How To Apply For The Social Relief Grant 2026

How To Apply For The Social Relief Grant 2026

How To Qualify And Apply For The Social Relief Grant 2026:

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant 2026, often referred to as the Social Relief Grant, offers short-term assistance to individuals and families facing serious hardship. Whether you have lost your job, are unable to work due to medical reasons, or are waiting for another grant to be approved, this grant can provide you with the temporary help you need.

The SRD grant is provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and is meant for people who have no income or support during a crisis. It offers aid in the form of food parcels, vouchers, or sometimes cash, depending on your location. The grant usually lasts for up to three months and can be extended for another three months if your situation doesn’t improve.

This guide will show you how to apply for the Social Relief Grant in 2026, the documents you will need, who qualifies, and what to expect after applying. Whether you are applying online via srd.sassa.gov.za or visiting your local SASSA office, it is important to understand the step-by-step process to avoid delays or mistakes.

SASSA Social Relief Grant Application Date For 2026

Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application and has no closing date. Every month, grant applications are open for those wanting to apply.

Essentials Needed To Apply For The Social Relief Grant 2026

To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, you must meet the criteria to apply (note that these criteria may change). The criteria 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 Social Relief Grant 2026

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; it may slow down your application.

Please read how to apply each of these methods:

WhatsApp:

1) Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
2) Provide your details
3) You will receive a Reference number, an OTP, and a link to click
4) Click on the provided link, fill in your OTP, and verify your account
5) Fill in your surname and ID number
6) Confirm the personal details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat

SRD Website:

1) In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit Holder
2) Fill in your mobile number and ID number and click send SMS.
3) You will receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS
4) 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

New applicants without personal bank accounts must provide the following information for payment:

Choose Payment option – Cash Send
Agree to Terms and Conditions
Submit Banking Details

Existing applicants with a personal bank account, confirm the following information for payment:

Confirm Existing Personal Banking Details
Agree to Terms and Conditions
Click Submit

Existing applicants with the cash option, who would like to change to the bank payment option, 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 (see below a list of reasons for being declined).

How To Check Your R350 Grants Application Status?

If you have submitted your application for the SRD Grant and would like to find out the status, you can check your application status in either of these ways:

On the SRD grants website, check your SRD Status here
Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

How Long Does It Take To Get Social Relief Grant 2026

Your application is processed immediately.
You may receive your first month of help even if all documents are not ready yet.
To continue receiving help, make sure you submit all required documents before the next month.

Cost Of Applying For Social Relief Grant 2026

Applying for SRD is completely free.

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

Applying for the R350 grant is a straightforward process that can provide temporary financial relief to those in need. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process with ease. Confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, access the online application portal, complete the application form accurately, and submit it along with any necessary documentation. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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