How To Apply For Sassa During Lockdown 2026

How To Apply For Sassa During Lockdown 2026

How To Get The SASSA Grant During Lockdown 2026:

If you are facing financial difficulties during the lockdown in 2026, there is no need to worry; just apply for the Sassa grant. Many South Africans continue to rely on the SASSA grant for support during tough times. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant to help unemployed individuals, including citizens, permanent residents, asylum seekers, and special permit holders. If you are wondering how to apply for SASSA during lockdown in 2026, the process is simple and can be done online or via mobile channels, ensuring safety and convenience from your home.

With limited movement and in-person services during lockdown, SASSA has made it possible to apply online. You can submit your application through the official SASSA website, WhatsApp, or the GovChat app. These options are available 24/7 and require no physical visits to SASSA offices. This allows you to stay safe while ensuring you do not miss out on much-needed financial relief.

All you need to apply is your South African ID number or relevant permit, your mobile number, and personal information like your name and address. Once you apply, you will receive confirmation and updates about your application status via SMS. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to apply for the SASSA R350 grant during the 2026 lockdown. Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying, this information will help make the process smooth and stress-free.

Sassa Application Date During Lockdown

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

Requirements Needed To Apply For Sassa During Lockdown 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 Sassa During Lockdown 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: 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:

• 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: 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, and NSFAS.
• 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

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://srdsassagrants.co.za
• Enter your ID number and phone number
• You will see the status of your application, and if it is approved, your pay date

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

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’ official website.

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