How To Apply R350 2026

How To Apply R350 2026

How Do I Qualify and Apply for the SDR Grant 2026?

The R350 grant is available to South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and special permit holders who are between 18 and 59 years old, unemployed, and not receiving any other form of government income support. Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying, the process remains user-friendly and secure.

If you are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) could provide the short-term financial support you need. With the grant continuing in 2026, many South Africans are asking, “How do I apply for the R350 in 2026?” The good news is that the application process is simple, fully digital, and accessible from anywhere with a phone or internet connection.

To apply for the R350 grant in 2026, you can use the official SASSA SRD website, WhatsApp, or GovChat. You will need a valid South African ID or permit number, an active cellphone number, and your banking details (or you can choose a cash-send option if you do not have a bank account). Once your details are submitted and verified, your application will be reviewed and processed by SASSA.

This guide will walk you through every step of the R350 application process for 2026, including eligibility, required documents, and tips to ensure a smooth and successful submission. If you need help applying for the R350 grant, you’re in the right place.

Sassa R350 Grant Application Date 2026-2027

• Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application, and there is no closing date for applying.

Requirements Needed To Apply For Sassa R350 Grants 2026-2027

To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, you must meet the eligibility 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 R350 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:

• 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 (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit holder
• 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, should 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:

• Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za
• Click on Check Status.
• Enter your ID number and mobile number
• You will see your application status and the pay date (if approved)

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 SASSA R350 grant can provide financial relief during challenging times. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the required documentation, and following the correct application procedures, you increase your chances of a successful application. Whether you choose to apply in person or online, remain calm throughout the process, as the selection and processing times may vary. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

RELATED LINKS:

• How Do I Apply For The R350 Grant
• How Do You Apply For the SRD Grant
• How Do I apply for the R350 Grant