How To Apply For R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

How To Apply For R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

How To Register And Apply For The 2026 R350 Unemployment Grant:

In South Africa, if you are currently unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, the R350 Unemployment Grant 2026, officially known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, could provide the financial support you need. This grant is offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to assist individuals who have no income, no employment, and no other form of government assistance. The purpose of the R350 grant is to help cover basic needs such as food, transport, and essential living expenses during times of hardship.

Applying for the R350 Unemployment Grant in 2026 is a simple and fully online process. You do not need to visit a SASSA office in person. All you need is a valid South African ID number, a cellphone number registered in your name, and access to a phone or internet connection. Once your application is submitted, you can check your SASSA status regularly to see if your grant has been approved.

The SRD R350 grant is paid monthly to qualifying individuals and continues to be a lifeline for millions of unemployed South Africans. To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 59, unemployed, not receiving UIF or any other social grant, and not supported by NSFAS.

This guide, will walk you through the step-by-step process on how to apply for the R350 Unemployment Grant in 2026. Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying, this information will help you submit your application correctly and on time.

Sassa R350 Unemployment Application Date 2026-2027

Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application and has no closing date. Every month, grant applications are open for those wanting to apply.

How To Apply For R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

Below are the steps to follow in applying for unemployment grants from Sassa:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying for the R350 Unemployment 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)

Read Also: How Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To complete your application, you will need to gather specific documents. These typically include:

Valid South African ID document or card.
Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or official letter.
Bank account details where the grant will be paid.
Cell phone number for communication purposes.
Any supporting documents required by the application portal.

Step 3: Application Process

There are two ways to apply for the R350 Unemployment Grant:

SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website
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”

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

Step 4: Application Review and Feedback

After submitting your application, it will undergo a review process by SASSA. This can take some time due to the volume of applications received. It is essential to remain patient during this period.

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

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

With the right preparation, you can successfully apply for the SASSA Grant of R350 and receive the financial assistance you need. Remember to check your eligibility, gather the required documents, and review your information before submitting your application. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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