How To Apply For The SRD Grant
How To Apply For The SRD Grant
Apply for the SASSA R370 Grant Online – Full Guide:
If you are currently unemployed or facing financial hardship in South Africa, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant can offer much-needed financial support. This government-funded initiative, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), provides a monthly payment of R370 to eligible individuals who have no income, do not receive any other grants, and are not benefiting from UIF or NSFAS. Whether you are a South African citizen, asylum seeker, or special permit holder aged 18 to 60, you may qualify for this temporary assistance.
Applying for the SRD grant is quick, free, and entirely digital no paperwork or in-person visits required. You can apply using your South African ID number and a valid cellphone number via the official SASSA website, WhatsApp, or the GovChat platform. Once approved, payments are made directly into your bank account or collected at approved retail outlets like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or through CashSend.
Understanding the application process is crucial to avoid delays or rejection. The system also allows you to check your application status, update banking details, and reapply if needed. With many South Africans relying on this grant to survive month-to-month, applying correctly ensures that you do not miss out on critical support.
This guide will break down exactly how to apply for the SRD grant, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step instructions for each method of application. Stay informed and apply today to receive the assistance you deserve.
Deadline To Apply For The SRD Grant for 2026
- Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application, and there is no closing date
Essential Documents Required To Apply For The Sassa Srd Grant 2026
To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, you must meet the criteria to apply (note that these criteria may change). The requirements are as follows:
- You must reside in South Africa
- You must meet any 1 of these criteria:
- You must be a South African Citizen
- You must be a Refugee 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 18 and 60 years old
- You must meet the means test, with an income of R624 or less per month
- You must be unemployed and NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
- You must have insufficient financial means to support yourself
- You must NOT be receiving any other social grants for yourself
- You must NOT be contributing towards or eligible for UIF payment
- You must NOT unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities
- You must NOT be receiving a stipend from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Read Also: How Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?
How To Apply For The SRD 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: CHOOSE 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, and it may slow down your application.
Please read how to apply each of these methods:
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
SRD Website:
- In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit holder, 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.
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: CHOOSE 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
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 VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION:
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
How much is the SRD (Social Relief Grant) monthly
As of April 2024, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, commonly known as the R350 grant, was increased to R370 per month. This amount has been officially extended through March 31, 2026, with R35.2 billion allocated in the 2025 national budget to continue payments at this level.
This uplift from R350 to R370 aims to help beneficiaries cope with rising living costs. The extension ensures that eligible individuals aged 18 to 60, unemployed, not receiving other grants or UIF, and meeting the means test, continue receiving support.
- Grant Type: Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
- Monthly Amount: R370
- Effective Until: March 31, 2026
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:Grantsenquiries@sassa.gov.za
By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process efficiently and increase your chances of receiving the grant. Remember to check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, utilize the SASSA online application portal, and stay informed about your application status. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.
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