How To Apply For The SRD Grant Online 2026

How To Apply For The SRD Grant Online 2026

SASSA SRD Online Application 2026 – Step-by-Step Instructions:

The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a short-term support program provided by SASSA to assist individuals who are struggling to meet their basic needs. If you are currently unemployed, facing a crisis, or waiting for your grant to be processed, applying for the SRD grant online in 2026 could be the lifeline you need.

The SRD grant is available to South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees who have no income or support system. It is usually given in the form of a food parcel, voucher, or sometimes cash, depending on the province. This support is offered for up to three months and can be extended for another three months if your situation does not improve.

Applying for the SRD grant in 2026 is easier than ever. The entire process can be completed online through the official SASSA SRD website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za. You will need your 13-digit South African ID, proof of income status, and, if applicable, documents for your children. If you do not have all the documents, an affidavit and supporting statements from a known community figure may be accepted.

This guide will walk you through each step of the online application process, from who qualifies to what documents you need and how to track your application. Whether you are applying for the first time or need help after a disaster or job loss, this article will help you apply for the SRD grant online in 2026 quickly and confidently.

SASSA Srd Grant Application Open Date For 2026

Since SASSA is a social intervention policy, it is always open for application and has no closing date. Every month, grant applications are open for those wanting to apply.

About Applying for Social Relief of Distress (SRD)

Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is a temporary form of support provided by SASSA to individuals and families who are in urgent need and cannot meet their basic daily needs. This assistance is offered in situations where people face extreme hardship.

You may qualify for SRD if:

You are waiting for your children’s grant to be approved.
You have experienced a crisis or disaster (your home was destroyed by fire).
You do not qualify for a social grant, but you are in serious need.
You are temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition (less than 6 months).
You can not get child maintenance from the other parent.
The main breadwinner has passed away.
The breadwinner is in prison for a short period (less than 6 months).
You have been affected by a disaster, but your area hasn’t been officially declared a disaster zone.

The Needed Requirements To Apply For The SRD Grant Online 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?

How To Apply For The SRD Grant Online 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, and 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 a reason.

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:

Official SRD Website:

Visit srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
Enter your 13‑digit South African ID number
Enter the mobile number you used during your application
Click Submit to see your application status (Pending, Approved, Declined) and payment details

WhatsApp:

Save 082 046 8553 as “SASSA Status Check”
Send “SASSA” to start, then follow prompts (type “STATUS”, supply your ID and ref number)

SMS:

Send a text with Status [Your ID Number] to 32555 (or 082 046 8553 on some services)
You will get a reply with your current application status

Call the SASSA Helpline:

Dial 0800 60 10 11
Provide your ID and mobile number, follow voice prompts, and you will receive status via voice/SMS

USSD Code:

Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# from your registered mobile
Choose “SASSA R370/SRD Status”; your status displays on-screen

Moya App (Data‑Free):

Download the Moya App (available on Android, iOS)
Open under “Discovery” or “Services”, select SRD, enter ID, and mobile number to view status

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 Grant’s official website.

RELATED LINKS: