SASSA Grant

How To Claim R350 Unemployment Grant 2025-2026

In South Africa, the R350 unemployment grant has been a vital lifeline for many individuals who find themselves without employment and in need of financial assistance. This grant, provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), aims to eliminate the economic burden faced by those who are jobless. If you are currently jobless and seeking assistance through the R350 unemployment grant.

To claim the R350 unemployment grant, you will need to fulfill specific qualification requirements and follow a set of steps outlined by SASSA. The grant application process can involve several stages, including registration, confirmation, and submission of supporting documents. This guide will provide you with the necessary information and steps to negotiate the application process effectively.

READ HERE: How To Claim The R350 Unemployment

How To Claim R350 Unemployment Grant 2025-2026

An unemployment grant is given to qualified South Africans who are currently jobless and have no form of financial income. Follow the below procedure to claim R350 unemployment grant 2025-2026;

STEP 1: Determine Your Qualification

All applicants must ensure that meet the qualification requirements determined by SASSA. To apply, you must meet this qualification before you can be considered for the unemployment grant. The general qualification requirement includes;

You must be settled in South Africa
You must be a Citizen of South Africa
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 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 jobless and NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
You must have inadequate financial means to back yourself
You must NOT be receiving any other social grants for yourself
You must NOT be contributing towards or qualified for UIF payment
You must NOT unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities
You must NOT be receiving a salary from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).

STEP 2: Gather Legal Papers

Sassa requires certified copies of some documents to confirm the provided information for the grant, therefore applicants must have in possession of these documents before attempting to apply for the unemployment grant;

ID Number (or your passport number/ special permit if you are not a South African citizen)
Full Name and Surname (as stated on your official ID document/ passport)
Phone number (SASSA will use this number to contact you regarding your status so make sure you have access to this mobile number)
Physical Address or residential address

STEP 3: Select An Application Method

Sassa unemployment Grant applications can be submitted via WhatsApp, the SRD website, or the SASSA Chatbot. You should only apply using one way, however, submitting several applications will not speed up the process and may even slow it down.

Select one 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
Verify your details that you provided via the WhatsApp chat

Apply via the SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website
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”

Apply via the SASSA Chatbot:

In your internet browser, visit the SASSA Website
Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (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.

Who Can Apply For Sassa Unemployment Grant 2025-2026?

To be qualified for the Sassa unemployment grant, you must meet certain criteria set by the agency regarding the grant. The qualification requirements for Sassa unemployment grant are:

You must settle in South Africa
You must be a South African Citizen
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 a income of R624 or less per month
You must be jobless and NOT be receiving financial assistance from any other source
You must have inadequate financial means to back yourself
You must NOT be receiving any other social grants for yourself
You must NOT be contributing towards or qualified for UIF payment
You must NOT be unreasonably refuse to accept employment or educational opportunities
You must NOT be receiving a salary from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).