SASSA Grant

How To Apply For Unemployment R350 2025-2026

The Unemployment Relief Grant, which is commonly known as the R350 grant, gives to those without jobs who meet certain qualification conditions with interim financial backing. The government introduced this grant to reduce some of the financial distress encountered by jobless individuals and assist them in sustaining themselves through difficult crises. The grant is intended to be simple for the applicant

READ HERE: Sassa How To Apply For Unemployment Grant 2025-2026

How To Apply For Unemployment R350 2025-2026

To apply for an Unemployment R350 grant 2025-2026;

STEP 1: Choose An Application Method

Apply via WhatsApp:

Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
Provide your personal 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

Apply via SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website(if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holders, 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”

Using the 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

To Apply In-Person;

Visit a SASSA office close to you
Completed the SASSA application form in the presence of a SASSA officer
After completing the application form completely, you will be given a dated stamped receipt that includes the name of the SASSA official who aided you with your application.
keep your receipt as proof of application

STEP 2: Agree To The T& C’s

Read and agree to the Declaration and Consent terms.
Read and accept the terms of the You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant paper.

STEP 3: Provide Required Information And Documentation

All applicants must provide the below information to complete the application process.

ID Number
Full Name and Surname (as printed on your ID Document/ ID Card)
Gender
Physical Address
Contact Information (mobile number, email address)

STEP 4: Choose Your Payment Method

Applicants would have to choose from the various Sassa payment methods designed for all applicants. Provided below are some payment methods of Sassa that applicants may have to choose from;

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 a personal bank account, 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&6: Verification

Applicants will get an SMS with their banking information, indicating that The SRD R350 Grant application is now active.

SASSA compares your personal information (ID number, name, and surname) to a Department of Home Affairs database, as well as your ID number to recognised databases such as UIF, SARS, and NSFAS. Fraud risk scoring is carried out in partnership with fraud prevention partners, and your ID number and mobile number are cross-checked against known databases. The application procedure is then completed when your application is either granted or declined with a reason.

Unemployment Grant Payment Method 2025-2026

You can choose your preferred payment option when you apply. You may also change your chosen form of payment. Your R350 Grant will be distributed in one of two ways, depending on your preference:

Directly into your bank account
Collected in cash: from Spar, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Boxer and USave stores. The Post Office will no longer be a collection point for the R350 grants.

Contact Sassa

For any further queries, please contact 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
Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: Contact SASSA

By following the procedures provided in this detailed guide, you may easily go through the application process and maximise your chances of receiving an unemployment grant. For more information visit the official website of Sassa.

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