How to Double Your SRD R370 Payment?

The SRD R370 grant helps millions of South Africans each month. It is a lifeline for people who are unemployed or struggling to earn enough money. But R370 is not much in today’s economy. You may wonder, “Can I double this amount? Is there a way to make the most of it?”

The truth is, you cannot change the amount SASSA gives you. The SRD grant is fixed at R370 per month. But there are smart ways to make it go further. With planning, saving, and some creativity, you can stretch your grant and even grow it. This guide explains how to do that in simple and practical steps.

Understand Your SRD R370 Grant

Before you can grow your money, you need to understand how it works.

• Who qualifies? You must be unemployed, between 18 and 60 years old, and have no other form of income or social grant.
• How is it paid? You get it monthly through bank deposit, Post Office, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or other partners.
• How to check status? You can check your SRD status on the SASSA website, WhatsApp, or using the Moya app.

The amount is fixed, but how you manage and use it is in your hands.

Step 1: Budget Every Rand

Budgeting is the first and most important step. Without a clear plan, your R370 can disappear quickly.

• List your basic needs: Food, transport, electricity, data, and toiletries. Write down how much you need for each.
• Cut non-essential spending: Avoid spending on airtime bundles, snacks, or fast food unless necessary.
• Plan weekly: Divide your R370 into four parts for each week. This helps you avoid running out before the end of the month.

Step 2: Join Community Savings Groups

Stokvels or community savings groups are common in South Africa. These are informal groups where members save money together.

• How it works: Each member contributes a fixed amount monthly. After a set time, each member receives a lump sum.
• Why it helps: You save more, learn discipline, and receive a larger amount once it’s your turn.

Even if you save just R50 a month from your grant, after six months you will get R300 back. It’s a simple but powerful way to double your money.

Step 3: Start a Micro Business

Starting a small business is one of the best ways to grow your SRD money. You don’t need a big investment.

Here are a few ideas:

• Selling airtime or data: You can start with R50 and grow slowly. Many apps allow you to sell airtime with zero extra cost.
• Buy and sell sweets or chips: Go to a wholesale store, buy in bulk, and sell at a markup in your area.
• Offering services: If you can braid hair, fix phones, do laundry, or help with schoolwork, turn it into income.
• Recycling: Collect and sell plastic bottles or scrap. It takes effort but can bring money weekly.

Use part of your R370 to buy stock or materials. Reinvest your profit to grow your business slowly.

Step 4: Use Free Online Resources to Learn New Skills

Many people ignore free opportunities on the internet. But your smartphone can help you make more money.

• Learn digital skills: Use free sites like Coursera, Udemy (free courses), or LinkedIn Learning.
• Popular skills: Graphic design, typing, writing, translation, or using Microsoft Excel.
• Start freelancing: Once you have a skill, join sites like Fiverr, Upwork, or local Facebook groups to find jobs.

With time, you can turn R370 into a steady income by offering online services.

Step 5: Access Food Support Programs

Food is one of the biggest expenses for most SRD grant beneficiaries. But many NGOs and churches offer food parcels or feeding schemes.

• Check local churches or mosques: Many give food on weekends or during the month.
• Ask about soup kitchens: Some places offer free meals daily or weekly.
• Government food parcels: Speak to your local councillor or social development office.

If you reduce your food expense through support, you can save that money and use it to grow your income.

Step 6: Avoid Debt and Loan Traps

Many loan apps and money lenders target SRD beneficiaries. They offer small loans but charge very high interest.

• Never borrow to buy non-essential items
• Avoid apps that ask for your ID and bank PIN
• Only borrow from trusted lenders if it is a real emergency

Loans will only take your R370 away with fees and interest. Focus on saving and growing, not owing.

Step 7: Sell Your Skills, Not Just Products

You may think you have nothing to sell, but that’s not true. Everyone has something to offer.

Examples:

• Wash cars: Offer car wash services in your street or parking lots.
• Clean homes: Ask neighbors if they need part-time cleaning.
• Assist the elderly: Offer to run errands, buy groceries, or do small chores.
• Tutor kids: If you passed matric or did well in school, offer tutoring.

These services need no money to start, only time and effort.

Step 8: Use WhatsApp for Business

If you already use WhatsApp, you can turn it into a free marketing tool.

• Create a WhatsApp Business profile
• Post products or services with pictures
• Ask friends to share with their contacts

This method can help you reach customers without spending on ads or printing flyers.

Step 9: Partner with Someone

Sometimes you don’t have enough money or time to start alone. Find a trusted friend or family member and team up.

• Share ideas, money, and effort
• Start small: like a tuck shop or lunchbox business
• Split the profits

This method reduces your risk and doubles your chances of success.

Step 10: Stay Consistent and Patient

Doubling your SRD grant will not happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and discipline.

• Track your monthly expenses carefully
• Start saving a small amount even if it’s just a little
• Grow steadily avoid rushing the process
• Celebrate small achievements; they build your momentum to move forward

Even if you turn R370 into R500 in one month, that’s progress. Keep going and your income will grow over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for two SRD grants using different names?

No. It is illegal and can lead to a criminal case. SASSA checks all applicants using ID numbers and biometrics.

Is there any legal way to increase the R370 amount?

You cannot apply for more than one SRD grant. But you can apply for other support like the child support grant if you qualify.

Can I invest my SRD grant in shares or crypto?

It’s risky to invest such a small amount in crypto or shares without full knowledge. It’s better to invest in small business or savings first.

What is the best business to start with R370?

The best business is the one you can manage with low cost. Popular ideas include selling snacks, airtime, or offering services like cleaning or braiding.

Can I save money from R370?

Yes. Even saving R20 a month helps. Join a savings group or save using your bank account to avoid spending it quickly.

Conclusion

You cannot double your SRD grant by asking SASSA. But you can double its value through smart spending, saving, and growing it. Budget wisely, avoid waste, start small, and grow step by step. Many people in South Africa have turned small grants into bigger incomes through creativity and hard work.

Let your R370 be the seed of something greater. Use it wisely, and soon you might not need it anymore.