SASSA Grant

Sassa How To Apply For Unemployment Grant 2025-2026

Welcome to the application guide for the Sassa Unemployment Grant for 2025-2026. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is committed to giving financial support to unemployed people in need of assistance. If you’ve recently lost your job and need help during this difficult moment, this post will take you through the application process step by step.

READ HERE: How To Register For R350 Unemployment 2025-2026

Sassa How To Apply For Unemployment Grant 2025-2026

To apply for an Unemployment grant;

STEP 1: Choose An Application Method

Apply via 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

Apply via the SRD Website:

In your internet browser, visit the SRD Website(if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit Holders, find out how to apply here)
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”

Using the 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

To Apply In-Person;

Visit a SASSA office close to you
Completed the SASSA application form in the presence of a SASSA officer
After completing the application form completely, you will be given a dated stamped receipt that includes the name of the SASSA official who aided you with your application.
keep your receipt as proof of application

STEP 2: Agree To The T& C’s

Read and agree to the Declaration and Consent terms.
Read and accept the terms of the You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant paper.

STEP 3: Provide Required Information And Documentation

All applicants must provide the below information to complete the application process.

ID Number
Full Name and Surname (as printed on your ID Document/ ID Card)
Gender
Physical Address
Contact Information (mobile number, email address)

STEP 4: Choose Your Payment Method

Applicants would have to choose from the various Sassa payment methods designed for all applicants. Provided below are some payment methods of Sassa that applicants may have to choose from;

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 a personal bank account, 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&6: Verification

Applicants will get an SMS with their banking information, indicating that The SRD R350 Grant application is now active.

SASSA compares your personal information (ID number, name, and surname) to a Department of Home Affairs database, as well as your ID number to recognised databases such as UIF, SARS, and NSFAS. Fraud risk scoring is carried out in partnership with fraud prevention partners, and your ID number and mobile number are cross-checked against known databases. The application procedure is then completed when your application is either granted or declined with a reason.

How Would I Know If My Application Was Successful 2025-2026

SASSA may take up to three months to review your grant application, therefore your grant is approved, and you will be paid from the day you submitted. If your grant application was not granted, you will be notified in writing by SASSA. If you disagree with the decision, you have 90 days from the day you were told that your application failed to file an appeal. Your appeal must be sent to the Minister of Social Development at the Department of Social Development’s national headquarters.

Unemployment Grant Payment Method 2025-2026

You can choose your preferred payment option when you apply. You may also change your chosen form of payment. Your R350 Grant will be distributed in one of two ways, depending on your preference:

Directly into your bank account: see step 4 of the application process above.
Collected in cash: from Spar, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Boxer and USave stores. The Post Office will no longer be a collection point for the R350 grants.

Contact Sassa

For any further queries, please contact SASSA directly: