How To Apply For R350 Grant 2026 July

How To Apply For R350 Grant 2026 July

Apply for the R350 Unemployment Grant Online or via WhatsApp:

Unemployed and facing financial challenges in South Africa, the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant can provide much-needed assistance. As of July 2026, the grant amount stands at R370 per month, following the increase announced in 2024. Administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), this temporary grant is available to individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who have no source of income and are not receiving support from UIF, NSFAS, or other SASSA grants.

The R350 grant is open to South African citizens, asylum seekers, and special permit holders who meet the eligibility criteria. To apply in July 2026, you need a valid South African ID number or permit, an active cellphone number, proof of residence, and banking details if you prefer receiving the money through a bank account. Once your application is submitted, SASSA will verify your information and notify you of your application status via SMS.

Applications can be submitted online through the official SASSA SRD website, via WhatsApp using the SASSA number 082 046 8553, or through the Moya App, which is a data-free option for those with limited internet access. The application process is free, easy, and designed to be accessible to all qualifying individuals.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the R350 grant in July 2026, including eligibility requirements, the steps to follow, and what to expect after you submit your application. If you need financial relief, this is your opportunity to receive support from SASSA.

Sassa R350 Grants Application Opening Date for 2026

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

Sassa R350 Grant Documents Required to Apply in 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 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 To Apply For R350 Grant 2025

How To Apply For R350 Grant 2026 July

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: CHOOSE 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:

1) Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
2) Provide your details
3) You will receive a Reference number, an OTP, and a link to click
4) Click on the provided link, fill in your OTP and verify your account
5) Fill in your surname and ID number
6) Confirm the personal details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat

SRD Website:

1) 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)
2) Fill in your mobile number and ID number and click “send SMS”
3) You will receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS
4) Insert the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”

SASSA Chatbot:

1) In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
2) Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (the orange box on the side of the screen)
3) Fill in your ID number and mobile number
4) On the chat, choose the option to apply for the SRD R350 grant
5) Click on the SRD website link provided by the SASSA Chatbot
6) 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: CHOOSE 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, 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 VERIFICATION 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 Verify 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:

On the SRD grants website
Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

Read Also: How To Apply For Srd Grant

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 R350 grant in July can provide financial assistance to individuals in need. Confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and choose the most suitable application channel. Provide accurate personal information, submit the necessary documents, and review your application before submission. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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