How To Apply For Sassa Food Parcels During Lockdown 2025-2026
How To Apply For Sassa Food Parcels During Lockdown 2025-2026
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted people’s and families’ quality of life on a global scale. Similar to many other nations, South Africa has imposed severe lockdown regulations to stop the virus’s spread. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has aggressively supported vulnerable communities through distributing food parcels, among other things.
This post will thread you through the procedure of requesting SASSA food deliveries during lockdown to make sure you have access to the necessary supplies.
READ HERE: How To Claim R350 Unemployment Grant During Lockdown 2025-2026
How To Apply For Sassa Food Parcels During Lockdown 2025-2026
SASSA food parcels are primarily intended for individuals and families who find themselves in serious need of immediate food assistance. To apply, you must follow the following steps:
STEP 1: Determine Your Qualification
Before you begin the application procedure, be sure you meet the qualification requirements. The following are the general requirements:
- You must settle in South Africa
- You must be a South African Citizen
- You must be a Fugitive 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 the ages of 18 and 60 years old
- You must meet the means test, with an income of R624 or less per month
- You must be jobless and NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
- You must have inadequate financial means to back yourself
- You must NOT be receiving any other social grants for yourself
- You must NOT be contributing towards or qualified for UIF payment
- You must NOT unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities
- You must NOT be receiving a salary from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).
STEP 2:Legal Papers
You will need the following documentation and information to apply for the food parcel:
- ID Number (or your passport number/ special permit if you are not a South African citizen)
- Full Name and Surname (as stated on your official ID document/ passport)
- Phone number (SASSA will use this number to contact you regarding your status so make sure you have access to this mobile number)
- Physical Address or residential address.
STEP 3: Application
Applicants must select the various methods of application to apply for the food parcel. The application methods are provided below:
Apply via the 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”
Apply via the SASSA Chatbot:
- In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
- Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (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.
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
- Verify the details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat.
Apply In-Person:
- Visit a SASSA office close to you
- The application form is available at the SASSA office
- Completed in the presence of a SASSA officer
- Submit certified copies of required legal papers
- You will receive a dated stamped receipt
- You will need to keep your receipt as proof of application
STEP 4: Follow Up
After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation message stating that it was received. The processing of applications may take some time due to the high volume of submissions. Therefore you can visit the Sassa office, the SRD website, or call the SASSA office number to check the status of your application.
How Long Will It Take For Sassa To Process My Application?
Your grant application may take up to three months to be processed by SASSA. If your grant is granted, you will be paid from the day you apply.
READ ALSO: How To Apply For Food Parcels At Sassa 2025
Contact Sassa
For any further queries, please contact 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
- Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: Contact SASSA.
During a lockdown, applying for SASSA food parcels might be a lifeline for individuals in financial need. You may guarantee that your application is comprehensive and satisfies all of the relevant standards by following these steps.
For more information visit the official website of Sassa.
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