SASSA Relief Grant

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SASSA Relief Grant

SASSA Relief Grant

Check Your SASSA R350 Grant Status and Payment Date for 2026:

The SASSA Relief Grant, officially known as the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, is a temporary financial assistance programme provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It was designed to support individuals who are facing severe financial hardship and have no means of income. This grant has become especially important in helping unemployed and vulnerable South Africans meet their basic needs.

The SRD grant, commonly referred to as the R350 grant, offers monthly payments to qualifying individuals. It was introduced to ease the burden for those affected by economic challenges, including job loss, illness, or emergencies. As the move through 2026, many citizens are still depending on the relief grant as a vital source of income.

To qualify for the SASSA Relief Grant, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being unemployed, between the ages of 18 and 59, not receiving any other form of government financial support, and being a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee. Checking your SASSA status regularly is key to making sure your grant is approved and paid on time. You can do this through the official SASSA SRD website, via WhatsApp, or by calling SASSA directly.

This guide will explain how the SASSA Relief Grant works, who qualifies, how to apply, and when payments are made. Whether you are applying for the first time or waiting for your next payment, staying informed about the SRD grant in 2026 can help you avoid delays and plan your finances better.

What is the Relief Grant?

  • The Relief Grant is a three-month breather given to citizens of South Africa and permanent residents to support the unemployed and those who earn below the minimum wage.
  • It was set up because, primarily, a lot of people lost their sources of livelihood during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How much is the SASSA Grant?

  • The grant is a monthly stipend of R350 to people who qualify after application.
  • The money is paid into the bank account of qualified applicants.
  • For those who do not have a bank account, they receive their stipends in cash.

Who is eligible for the SASSA Relief?

Just like every other grant or fund, you must be certain that you qualify before you apply. Once you check for what is needed for eligibility and you are sure you qualify, you can proceed to put in your application. Here is a shortlist of the requirements for the SASSA Relief. Possessing the following will make you eligible:

  • You must be a permanent resident in South Africa, or must be a citizen of South Africa.
  • You must be at least 18 years of age
  • You should be earning less than the minimum wage, or have no source of income or financial support
  • You should not be on any other grant or any other form of social or unemployment insurance
  • You should not have applied for or received the SASSA Relief grant before
  • Once you meet all of the requirements listed, you can continue with your application process.

How to apply for the Relief Grant

The following instructions are a guide on how to apply for the SASSA Relief online:

  • First, open the official site of the SASSA online:
  • Look for the “R350 grant” link on the homepage and click on it.
  • If this is the first time you are applying for the grant, you will have to register first.
  • You register by supplying some details about yourself: These include your name, your ID number, your telephone number, and your residential address
  • After registration, an SMS will be sent to your number with your username and password.
  • Now, with the username and password you were given, you can log into your account
  • Go ahead and fill in the application form now by supplying the requested information, such as your details, your bank details, and contact information.
  • Upon completing the form online, click on the “submit” button
  • Waiting patiently for a confirmation message

You can always check the status of your application by logging in to your account and clicking on the “check status” button

  • If you cannot apply online, you can also apply through WhatsApp.

To apply for the SASSA Relief Grant via WhatsApp, follow these instructions:

  • First, save the SASSA WhatsApp number (082 046 8553) to your contacts
  • Then, send a message to the number that says “Hi” or “Hello”
  • Once you do, you will receive a prompt for your application
  • Follow this prompt to complete your application
  • Now, give your banking details where you can receive your assistance.
  • If you do not have a bank account, select the cash payment option.
  • After you submit your application, you will receive a reference number via WhatsApp that you can use to check the status of your application.

SASSA Grants Contact Details

For any further queries, please contact 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
  • Contact details of SASSA offices across the country: Contact SASSA

The SASSA Relief has come to stay to provide financial assistance to permanent residents and citizens of South Africa. Once you were affected by COVID-19 and can provide proof of the same, you can apply for the relief. What you have to do is check for the eligibility criteria, and if you qualify, you can proceed to apply. Make sure that while you are applying, you provide the correct information that is requested of you.