SASSA Grant

How Do I Apply For R350 Unemployment 2025

The R350 Unemployment Grant, also known as the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, is a South African social assistance program established in reaction to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The South African government introduced the R350 Unemployment Grant in May 2020 and has now been extended to March 31, 2025, as a temporary measure to offer financial assistance to those without jobs who have not received any other type of social assistance or unemployment payments.

This step-by-step tutorial will help you through the application procedure for the R350 Unemployment Grant in 2024.

READ HERE: How Can I Apply Sassa Unemployment 2025

How Do I Apply For R350 Unemployment 2025

The application procedure involves six simple steps provided below, Follow the detailed guide to applying for the R350 unemployment fund 2025-2026;

STEP 1: Choose An Application Method

Apply via 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

Apply via the 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”

Using the 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

To Apply In-Person;

Visit a SASSA office close to you
Completed the SASSA application form in the presence of a SASSA officer
After completing the application form completely, you will be given a dated stamped receipt that includes the name of the SASSA official who aided you with your application.
keep your receipt as proof of application

STEP 2: Agree To The T& C’s

Read and agree to the Declaration and Consent terms.
Read and accept the terms of the You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant paper.

STEP 3: Provide Required Information And Documentation

All applicants must provide the below information to complete the application process.

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

STEP 4: Choose Your Payment Method

Applicants would have to choose from the various Sassa payment methods designed for all applicants. Provided below are some payment methods of Sassa that applicants may have to choose from;

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&6: Verification

Applicants will get an SMS with their banking information, indicating that The SRD R350 Grant application is now active.

SASSA compares your personal information (ID number, name, and surname) to a Department of Home Affairs database, as well as your ID number to recognized databases such as UIF, SARS, and NSFAS. Fraud risk scoring is carried out in partnership with fraud prevention partners, and your ID number and mobile number are cross-checked against known databases. The application procedure is then completed when your application is either granted or declined with a reason.

How To Check The Status of Your Application

To Know the status of your application, you must, first of all, submit a completed application. 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

R350 Grant Application Status Meaning

Application complete:

This means you have completed the reapplication process and your SRD grant will be verified each month. Check your verification and payment status each month on the SRD website.

Bank details pending

It means the application or reapplication was received, but no banking details or preferences were received. Applicants should submit their banking details via the SRD website

Reapplication pending

This means a reapplication has not been received. Applicants should submit their application

Period Pending

It means reapplication was successfully received and verification of the application for the period is pending. Applicants should check their application status later in the month

Period Approved

this means the application was approved for the period. Applicants should check the payday for details on when to expect their money.

Period Declined

this means the application was declined for the period, as well as the reason why it was declined. Applicants should submit a request for reconsideration

Cancelled

this means the grant has been cancelled. Applicants may reinstate their grant on the SRD website.

Contact Sassa

For any further queries, please contact 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
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: Contact SASSA

To apply for the R350 Unemployment Grant in 2024, you must gather the appropriate papers, confirm your eligibility, visit the SASSA website, complete the application form, and submit it online. Hope the provided information is helpful, kindly leave a comment below.

For more information visit the official website of Sassa.

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