SASSA Grant

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.

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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