How To Apply For The R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

How To Apply For The R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the R350 Grant Online (2026–2027):

If you are currently unemployed and looking for financial support in 2026, the R350 Unemployment Grant offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) may be just the help you need. This grant, officially known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, was created to provide short-term financial relief to individuals who have no income and do not receive any other form of government assistance.

Understanding how to apply for the R350 Unemployment Grant in 2026 is essential for anyone facing financial hardship. The good news is that the application process is now easier than ever before, and it can be completed entirely online — no need to visit a SASSA office. Whether you’re applying for the first time or reapplying, the system is designed to be quick, safe, and user-friendly.

To apply, you will need a valid South African ID number, a working cellphone number, and some basic personal and banking information. Applications can be submitted via the SASSA SRD website, WhatsApp, or the GovChat platforms.

Once you submit your application, SASSA will assess your eligibility by checking databases such as UIF, NSFAS, and other social grants. You will then receive updates about your application via SMS. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to apply, the documents required, and how to check your application status to ensure you do not miss out on the financial assistance you may be entitled to.

Sassa Grants Available For 2026-2027

SRD GRANT

The SRD Grant (Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant) is a grant of R350 per month. The SRD grant is for South African Citizens/ Refugees/ Asylum Seekers/ Special Permit Holders who do not have sufficient means to support themselves.

CARE DEPENDENCY GRANT

The Care Dependency Grant is a grant of R2080 per child, per month. The CDG grant is for parents, foster parents, or primary caregivers of a child under the age of 18, who requires full-time care due to a mental or physical disability.

CHILD SUPPORT GRANT

The Child Support Grant is a grant of R500 per child, per month (and R250 top-up). The CSG grant is for the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18 years.

DISABILITY GRANT

The Disability Grant is a grant of up to R2080 per month (based on a sliding scale; however, this is the maximum amount). The Disability Grant is for people with a physical or mental disability who cannot work for 6 or more months.

FOSTER CHILD GRANT

The Foster Child Grant is a grant of R1120 per child, per month. The FCG grant is for a foster parent (by a valid court order) of a child under the age of 18.

OLDER PERSONS GRANT

The Older Persons Grant is a grant of between R2080 to R2100 (people between 60 and 75 years old will receive the lesser amount, while people over 75 years old will receive the greater amount). The old age pension grant is for older people who meet the means test.

GRANT-IN-AID

The Grant-In-Aid is a grant of R500 per month. The GIA grant is for current grant holders who cannot care for themselves and need to pay someone to care for them full-time.

WAR VETERANS GRANT

The War Veteran’s Grant is a grant of R2100 per month. The WVG grant is for former soldiers who fought in the Second World War or the Korean War and are unable to support themselves.

Requirements Needed To Apply For The R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

You will be required to provide the following personal information:

Your citizenship (South African citizen/ permanent resident/ refugee)
Your ID number
Your ID document type (ID document/ temporary ID)
Confirm your ID number
Your title (Mr/ Mrs/ Miss)
Your surname
Your full name
Your email address
Your chosen password (must be at least 8 characters, containing at least 1 of the following: uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, symbols, or special characters) (must not be a common word or name, or a close variation)
Confirm your chosen password
Your cellphone number (your 10-digit South African cellphone number, starting with 0)

How To Apply For The R350 Unemployment Grant 2026

If you are applying for a Care Dependency Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Disability Grant, or Older Persons Grant or Grant-In-Aid, follow these steps:

Visit the SASSA services website on any device with internet connectivity (cellphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer).
Register as a new user on the SASSA services website by clicking the yellow “Register” button on the home page.
Log in to the SASSA services website using your 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 SASSA-generated affidavit and have it certified by a commissioner of oaths. Print, sign, and submit the Bank Payment Form with your affidavit.
Upload the following certified supporting documents in PDF format:

Child Support Grant applicants:

A copy of the applicant’s ID document
A copy of the spouses’ ID document (if applicable)
Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of banking details: a letter from the bank with the applicant’s banking details and name
Proof of income (if applicable)
SASSA generated affidavit

Foster Child Grant applicants:

A copy of the applicant’s ID document
A copy of the spouse’s ID document (if applicable)
Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of banking details: a letter from the bank with the applicant’s banking details and name
Proof of income (if applicable)
SASSA generated affidavit

Older Persons Grant applicants:

A copy of the applicant’s ID document
A copy of the spouses’ ID document (if applicable)
Proof of marital status: marriage certificate (if applicable)
Proof of banking details: a letter from the bank with the applicant’s banking details and name
Proof of income (if applicable)
SASSA generated affidavit

APPLYING FOR A SASSA GRANT IN PERSON

To apply in person, you will need to visit a SASSA office close to you. If you are unable to visit the SASSA office yourself, due to being too sick, old, or disabled, you may have a family member or friend apply for you. They should bring a letter from you authorizing the application.
The application form is available at the SASSA office and must be completed in the presence of a SASSA officer. A SASSA officer will be able to assist you or your appointed person to complete the application form if you or they are unable to do so.
After the application form has been completed in full, you will receive a dated stamped receipt, with the name of the SASSA official who assisted in your application. You will need to keep your receipt as proof of application. The application process is FREE.

Read Also: Can I Apply For a Grant Online?

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 will be well-equipped to complete your application successfully. Remember to gather all the necessary documents, create an account, fill in the application form accurately, upload the required documents, and review your application before submitting it. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

RELATED LINKS: