How To Apply Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

How To Apply Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

Easy Way to Apply for the SASSA Unemployment Grant 2026-2027:

If you are currently unemployed and living in South Africa, the SASSA Unemployment Grant can help support you during tough times. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides this grant to assist people who do not have a job or regular income. For the 2026–2027 period, SASSA has made it easier for individuals to apply for the unemployment grant online or through other simple methods.

The SASSA Unemployment Grant, also known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant, is meant for South African citizens, permanent residents, asylum seekers, and special permit holders who meet the requirements. If you are between the ages of 18 and 59, have no source of income, and are not receiving other government support, you may qualify.

To apply for the 2026-2027 SASSA unemployment grant, you will need a valid South African ID number or passport (for permit holders), an active cellphone number, and a bank account. You can apply online through the official SASSA SRD website, by WhatsApp, or through the GovChat platform.

This guide will show you step by step how to apply for the SASSA unemployment grant, what documents you need, and how to check your application status. The process is free and simple to follow. If you need help during this process, SASSA is always ready to assist.

Sassa Unemployment 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 it.

Requirements Needed To Apply Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

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?

How To Apply Sassa Unemployment Grant 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: 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:

Go to: https://srdsassagrants.co.za
Enter your ID number and mobile number in the status check tool.
If approved, your payment date will be displayed.

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

By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process efficiently and increase your chances of receiving the grant. Remember to check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, utilize the SASSA online application portal, and stay informed about your application status. For more information, please visit SASSA Grants’ official website.

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