How To Apply Sassa SRD 2026
How To Apply Sassa SRD 2026
Easy Online Application for SASSA SRD 2026:
Are you unemployed or facing financial challenges in 2026? The SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant can offer temporary relief. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced the SRD grant in May 2020 to support citizens, permanent residents, asylum seekers, and special permit holders facing financial difficulties, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the latest update from the March 2025 budget speech, the SRD grant has been extended for another year, from April 2025 to March 2026, with the monthly amount increased to R370.
The SRD R370 grant is available to South African adults aged 18 to 60 who are unemployed, have no source of income, and are not receiving any other government social grant. Applicants must also meet certain income and residency requirements and provide essential documents such as an ID, proof of address, and statements proving their financial situation.
The online application process is quick and user-friendly. You can register and apply for the SRD grant directly through the official SASSA SRD website or SASSA services portal using your mobile number and ID. First-time applicants must upload their documents and select a payment method (cash send or bank account). The application may take up to three months to be verified. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to apply for the SASSA SRD grant in 2026, including eligibility criteria, required documents, payment options, and how to track your application status online.
When to Apply For the Sassa SRD Grant In 2026
- Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application, and there is no closing date
Requirements Needed To Apply For Sassa Srd Grants 2025-2026
To apply for the SASSA SRD Grant, you must 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)
Read Also: How Do You Apply SRD Sassa 350?
Eligibility Criteria To Apply for the R370 SRD Grant In 2026
To qualify for the SRD R370 grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Basic Requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or have permanent residency.
- Be aged 18 to 60 years old.
- Be unemployed and not receiving any other income.
- Not receiving any other social grant from SASSA or another government agency.
Additional Requirements:
- Have a valid South African bank account or e-wallet.
- Your monthly income must be R624 or less.
- Specific Groups Eligible:
- Students who are not receiving any other financial aid.
- People with disabilities who meet the general criteria.
Documents Needed to Apply For Sassa SRD 2026
To apply, you will need:
- South African ID document
- Your utility bill shows your current address
- Supporting documents, such as:
- Proof that you have applied for maintenance or support
- Confirmation of marital status
- Proof of no income or short-term disability
Follow the steps below to apply for Sassa SRD grants for 2026-2027:
- Register an account on the SASSA services website.
- Provide your details and verify your number via OTP.
- Log in and click “Apply for a Grant”, then choose Social Relief of Distress Grant.
- Fill out the online application using your ID details.
- Complete the SASSA affidavit form.
- Upload required documents; the system will alert you if anything is missing.
- Click “Submit Documents, you will receive a confirmation SMS and email with a reference number.
Choose Your Sassa SRD Grant Payment Method
First-Time Applicants:
- Cash Send: Enter your mobile number and accept the terms.
- Bank Account: Submit your bank name, account number, and type.
If You Have Applied Before:
- Review or update your bank details.
- If switching from cash to bank payments, provide full banking details and resubmit.
What Is The Sassa SRD Grant Application Processing Time For 2026
- The application process may take up to 3 months for verification.
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 SRD grant can provide immediate financial relief to those in need. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can navigate the application process successfully and increase your chances of receiving the grant. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.
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