How To Apply Sassa Unemployment Grant 2025-2026
How To Apply Sassa Unemployment Grant 2025-2026
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial support to unemployed individuals through the Unemployment Grant. This grant serves as a temporary relief for those who are actively seeking employment but currently without any source of income. Applying for the SASSA Unemployment Grant can be a straightforward process when you have the right information. This article aims to guide you through the steps required to apply for the SASSA Unemployment Grant effectively.
Sassa Unemployment Grant Application Date 2025-2026
Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application and there is no closing date for it.
Essentials Needed To Apply For Sassa Unemployment Grants 2025-2026
To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, you must meet the criteria to apply (note that these criteria may change). The criteria are as follows:
- You must reside in South Africa
- You must meet any 1 of these criteria:
- You must be a South African Citizen
- You must be a Refugee in South Africa
- You must be an Asylum Seeker in South Africa with a valid Section 22 permit or visa
- 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 for the Sassa Unemployment Grant
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 the SASSA Chatbot. You should only apply via one method – submitting more than one application will not speed up the process 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 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 chatbox (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 the Special COVID-19 SRD Grant document
STEP 3: PROVIDE YOUR 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 personal bank accounts, 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).
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
SASSA Contact Details
- For any further queries, please get in touch with SASSA directly:
- Contact the SASSA Toll-Free Call centre on:0800 60 10 11
- Contact the SASSA Head Office on:012 400 2322
- Email SASSA Head Office at:Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process efficiently and increase your chances of receiving the grant. Remember to check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, utilize the SASSA online application portal, and stay informed about your application status. For more information, please visit SASSA Grants’ official website.
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