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;