leaves very little, or nothing, for rent.

Rent Costs in South Africa

Rent prices in South Africa vary depending on the area and the type of housing. Below are some average rent prices in 2025:

• Shared room in a township: R400–R700 per month
• Room in a backyard flat: R800–R1,500 per month
• One-bedroom flat in a small town: R1,500–R3,000 per month
• One-bedroom flat in a city: R3,000–R6,000 per month

Clearly, the R370 grant is not enough to cover even the lowest rent cost in most areas. So if rent is your only expense, you would still fall short by a few hundred rand, at the very least.

Can You Legally Use the SASSA SRD Grant for Rent?

Yes, you can use the money for rent. SASSA does not place restrictions on how you use the SRD grant. The money is paid directly into your bank account, mobile wallet, or is collected at a post office. Once you receive the funds, it is up to you how you spend them.

However, it is important to remember that the grant is meant to support your basic survival needs. If you use it all on rent and have nothing left for food or transport, you could end up in a worse situation.

Situations Where You Might Use the SRD Grant for Rent

In some cases, people do use their SRD grant to help with rent. This usually happens in the following situations:

1. Shared Rent

You might live with family or friends and contribute a small amount toward the total rent. For example, you pay R300 while others cover the rest.

2. Informal Housing

Some beneficiaries live in informal settlements or backyard structures where rent is very low. They may pay R200 to R300 per month.

3. Support from Others

If someone else helps you with food and other expenses, you may use the full SRD grant for rent.

4. Temporary Help

If you are behind on rent or facing eviction, you might use one or two months of your SRD grant to pay the landlord while skipping other expenses.

Real-Life Experiences

Many SRD grant beneficiaries have shared their stories on social media and forums. Here are a few examples:

Sipho from Soweto: “I live with my cousin. He pays the full rent. I use my SRD grant to buy electricity and food for both of us. Sometimes, I give him R200 for rent if I have extra.”

Nomsa from Khayelitsha: “I live in a small shack and pay R250 rent every month. I use the rest of the grant for pap and taxi fare. It’s hard, but I manage.”

Thabo from Polokwane: “My rent is R600. I pay half from the SRD grant and borrow the rest from my uncle. I pay him back when I get piece jobs.”

Tips for Managing Rent on a Low Income

If you are receiving the SRD grant and struggling to pay rent, consider the following options:

• Share Your Living Space: Try to live with family or friends. Even if you can’t live for free, sharing costs is much cheaper.
• Look for Informal Housing: While not ideal, informal housing is often more affordable. Be sure to check safety and legal status.
• Apply for Other Grants: If you are eligible for a child support grant, disability grant, or old age pension, apply for them. These are more stable and higher in value than the SRD grant.
• Look for Piece Jobs: Many SRD grant recipients do informal work to supplement their income. This includes cleaning, gardening, selling goods, or delivery jobs.
• Budget Strictly: Write down your monthly expenses. Cut out non-essentials. Every rand counts.
• Talk to Your Landlord: If you are falling behind on rent, explain your situation. Many landlords are willing to reduce rent or give you more time if you are honest.
• Use Free Services: Take advantage of free soup kitchens, job centers, and community food parcels when available.

What the Government Says

The government understands that R370 is not enough to cover full living costs. It is meant to provide relief, not a full income. This is why the SRD grant is temporary and reviewed regularly.

There are ongoing discussions about increasing the amount or turning it into a Basic Income Grant (BIG). However, these plans are still under review and depend on budget allocations and political support.

Alternatives to Paying Rent with SRD Grant

Instead of using your SRD grant for rent, you might consider other uses that also protect your housing situation. For example:

• Buy groceries for the household so the rent-payer has more money for rent
• Use the money to apply for jobs or attend interviews
• Pay for transport to visit relatives who can offer shelter
• Buy building materials to improve a shack or build on family land

All of these choices help you stay housed without paying rent directly.

What Happens If You Can’t Pay Rent?

If you fail to pay rent, you might face eviction. However, landlords must follow the law before removing you. The Prevention of Illegal Eviction (PIE) Act protects tenants, especially vulnerable ones.

If you are at risk of eviction, contact your local legal aid office. You may qualify for free legal support. You can also ask local councillors, churches, or community groups for emergency housing help.

Conclusion

You can use your SRD grant to pay rent, but the money is usually not enough on its own. Most people use it to support other small expenses or contribute to rent when sharing costs. If rent is your biggest concern, look for ways to reduce it, share it, or supplement it with other income.

The SRD grant is a lifeline, but it cannot solve long-term housing problems alone. Use it wisely. Plan every rand. And look for support from family, community, and government services.

Final Thoughts

Paying rent with your SRD grant is possible in very limited cases. If your rent is low or shared, it might work. But for most people, the grant is better used for food, electricity, and transport. Try to increase your income through part-time work, other grants, or help from others. Housing is important, but your basic survival comes first. Always plan with care and think long-term.