How To Apply For The New R350 Grant 2026.
How To Apply For The New R350 Grant 2026.
How To Qualify And Apply For The New R350 SASSA Grant 2026:
The SASSA R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant continues to be a vital source of support for unemployed South Africans who have no source of income. In 2026, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced updates to the application process, making it easier and more secure for eligible individuals to apply for the new R350 grant online. Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying after your previous application expired or was declined, it’s important to understand the latest requirements and steps.
To qualify for the new R350 grant in 2026, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee between the ages of 18 and 60. You must not be receiving UIF, NSFAS, or any other social grant (except for the child support grant). You will also need an active cellphone number to receive an OTP for verification and valid banking details to receive monthly payments.
Applications for the 2026 R350 grant are submitted through the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za. The process includes verifying your identity, confirming your eligibility, and selecting your preferred payment method. Once submitted, SASSA will review your application and notify you of the outcome via SMS.
This guide will walk you through how to apply for the new R350 grant in 2026, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step instructions to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.
Read Here: Check R350 Grant Status Online 2025
Who Can Apply For The New R350 Grant 2026
To qualify for the R350 (now R370 in 2025) SRD grant, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 59 years old
- Be unemployed with no other source of income
- Not receive any UIF, NSFAS, SARS, or other SASSA grants (excluding the child support grant)
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or legally documented refugee/asylum seeker
Eligibility To Apply For The New R350 Grant 2026.
Before applying for the social relief Grant, it’s important to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. 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)
What You Need to Apply For The New R350 Grant 2026
Prepare the following before applying:
- Active cellphone number (used for registration and OTP verification)
- Banking details (bank name, branch code, account number, and type)
- South African ID number (or file number for permit holders)
- Full name and surname as recorded with Home Affairs
How To Apply For The New R350 Grant 2026.
The process below will guide you in applying for the Sassa R350 grants for 2026:
- Visit the official portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Choose your identification type:
- SA ID Holders (13-digit ID)
- Asylum Seekers or Permit Holders (valid file number)
- Click Apply for SRD Grant.
- Enter your cellphone number and click Send SMS
- Enter the OTP code sent to your phone and click Verify PIN
- Accept the Terms and Conditions (Declaration of Consent)
- Fill in personal details: ID/File number, name, surname, address, gender
- Answer screening questions on employment, income, and disability status
Choose a payment method:
- Direct bank deposit (provide full bank details)
- SASSA/Postbank Card (if preferred)
Review and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation SMS with your unique Application ID/reference number
New R350 Grant 2026 Application Processing Time
- SASSA may take up to 90 days to process your application.
- During this period, your details are cross-checked with government databases (DHA, SARS, UIF, NSFAS) through a means test.
Application Status Check On R350 Grant Application 2026
After applying, regularly check your R350 grant status:
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za
- Use your ID number and registered cellphone number
- Status may show as approved, declined, or pending
If declined, you may appeal online through the Department of Social Development (DSD). A successful appeal allows you to start receiving payments.
R350 Grant Application Monthly Payment Dates 2026
Once approved, check SASSA R350/R370 payment dates monthly. Grants are paid after other SASSA social grants, in the last week of the month.
Update 2026:
- The grant amount has increased from R350 to R370.
- All approved applicants will receive the new payout going forward.
Ensure your cellphone number is active and registered in your name, as SASSA uses this number to send important updates and payment notifications. If your number changes, update it through the “SRD Change Number” option online.
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 can provide essential financial assistance during challenging times. By understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and selecting the appropriate application method, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to follow up on your application and remain patient throughout the process. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.
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