How To Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 2026-2027
How To Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 2026-2027
Step-by-Step: How To Apply For The SASSA R350 Grant 2026/2027:
Citizens of South Africa who are currently unemployed or struggling financially, the South African government’s R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant could offer much-needed support. The SRD Grant, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), is specifically designed to provide temporary financial relief to individuals who have no other source of income or social support.
As the 2026 application period approaches, many South Africans are seeking clear and straightforward information on how to apply for the R350 grant. Whether you are applying for the first time or need to reapply, it is essential to understand the process, requirements, and available options.
Applying for the R350 grant is now easier than ever, thanks to online systems, mobile platforms like WhatsApp and USSD codes, and SASSA service points across the country. To qualify, applicants must meet certain criteria, including being between the ages of 18 and 59, unemployed, and not receiving other social grants or UIF payments. The process is free and can be completed entirely from your phone or computer in just a few steps.
This guide will walk you through how to apply for the Social Relief Grant R350 for 2025–2026, covering everything from eligibility and documentation to application channels and payment methods. Whether you are in a city or a rural area, this guide is tailored to help you access the financial assistance you need during challenging times. Keep reading to find out how to apply and track your application status.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 2026-2027
Before applying for the R350 Unemployment Grant, it’s important to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify, you must:
- 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?
Documents Needed To Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 2026-2027
To complete your application, please gather the following specific documents. These include:
- Valid South African ID document or card.
- Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or official letter.
- Bank account details where the grant will be paid.
- Cell phone number for communication purposes.
- Any supporting documents required by the application portal.
How To Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 2026-2027
There are two ways to apply for the R350 Unemployment Grant:
- Visit the official SRD site: srd.sassa.gov.za
- Choose your classification (South African ID holder or Asylum seeker / Special Permit holder)
- Click Apply for this SRD Grant.
- Enter your mobile number → receive and verify with OTP
- Complete the application: enter your ID number, personal details, employment/income status, and banking details if you have a bank account
- Agree to terms → Review and submit
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
USSD (for feature phones):
- Dial *134*7737# and follow on-screen prompts to apply
How To Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 In Person:
If online options are not available:
- Visit your nearest SASSA office or district service point.
- Ask for the SRD application form.
- Bring your identity documents, birth certificates (or proof of application for Home Affairs), affidavits if needed, proof of income/emergency, and banking details or chosen payment channel.
- At the office, you will fill in the form, be interviewed, fingerprints may be taken, and your documents verified, all in a single session, which takes under 2 hours
The Social Relief Grant R350 2026-2027 Application Status Check & Support
You can check your application status or payment updates using:
- The SRD portal: srd.sassa.gov.za/status
- WhatsApp: send STAT to 082 046 8553
- USSD: Dial 120 3210# and follow prompts
- Or call SASSA’s toll-free number: 0800 60 10 11 (RSA only)
SASSA Contact Details
For any further queries, please get in touch with SASSA directly:
- SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
- SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2000
- SASSA Fax: 012 400 2257
- SASSA Website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
- SASSA Email: srd@sassa.gov.za
Applying for the Social Relief Grant (R350) can provide much-needed financial assistance during challenging times. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your application process is smooth and increase your chances of receiving the grant. Remember to check your eligibility, gather the required documents, apply accurately, and stay. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.
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