How To Apply For The R350 Grant

How To Apply For The R350 Grant

Step-by-Step: How To Apply for the SASSA R350 Grant Online:

If you are facing financial hardship and need temporary help, the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant from SASSA could be just what you need. This grant is designed to support unemployed South Africans, asylum seekers, and special permit holders between the ages of 18 and 60 who have no other source of income or social support. Applying for the R350 grant is easier than ever, thanks to SASSA’s online system, which lets you apply from the comfort of your home using just your phone or computer.

To apply, you will need a valid South African ID or passport, a working cellphone number (for receiving a verification code), and basic personal details like your full name, ID number, and employment status. You must also confirm that you are not receiving UIF, NSFAS, or any other government grant. Once your application is submitted, SASSA will review it and send you an SMS with the outcome, whether it is approved, declined, or requires more information.

If approved, you will receive monthly payments of R370 (recently increased from R350) on the scheduled SASSA payment dates. The process usually takes between 2 weeks and 3 months, so be patient and keep your phone nearby for updates. This guide will walk you through each step of the R350 grant application process, what documents you need, how long it takes, and how to make sure your application is successful.

Sassa R350 Grants Enrolling Date for 2026

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

Conditions Needed To Apply For R350 Grants 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 Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?

How To Apply For The R350 Grant

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, and 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 holder, 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

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).

Steps to Apply for the SASSA R350 Grant

Go to the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
Choose your status (South African citizen, asylum seeker, or special permit holder).
Click the yellow button that says “Apply for this SRD Grant.”
Fill in the online form with your personal information.
Enter your cellphone number and click “Send SMS.”
You’ll receive an OTP code. Enter it in the “Verify Pin” field to continue.

Complete the screening questions and enter your:

ID or File number
Full name and surname
Employment and income status

Choose your preferred payment method:

Add or update your bank details (bank name, branch code, account number, and type).
Agree to the Terms and Conditions (Declaration of Consent).
Review your application to ensure all details are correct.
Click Submit to finish the application process.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved

SASSA usually processes R350 applications within 2 weeks to 3 months. You will get an SMS telling you whether your application is:

Approved: You will start receiving monthly payments
Declined: The message will explain why and give you the option to appeal
Pending: You may be asked to submit more documents

When Will You Get the Approval SMS?

You should receive a confirmation SMS from SASSA within 90 days after applying. This message will let you know whether your application has been accepted or rejected.
If approved, it will also include payment dates for the SRD grant. If not, you will be given the reason and instructions on how to appeal the decision if needed.

How To Monitor 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, check your SRD Status here
Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

Read Also: Check R350 Grant Status 2025-2026

By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process efficiently and increase your chances of receiving the grant. Remember to check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, utilize the SASSA online application portal, and stay informed about your application status. For more information, please visit SASSA Grants College’s official website.

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