How To Apply For Unemployment Grant R350

How To Apply For Unemployment Grant R350

How to Qualify and Apply for the R350 SASSA Unemployment Grant:

If you are currently unemployed and looking for financial relief, the R350 Unemployment Grant from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) can provide vital monthly support. Known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, this assistance is designed to help individuals who have no income, are not receiving any other government grants, and are struggling to meet their basic needs. The grant was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to offer relief to millions across South Africa.

Applying for the R350 unemployment grant is a simple process that can be done entirely online. Whether you are a new applicant or reapplying after a lapse, SASSA has made it easy to access the application through multiple platforms, including the official SRD website, WhatsApp, the GovChat app, or even via chatbot on the SASSA website. You do not need to visit a physical office, saving you time and money.

To apply, you will need a valid South African ID number or asylum/refugee permit, a working cellphone number, and personal details like your residential address, employment status, and banking information. Once submitted, your application will be verified, and you’ll receive updates via SMS or email.

This guide will take you through every step of the process to apply for the R350 unemployment grant, including eligibility requirements, application platforms, and tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether you have applied before or are submitting for the first time, this guide will help you secure the support you need.

Sassa Unemployment Grant R350 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.

Read Also: How Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?

Who Qualifies To Apply For Unemployment Grant R350

To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, it is important that you 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)

How To Apply For Unemployment Grant R350

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; in fact, 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
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

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
Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

SASSA Contact Details

For any further queries, please get in touch with SASSA directly:

SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2000
SASSA Fax: 012 400 2257
SASSA Website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
SASSA Email: srd@sassa.gov.za

Applying for the Unemployment Grant of R350 can provide valuable financial support during periods of unemployment. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently complete your application and increase your chances of receiving the financial assistance you need. Remember to verify your eligibility, gather the required documents, and review your information before submitting your application. With careful preparation, you can successfully apply for the Unemployment Grant and access the financial aid you require. For more information, please visit SASSA Grants’ official website.

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