SASSA R350 Grant
SASSA R350 Grant
Step-by-Step: Apply for the R350 SASSA Grant Easily:
The SASSA R350 grant is a special type of financial help given by the South African government to people who have no income. It is also called the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. This grant was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has continued because many people still need support.
The SASSA R350 grant gives R350 per month to those who qualify. It is meant to help unemployed South Africans who do not receive any other grants or income. You do not need to pay anything to apply. The process is simple and done online using a phone or computer. To get the R350 grant, you must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. You must be 18 to 59 years old, not getting UIF, NSFAS, or any other social grant, and must not earn more than the set income limit.
You can apply online through the SASSA SRD website or by using WhatsApp. After applying, you can check your status to see if you are approved and when you will get paid. Payments can be received through your bank account, the SASSA card, or retail stores such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Shoprite.
This article will explain everything you need to know about the SASSA R350 grant, who qualifies, how to apply, how to check your status, and when payments are made. This information will help you stay updated and make sure you receive the support you need.
Who Can Qualify For The SASSA R350 Grant
To qualify for the SASSA R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, you must meet certain requirements. This grant is meant to help people in South Africa who are unemployed and have no income or support. Below are the main rules you must follow to qualify:
You must:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or hold a special permit.
- Be between 18 and 59 years old.
- Be unemployed and not receiving any source of income.
- Not receiving any other social grant (like child support or old age pension).
- Not receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits.
- Not receiving financial support from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
- Have a monthly income of R624 or less.
- Be living within South Africa during the application period.
Eligibility Criteria For The SASSA R350 Grant
You must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or holder of a special permit (Section 22 asylum seeker permit or permits under Lesotho, Zimbabwe, or Angolan dispensation)
- Be aged between 18 and 60 years (some sources say up to 59 years)
- Be currently unemployed and have no other source of income
- Have a monthly income ≤ R624 (must pass a strict means test)
- Not receiving any other social grant from SASSA (like child support, old age, or disability grants)
- Not receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits or NSFAS financial aid
- Not living in a government-run or subsidized institution (prison, rehab center)
- Reside within South Africa at the time of application
How To Apply For The SASSA R350 Grant
Follow the instructions below to apply for the SASSA R350 grant online:
Choosing Your Application Channel:
You can safely apply using one of these official methods:
- Online via the SASSA SRD website
- SASSA chatbot on the official site
- USSD code on your mobile phone
- Or by visiting a SASSA office in person
The following steps will guide you:
Apply Online:
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za and select Apply for SRD Grant or New Application.
- Enter your South African ID number and the cell number registered in your name.
- Click Send SMS, receive a 6‑digit OTP via SMS, and verify it.
- Accept the Terms & Conditions and Declaration & Consent.
- Provide your personal information, address, and contact details, followed by your payment choice (bank account or cash-send).
- Review and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation message.
Apply via WhatsApp:
- Save SASSA’s WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
- Send a message (“Hi” or “SRD”) and follow the prompts, sharing ID number, name, contact details, and more.
- You will receive an OTP, reference number, and a link.
- Click the link, verify with OTP, then complete your personal and payment details.
- Confirm and submit—SASSA will send a confirmation via WhatsApp.
Use the SASSA Chatbot:
- On the official SASSA website, open the “SRD R350 Grant Assistance” chat.
- Enter your ID number and cell number, choose to apply, and follow the link to the SRD site.
- Complete the process as described above
Apply via USSD Code:
- If your phone has no internet, dial *134*7737#, select the SRD grant application, and follow the prompts to input your details.
At a SASSA Office:
Go to your local SASSA office with:
- Original ID or valid permit
- Proof of residence
- Banking details (if you want direct deposit)
A staff member will help you fill in the form. Be sure to keep the stamped receipt as proof.
SASSA SRD R370 Appeal Status Check
If your SASSA SRD R370 grant application was declined and you submitted an appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA), you can easily check your appeal status online. The ITSAA reviews appeals separately from SASSA to make sure every case is fairly handled.
To check your SRD R370 appeal status, just follow these easy steps:
Go to the Official Appeals Website:
- Visit the SRD appeals page here: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/appeals.
- This is the same site where you submitted your appeal.
Enter Your ID and Phone Number:
- Type in your 13-digit South African ID number and the cellphone number you used when applying for the grant and submitting your appeal.
Get and Enter Your OTP:
- Click on the button that says “Send PIN” or similar.
- SASSA will send you a One-Time PIN (OTP) via SMS.
- Enter the code to continue.
Check Your Appeal Status:
After verifying your details, your appeal status will be shown. It will say either:
- Pending: Still being reviewed
- Approved: Your appeal was successful
- Declined: Your appeal was not successful
What Happens After You Submit
- SASSA will review your application via government databases like SARS, UIF, and Home Affairs.
- Status updates (Pending, Approved, Declined) are usually given within 7–14 working days. First payment may take up to 4–6 weeks, but later monthly payments are faster. You will receive updates via SMS or WhatsApp.
The SASSA R350 grant continues to play a vital role in helping South Africans who are unemployed and have no source of income. It offers monthly financial support to those who qualify, helping them meet their basic needs. If you are between 18 and 60 years old, not receiving any other grant or financial aid, and living in South Africa, you may be eligible to apply. The application process is simple and can be done online, through WhatsApp, or at a SASSA office.