SASSA Grant

How To Apply For This SRD Grant 2025-2026

Do you need financial aid to support yourself or your family through difficult times? Look no further than the SRD (Social Relief of Distress) award, a government effort meant to give temporary assistance to persons experiencing financial difficulties. If you are jobless, have lost a considerable amount of money, or are trying to make ends meet, the SRD grant may provide an essential lifesaver.

In this detailed lead, we will lead you through the process of applying for the SRD grant, ensuring that you have all of the information and tools you need to complete the application successfully. From qualification requirements to document requirements and the application process itself.

READ HERE: How To Apply SRD 350 Grant 2025-2026

How To Apply For This SRD Grant 2025-2026

The SRD Grant is a government-sponsored social assistance program designed to give temporary help to individuals and households in serious financial difficulties. The grant is normally distributed monthly, providing support to people who are struggling to make ends meet. Applying for an SRD grant is a simple process. Below are the steps involved in applying for the SRD grant 2025-2026:

STEP 1: Confirm Your Qualification

Before you begin the application process for the SRD grant, be sure you meet the eligibility requirements. The following are the general requirements:

You must be based in South Africa
You must be a Citizen of South Africa
You must be a Fugitive 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 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 be jobless and NOT be receiving financial assistance from any other source
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).

STEP 2: Gather Legal Papers Required

You will need the following documentation and information to apply for the SRD R350 grant:

ID Number (or your passport number/ special permit if you are not a South African citizen)
Full Name and Surname (as stated on your official ID document/ passport)
Phone number (SASSA will use this number to contact you regarding your status so make sure you have access to this mobile number)
Physical Address or residential address.

STEP 3: Application Process

Applicants must select the various methods of application to apply for the SRD R350 grant. The application methods are provided below:

Apply via the SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website
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”

Apply via the SASSA Chatbot:

In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (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.

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
Verify the details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat.

Apply In-Person:

Visit a SASSA office close to you
The application form is available at the SASSA office
Completed in the presence of a SASSA officer
Submit certified copies of the required documents
You will receive a dated stamped receipt
You will need to keep your receipt as proof of application.

STEP 4: Track Your Application

Once your application has been submitted, you can keep track of your application to know the status, whether denied or approved. You can do so by visiting the official website of SRD, You can contact them via phone, email, or by visiting your nearest SASSA office.

STEP 5: Grant Disbursement

Normally, SASSA pays recipients in the first week of each month. SASSA initially pays the Older Persons Grant, then the Disability Grant, and finally other grant categories (Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant, Care Dependency Grant, War Veterans Grant).

SASSA does not pay the SRD grant on the same day every month; the payment date is determined by when SASSA processes applications and varies from month to month. SRD grants in any of these 2 methods, depending on the recipient’s preference: