How To Apply For Social Relief Distress
How To Apply For Social Relief Distress;
Applying for Social Relief Distress involves completing an application and sending in the necessary supporting documentation for the need for assistance. An application’s eligibility is assessed once it is submitted. Social Relief Distress (SRD) is a government program that offers brief help to people and families who are experiencing severe financial issues and have no other revenue or help.
You can apply for social relief of distress at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office with the following documents or visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/to submit your application.
READ: Social Relief Distress Grant Status 2025/2026
Who Can Get Social Relief Distress?
The Social Relief Distress Grant is offered to eligible South Africans. To be eligible applicant must be;
- South African Citizens, Permanent Residents, or Refugees registered with Home Affairs;
- Resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa;
- Above the age of 18;
- Unemployed;
- Not receiving any income;
- Not receiving any social grant;
- Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits;
- Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme;
- Not receiving any other government COVID-19 response support; and
- Not resident in a government-funded or subsidized institution.
Social Relief Distress Application Materials Required
Applicants must provide the following during application;
- ID Number
- Full Name and Surname (as printed on your ID Document/ ID Card)
- Gender
- Physical Address
- Contact Information (mobile number, email address)
Social Relief of Distress Application Process
Sassa has made different application procedures available to its applicants. You can apply using WhatsApp, the SRD website, or the SASSA Chatbot. Applicants must select and use only one form of application. Below are some methods of applying for Social Relief Distress;
To Apply Online ;
- Visit the SASSA services official website on any device with internet connectivity
- Register as a new user on the SASSA services website, by clicking the yellow “Register”
- Provide the required personal information
- Log in to the SASSA services website using your newly created username and password.
- Click on “Apply for a Grant” and then select the type of grant you wish to apply for.
- Fill in the grant application form by providing all the required information.
- Print the affidavit prepared by SASSA and get it certified by an oath commissioner. Print, sign, and mail your affidavit together with the Bank Payment Form.
- Upload the following certified supporting documents in PDF format.
Apply In-Person;
- Visit a SASSA office close to you
- Completed the SASSA application form in the presence of a SASSA officer
- After completing the application form completely, you will be given a dated stamped receipt that includes the name of the SASSA official who aided you with your application.
- keep your receipt as proof of application
Apply VIA 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
READ: Social Distress Grant Status 2025/2026
Check Social Relief Distress Status
If you have already submitted your application successfully for the unemployment grant and want to know the status, you can do so in one of two ways:
- Visit the official website of the social security agency
- Send a WhatsApp message
- Call the Toll Free Call Centre
SASSA Grants 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
- Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: Contact SASSA
The Social Relief Distress Grant has been a lifeline for many South Africans battling financial difficulty.
For more information visit the official website of Sassa.
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