SASSA Grant

How To Apply R350 Grant For Unemployed 2025-2026

The SRD 350 Grant was formed by the South African government during the pandemic to provide financial backing to those who do not have any financial means to support themselves. The SRD Grant was formed in April 2022 and has been extended to 31 March 2025. Recipients are awarded R350 per month, as long as they meet the requirements.

If you are currently unemployed and seeking information on how to apply for the R350 grant for the year 2025-2026, this article will guide you through the process step by step.

How To Apply for R350 Grant For Unemployed 2025-2026

Applying for an R350 grant for unemployment is quite simple but complex. The grant application involves six simple steps which include mode of application, document for applying, Payment methods, etc. Below is the application method for the R350 Grant;

STEP 1: Choose An Application Method

Apply via 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

Apply via the 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 InformationAnd 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 recognized 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.

READ: SASSA SRD Check Status Online 2025

How Do I Check The Status Of My R350 Grant Application?

If you have submitted your application for the SRD Grant and want to know the status, you can do so in one of the following 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 Grant Application Status Meaning

Application complete: this means you have completed the reapplication process and your SRD grant will be verified each month. Check your verification and payment status each month on the SRD website.
Bank details pending: this means the application or reapplication was received, but no banking details or preferences were received. Applicants should submit their banking details via the SRD website
Reapplication pending: this means a reapplication has not been received. Applicants should submit their application
Period Pending: this means reapplication was successfully received and verification of the application for the period is pending. Applicants should check their application status later in the month
Period Approved: this means the application was approved for the period. Applicants should check the payday for details on when to expect their money.
Period Declined: this means the application was declined for the period, as well as the reason why it was declined. Applicants should submit a request for reconsideration
Cancelled: this means the grant has been cancelled. Applicants may reinstate their grant on the SRD website

READ: How Do You Apply For SRD Grant

SASSA Grants Contact Details

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

SASSA will evaluate your application and determine your eligibility for the Unemployment Grant when you submit it. Because processing times might vary, it is critical to remain patient. SASSA will notify you of the outcome of your application via the contact information you provided on your application form.

For more information visit the official website of Sassa.

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