How To Apply Srd 2026-2027

How To Apply Srd 2026-2027

How To Apply for SASSA SRD Grant in 2026-2027 Without Hassle:

Struggling financially and having no source of income, the SASSA SRD Grant can offer much-needed support. Known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, this financial aid was first introduced by the South African government during the COVID-19 lockdown. It helped millions of people who were unable to earn an income at the time. Now, the SRD Grant continues to assist those who still need help, especially individuals who are unemployed and have no other means of support.

As of April 2024, the grant amount was increased from R350 to R370 per month, offering a little extra relief to those in need. If you are planning to apply for the SRD Grant in 2026-2027, it is important to understand who qualifies and what documents are needed. Whether you are a South African citizen, refugee, or asylum seeker with valid papers, you may be eligible if you meet the income and age requirements.

The application process is simple and can be done online through the SASSA SRD portal. You will need to provide personal information like your ID or passport number, contact details, and your banking preferences. Once you apply, you can also check your status online to see whether your application has been approved.

This guide will walk you through how to apply for the SRD grant for 2026-2027, what the requirements are, and how to ensure your application goes smoothly. If you need financial help, this grant could be your first step toward relief.

Is the SASSA Application Open For 2026-2027

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

Types of SASSA Grants

If you are interested in other grants, below are some examples:

SRD R350 Grant
Child Support Grant
Foster Child Grant
Disability Grant
Older Persons Grant
Care Dependency Grant
Grant-in-Aid
War Veterans Grant

Requirements Needed To Apply Srd 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 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?

What You Need to Apply For Srd 2026-2027

When you apply, you will need to agree to and sign two forms:

A declaration form
A consent form
These forms allow SASSA to check that your information is correct.

You will also need to provide:

Your ID number (or passport/permit number if not a citizen)
Full name and surname (as on your ID)
Your cellphone number (SASSA will contact you on this number)
Your home address

How To Apply Srd 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:

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:

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:

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, 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:

On the SRD grants website
Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

Understanding Your Sassa SRD Application Status

Here’s what different status messages mean:

Application Complete: Your reapplication is done, and SASSA will check your eligibility each month.
Bank Details Pending: You have not submitted your bank details. Do this on the SRD website.
Reapplication Pending: You have not reapplied yet. Submit your new application.
Period Pending: Your application is being checked for that month.
Period Approved: Your grant was approved for the month. Check your pay date.
Period Declined: Your grant was not approved for that month. You can appeal the decision.
Cancelled: Your grant was stopped. You can apply to reinstate it online.

How Will You Get Paid From Sassa

You can choose how to receive your SRD payment:

Bank Account:

The money goes directly into your account.

Cash Pickup:

You can collect the money from stores like Spar, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, or USave. (Note: The Post Office no longer pays out SRD grants.)
When collecting your payment, take your ID and the cellphone you used when applying.
You can also update your payment method anytime if needed.

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 South African Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant can provide vital support during difficult times. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process with ease. Remember to familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and gather all the necessary documentation before starting your application. By doing so, you increase your chances of a successful SRD grant application. For more information, please visit SASSA Grants’ official website.

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