How To Apply For The Sassa Relief Grant 2026-2027

How To Apply For The Sassa Relief Grant 2026-2027

How to Register for the SASSA Relief Grant Online 2026–2027:

Unemployed citizens of South Africa who need financial support, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to help individuals who have no income and are not receiving any other form of government assistance.

The SASSA relief grant, often referred to as the R350 grant, continues to be a lifeline for many South Africans. It is aimed at supporting citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and special permit holders between the ages of 18 and 60 who are in financial distress.

Applying for the SASSA relief grant is quick, easy, and can be done entirely online or through mobile platforms. There is no need to visit a SASSA office in person. You can apply using the official SASSA SRD website, WhatsApp, GovChat, or USSD code. All you need is your South African ID number (or foreign permit), an active cellphone number, and a few personal details.

Once you apply, your information will be verified through government databases. If you qualify, your grant will be paid via your selected payment method, such as a bank account, Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, or Postbank. This guide will explain everything you need to know about how to apply for the SASSA relief grant for 2026-2027, including eligibility, steps to follow, and tips for a successful application.

Sassa Relief Grant Open For Application 2026-2027

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

Requirements Needed To Apply For The Sassa Relief Grant 2026-2027

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 settle in South Africa

You must meet any 1 of these criteria:

- You must be a Citizen of South Africa
- 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 support 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)

Read Also: How Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?

How To Apply For The Sassa Relief Grant 2026-2027

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: SELECT 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, 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) Verify 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: SELECT 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:

Verify 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, should 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 CONFIRMATION AND AUTHENTICATION:

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).

How To Know 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
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:
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: at:Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za

Applying for the R350 grant online is a straightforward process that can provide much-needed financial relief to qualified individuals in South Africa. By following this gradual guide, you can easily negotiate the application process. Remember to check your qualifications, gather the required legal papers, and submit an accurate and complete application. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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