Can I Apply SRD?

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Can I Apply SRD?

Can I Apply SRD?

Can I Apply for SRD? | Your Complete Guide to SRD Applications

Yes, you are eligible to apply for the Special Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, provided you meet the conditions outlined by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This grant offers temporary financial relief to individuals who are currently unemployed and are not receiving any other social grants, unemployment benefits, or regular income support. To be eligible, you must be a South African citizen,  resident, or refugee with a valid identification document and meet the required income criteria. The entire application process is completed online, making it convenient to submit from anywhere. After submitting your application, SASSA will assess your information to confirm if you meet the requirements. If your application is successful, the SRD grant will be paid out on a monthly basis for a designated period, depending on the current relief program. Be aware that you may need to reapply if your financial situation changes or if there are adjustments to the program’s guidelines.

This article will provide you with latest information on the SASSA SRD application requirements and guide you through the application process. Kindly read through this post top know if you qualify for the SRD Grant and how to apply for it.

Sassa SRD Grants Application Date 2025-2026: Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application and there is no closing date

Can I Apply SRD?

You can apply for the SASSA SRD grant only if you are: 

  • You must reside in South Africa
  • You must meet any 1 of these criteria:
    1. You must be a South African Citizen
    2. You must be a Refugee in South Africa
    3. You must be an Asylum Seeker in South Africa with a valid Section 22 permit or visa
    4. You must be a Special Permit Holder in South Africa (under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation)
  • You must be between 18 and 60 years old
  • You must meet the means test, with an income of R624 or less per month
  • You must be unemployed and NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
  • You must have insufficient financial means to support yourself
  • You must NOT be receiving any other social grants for yourself
  • You must NOT be contributing towards or eligible for UIF payment
  • You must NOT unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities
  • You must NOT be receiving a stipend from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

Read Also: How Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?

How to Apply SRD Application?

With your mobile phone, computer or laptop connected to the internet, applicants can follow these 6 simple steps to apply for the SRD Grant

STEP 1: CHOOSE AN APPLICATION METHOD

Applications for the SRD Grant can be submitted via WhatsApp, the SRD Website or via the SASSA Chatbot. You should only apply via one method – submitting more than one application will not speed up the process, in fact, it may slow down your application.

Please read how to apply each of these methods:

WhatsApp:

  • Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
  • Provide your personal details
  • You will receive a Reference number, an OTP and a link to click
  • Click on the provided link, fill in your OTP and verify your account
  • Fill in your surname and ID number
  • Confirm the personal details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat

SRD Website:

  • In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holders, find out how to apply here)
  • Fill in your mobile number and ID number and click “send SMS”
  • You will receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS
  • Insert the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”

SASSA Chatbot:

  • In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
  • Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chat box (the orange box on the side of the screen)
  • Fill in your ID number and mobile number
  • On the chat, choose the option to apply for the SRD R350 grant
  • Click on the SRD website link provided by the SASSA Chatbot
  • Follow the SRD website steps

STEP 2: AGREE TO THE T&C

Read and agree to the clauses in the Declaration and the Consent
Read and agree to the clauses on theYou and Your SRD Grant document

STEP 3: PROVIDE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS

Provide your personal information, including:

  • ID Number
  • Full Name and Surname (as printed on your ID Document/ ID Card)
  • Gender
  • Physical Address
  • Contact Information (mobile number, email address)
  • SASSA may request further information

STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR PAYMENT OPTION / PROVIDE YOUR BANKING DETAILS

New applicants with a personal bank account, must provide the following information for payment:

  • Your Bank Name
  • Your Account Number
  • Your Branch Name
  • Your Account Type
  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions
  • Submit your Banking Details

New applicants without a personal bank account, must provide the following information for payment:

  • Choose Payment option – Cash Send
  • Agree to Terms and Conditions
  • Submit Banking Details

Existing applicants with a personal bank account, confirm the following information for payment:

  • Confirm Existing Personal Banking Details
  • Agree to Terms and Conditions
  • Click Submit

Existing applicants with the cash option, who would like to change to the bank payment option, provide the following information for payment:

  • Your Bank Name
  • Your Account Number
  • Your Branch Name
  • Your Account Type
  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions
  • Submit your Banking Details

STEP 5: RECEIVE AN SMS

Applicants will receive an SMS notifying them of their banking details. After receiving this SMS, the SRD R350 Grant application is now active.

STEP 6: SASSA VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION

SASSA verifies your personal information (ID Number, Name and Surname) against the Department of Home Affairs database.

  • SASSA matches your ID Number against approved databases such as UIF, SARS, NSFAS etc.
  • Fraud Risk Scoring is conducted with Fraud prevention partners, whereby your ID number and mobile number are checked against the approved databases.
  • Your application is then Approved or Declined with the reason (see below a list of reasons for being declined).

That’s the end of the application process!

How To Check Your R350 Grants Application Status?

If you have submitted your application for the SRD Grant and would like to find out the status, you can check your application status in either of these ways:

  • On the SRD grants website
  • Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
  • Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

Read Also: Check R350 Grant Status 2025-202556

By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the application process outlined in this article, you can determine if you qualify for the grant and apply successfully. Remember to gather the required documents, submit an accurate application, and keep track of your application status. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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