How Do I Apply For The SDR Grant 2026

How Do I Apply For The SDR Grant 2026

Step-by-Step: How Do I Apply for the SASSA SDR Grant in 2026?

Unemployed or struggling to meet your basic needs in 2026? If so, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, commonly known as the R350 grant, offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) may be the temporary financial support you need. The SRD grant is specifically designed to assist South African citizens, permanent residents, asylum seekers, and special permit holders who have little to no income.

Applying for the SRD grant in 2026 is a straightforward process, and SASSA has made it easier than ever by providing multiple application platforms. You can apply online through the official SRD website, via WhatsApp, or using the GovChat platform. No physical visits to SASSA offices are required, making the process quick and accessible for everyone with a mobile phone or internet access.

To apply successfully, you will need a valid South African ID or permit number, an active cellphone number, and access to a device with internet connectivity. During the application, you will be required to provide personal details, declare your employment and income status, and agree to terms and conditions for data verification.

This guide will take you through each step of the SDR grant application process for 2026, from registration to approval. Whether this is your first time applying or you are reapplying, understanding the process can help you avoid delays and ensure you receive the support you need.

Sassa SRD Grant Application Date 2026-2027

Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application, and there is no closing date

Necessities Needed To Apply For The SDR Grant 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 settle in South Africa

You must meet any 1 of these criteria:

- You must be a South African Citizen
- You must be a Fugitive 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 the ages of 18 and 60 years old
You must meet the means test, with an income of R624 or less per month
You must be jobless and NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
You must have inadequate financial means to support yourself
You must NOT be receiving any other social grants for yourself
You must NOT be contributing towards or qualified 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 Do I Apply For The SDR Grant 2026

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: SELECT 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 holder
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: SELECT 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, should 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 CONFIRMATION 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:

Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Click on Check Status.
Enter your ID number and mobile number
You will see your application status and the pay date (if approved)

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

Applying for the SRD grant can provide crucial financial support during challenging times. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can navigate the application process smoothly and increase your chances of accessing much-needed assistance. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

RELATED LINKS: