How Do I Apply For R350 2026-2027
How Do I Apply For R350 2026-2027
When and How to Apply for the R350 Grant in 2026–2027:
This government-funded financial support is aimed at unemployed South Africans who do not receive any other form of income or social grant. While all other grants are set to increase from April 2025, the SRD grant remains at R370 per month, with R35.2 billion allocated to extend payments until at least March 2026. The future of the SRD grant beyond that date will depend on the outcome of a government review expected to conclude in September 2025.
As long as the grant is extended, the application process will likely remain the same. You can apply for the SRD R350 grant online through the official SASSA SRD portal at srd.sassa.gov.za. To complete the application, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker with a valid ID or permit. You will also need a registered cellphone number and a bank account for payments. SASSA uses your details to verify your eligibility through checks with Home Affairs, UIF, and other government databases.
The application system is designed to be fast, paperless, and accessible via phone or computer. If your application is declined, SASSA offers an appeal process that must be completed within 30 days. As the government works to reform and possibly expand the SRD into a more permanent solution for unemployment, staying updated and knowing how to apply correctly will help you secure this essential support during 2026–2027.
Deadline To Apply For R350 Grant For 2026-2027
- The official deadline to apply for the SRD R350/R370 Grant is March 31, 2026. This extension is confirmed by the National Treasury and SASSA, which allocated funding to keep the grant active up to that date
Eligibility Criteria To Apply For The R350 Grant For 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: Check R350 Grant Status Online 2025
Documents Needed To Apply For R350 2026-2027
To complete your application, you will need to gather 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 Do I Apply For R350 2026-2027
Below are the ways to apply for the Sassa R350 grants for 2026-2027:
Wait for the Official Announcement:
- Before applying, make sure SASSA officially opens applications for the 2026–2027 cycle.
- The grant is confirmed only until March 31, 2026.
Visit the Official SASSA SRD Website:
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za. This is the only official platform for online applications.
Choose Your Application Type:
Select the appropriate option for your situation:
- South African ID Holders
- Asylum Seekers or Special Permit Holders
Enter Your Details:
Provide your:
- ID number or permit number
- Full name and surname
- Cellphone number (registered in your name)
- Physical address and province
- Banking details for payment (if available)
Verify Your Number with OTP:
- You will receive a One-Time PIN (OTP) via SMS.
- Enter it to verify your phone number.
Consent to Terms:
- Read and accept SASSA’s terms and conditions, including data sharing for income verification.
Complete Biometric Verification (if required):
- As of mid-2025, biometric verification (photo or fingerprint) may be needed.
- Follow the instructions provided by SASSA.
Submit Your Application:
- Once completed, click Submit and wait for a confirmation message via SMS.
Track Your Application:
- Check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status or via WhatsApp (082 046 8553).
Appeal if Declined:
- If your application is rejected, you can submit an appeal within 90 days through the official SASSA appeals process.
Ways to Check Your SRD Grant Status
Online via the Official SASSA Portal:
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
- Click on the “Check Your Status” link
- Enter your 13‑digit South African ID number and the registered cellphone number
- Submit the OTP received via SMS
- Your screen will display the current application status—Approved, Pending, Declined, or Paid
WhatsApp Status Check:
- Save 082 046 8553 as SASSA SRD Check
- On WhatsApp, message STATUS to that number
- Follow prompts: choose “Status Check, confirm if you have a reference number, and enter your ID and mobile number
- The system replies with your grant status in minutes
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 a social grant online offers a convenient and efficient way to access essential financial assistance in South Africa. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can navigate the online application process with ease. Remember to determine your eligibility, gather the required documents, and provide accurate information. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.
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