How To Apply For Social Relief Of Distress 2025-2026

How To apply For Social Relief Of Distress 2025-2026

How To Apply For Social Relief Of Distress 2025-2026

When confronted with financial crises, it is important to be aware of the available support systems that cater to individuals and families in need. Among these programs is the Social Relief of Distress (SRD), which aims to give interim assistance to those who are unable to fulfill their fundamental requirements.

Whether you are undergoing an unforeseen crisis, unemployment, or any other type of distress, applying for SRD can provide some relief by addressing immediate financial burdens.

This guide will take you through the application process for Social Relief of Distress, explaining the necessary steps and information you must provide. By following these guidelines, you can take proactive measures to access the necessary support during challenging moments.

READ HERE: How To Apply for Social Relief Of Distress Grant 2025

Who Is Eligible Apply For Social Relief Of Distress 2025-2026

Social Relief Of Distress grant is given to individuals in need of financial backing due to unemployment, disaster, disability, old age etc. Before attempting to apply or the SRD( Social Relief of Distress grant) you must ensure that you meet the qualification requirement for the grant. The general requirement are provided below;

You must settle in South Africa
You must be jobless and NOT be receiving financial assistance from any other source
You must meet any 1 of these criteria:
1. You must be a Citizen Dweller
2. You must be a Fugitive in South Africa
3. You must be an Asylum Seeker in South Africa with a valid Section 22 permit or visa
4. 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 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 HERE: How To Apply Sassa Distress Grant 2025

How To Apply For Social Relief Of Distress 2025-2026

Follow the below procedures to apply for Social Relief of Distress grant 2025-2026;

Choose an application method;

Apply via WhatsApp:

Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
Provide your personal 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

Apply via SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website(if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holders, find out how to apply here)
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”

Using the 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.

How To Know The Status of Your SRD Grant Application

To Know the status of your application, you must, first of all, submit a completed application. You can check your application status in either of these ways: