How To Register For The Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

How To Register For The Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

How To Qualify And Apply For The Social Relief Grant R350 In 2026-2027:

If you are currently unemployed and facing financial difficulties, the SASSA Unemployment Grant, also known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant, can provide temporary support during hard times. Designed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), this grant aims to assist individuals who have no regular income and are not receiving other social grants, UIF, or government support. As the 2026–2027 application period opens, many South Africans are wondering how to register for the SASSA unemployment grant easily and correctly.

The good news is that the registration process is now simple and accessible to everyone. Whether you live in an urban or rural area, you can apply online through the official SASSA SRD portal, via WhatsApp, USSD, or even visit a local SASSA office if you need in-person help. The application is completely free and can be completed in just a few steps using your South African ID number and a valid cellphone number.

To qualify, you must be a South African citizen or legal resident between the ages of 18 and 59, currently unemployed, and not receiving any other form of income or financial support. Once your application is submitted, you can track your status and receive payments directly through your bank account or a registered pay point.

This guide will help you understand exactly how to register for the SASSA Unemployment Grant for 2026–2027, what documents you need, and how to ensure your application is successful.

Types Of Sassa Grants Available To Applicants

The grants are:

Older person’s grant (old age pension)
Child support grant
Care dependency grant
Grant in aid (if you live on a social grant but need someone to take care of you)
War veteran’s grant
Foster child grant
Disability grant

Requirements Needed To Register For The Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

Before beginning the registration process, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria for the R350 Grant. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

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)

Documents Needed To Register For The Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

The documents below are needed to register for the Sassa unemployment grant for 2026-2027:

Valid 13‑digit South African ID number, or Home Affairs permit/file number
Mobile phone number linked to your ID for OTP verification
Banking details (account number and bank name), or opt for collection at approved pay points like Shoprite, Post Bank, or Spar

How To Register For The Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

Below are the various channels through which one can register for the unemployment grant for 2026-2027:

Online Portal:

Visit srd.sassa.gov.za → choose your category (SA ID holder or Asylum seeker) → mobile verification → fill in personal, household, and banking information → submit.

WhatsApp (GovChat):

Send “SASSA” to 082 046 8553, follow the chatbot prompts to register using your ID, phone, and other required info.

USSD (feature phone users):

Dial *120*7737# or *134*7737# from your registered number and follow the step-by-step prompts

In Person at a SASSA Office:

Visit your nearest office, complete a form with assistance, and submit your documents.
This option is helpful if you are unable to use digital methods.

What Happens After You Have Applied For Sassa Unemployment Grant 2026-2027

You will receive an SMS or WhatsApp update on the application status: Pending, Approved, or Declined.
If approved, the grant (now R370/month) will be deposited between roughly the 25th and 31st of each month. Expect final-week payouts, but dates may vary.
There is no need to reapply every three months anymore. SASSA will automatically review your eligibility monthly

How to Check Your Sassa R350 Application Status

You can track your application progress using:

Official Website: Go to the SRD status checker, enter your ID and registered phone number.
WhatsApp: Text “STATUS” to 082 046 8553.
SMS: Send STATUS <ID Number> from your registered phone.
USSD: Dial *120*3210# and select the SRD status option.
Call Centre: Dial SASSA’s toll-free 0800 60 10 11.
In Person: Ask at your local SASSA office

SASSA Contact Details

For any further queries, please get in touch with SASSA directly:

SASSA Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 60 10 11
SASSA Head Office: 012 400 2000
SASSA Fax: 012 400 2257
SASSA Website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
SASSA Email: srd@sassa.gov.za

Re-registering for the R350 grant is crucial to ensure the continuation of the much-needed financial assistance it provides. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the re-registration process and secure ongoing support. Remember to gather the necessary documents, provide accurate information, and stay informed about any updates or notifications from SASSA. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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