How To Apply For Sassa R350 Grants 2026-2027

How To Apply For Sassa R350 Grants 2026-2027

SASSA R350 Relief Grant Application Process 2026/2027 Explained:

If you are a South African looking for financial support during tough times, the SASSA R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant remains a vital lifeline. The good news is that the R350 grant will continue through the 2026–2027 period, offering monthly financial aid to those in need. Whether you are unemployed, without other social grants, or struggling to make ends meet, this grant can help cover basic needs like food, transport, and essentials.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has made it easier than ever to apply for the R350 grant. Applications can be submitted online via the SASSA SRD website, through WhatsApp, or even using the GovChat platform. These digital methods are quick, easy, and accessible from your phone or computer. To apply, you will need your South African ID or relevant asylum or permit documents, a valid cellphone number, and banking details or the option to collect your payment at approved retail outlets.

SASSA has also confirmed that all payments for 2026 and 2027 are secure and reliable, giving beneficiaries peace of mind when it comes to financial planning. The grant continues to support millions of South Africans facing unemployment and economic uncertainty.

This guide will walk you through the full application process for the SASSA R350 grant for 2026–2027. Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying, understanding the steps, requirements, and platforms available will ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.

When To Apply For Sassa R350 Grants 2026-2027

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

Essentials Needed To Apply For Sassa R350 Grants 2026-2027

To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, you must meet the criteria to apply (note that these criteria may change). The requirements are as follows:

You must settle in South Africa
You must meet any 1 of these criteria:
- 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 unemployed and NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
You must have inadequate financial means to assist 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 For Sassa R350 Grants 2026-2027

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: SELECT 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:

1) Send a message via WhatsApp to 082 046 8553
2) Provide your details
3) You will receive a Reference number, an OTP, and a link to click
4) Click on the provided link, fill in your OTP, and verify your account
5) Fill in your surname and ID number
6) Confirm the personal details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat

SRD Website:

1) In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit holder,
2) Fill in your mobile number and ID number, and click “send SMS”
3) You will receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS
4) Insert the OTP number on the SRD website and click Verify PIN.

SASSA Chatbot:

1) In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
2) Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (the orange box on the side of the screen)
3) Fill in your ID number and mobile number
4) On the chat, choose the option to apply for the SRD R350 grant
5) Click on the SRD website link provided by the SASSA Chatbot
6) 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 CONFIRMATION AND AUTHENTICATION

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:
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 R350 grant online is a straightforward process that can provide much-needed financial relief to eligible individuals in South Africa. By following this gradual guide, you can negotiate the application process with ease. Remember to check your qualifications, gather the required legal papers, and submit an accurate and complete application. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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