Social Relief Grant Application: How To Apply 2026-2027

Social Relief Grant Application: How To Apply 2026-2027

Download WhatsApp and Apply for the R350 Grant – 2026 Application Process:

If you are unemployed, facing financial hardship, or struggling to make ends meet, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant from SASSA can provide much-needed temporary support. As the 2026–2027 application cycle, understanding how to apply for the SRD grant is more important than ever, especially with improved online and mobile application methods now available.

The SRD grant, often referred to as the R350 or R370 grant, is designed to assist unemployed individuals, have no income or are not receiving any form of social grant or UIF payments. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) manages the application and distribution process, and they’ve made it easier by offering multiple ways to apply, including online, WhatsApp, and the SASSA GovChat platform.

To apply for the SRD grant for 2026–2027, you will need a valid South African ID number, a working cellphone number, and access to either data or SMS services. You must also meet all the qualifying criteria outlined by SASSA. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to apply for the Social Relief Grant in 2026–2027, what documents you need, the platforms you can use, and how to check the status of your application.

Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying after a previous grant period, this comprehensive overview will help you get started with ease.

Read: Check R350 Grant Status Online 2025

Eligibility For Social Relief Grant Application: How To Apply 2026-2027

Before applying for the social relief Grant, it is important to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. To qualify, you must:

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 Apply For Social Relief Grant Application: How To Apply 2026-2027

To complete your application, you will need to gather specific documents. These include:

Valid South African ID document or card.
Proof of residence, such as a utility bill or official letter.
Bank account details where the grant will be paid.
Cell phone number for communication purposes.
Any supporting documents required by the application portal.

Social Relief Grant Application: How To Apply 2026-2027

The process below will guide you in applying for the Social Relief Grant for 2026:

Option 1: Apply Online via the SASSA Website:

Go to the official SASSA SRD website: Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
Scroll to “How to Apply” and choose the relevant application link.
Enter your mobile number and click “Send SMS”.
Receive a verification code via SMS and enter it on the website.
Fill in your details: This includes your South African ID number, name, address, banking details, and more.
Confirm your consent for SASSA to verify your income, identity, and banking information.
Submit your application and wait for confirmation.

Option 2: Apply via WhatsApp:

Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
Open WhatsApp and send the message “Hi” to begin.
Follow the prompts for the SRD application or reapplication.
Enter your ID number and personal details as requested.
Apply and note the reference number you receive.

Option 3: Apply via GovChat or Facebook:

Visit https://govchat.app or the GovChat option on Facebook.
Register or log in with your mobile number.
Select “SASSA SRD Grant Application”.
Follow the prompts and submit your application.

Application Review and Feedback

After submitting your application, it will undergo a review process by SASSA. This can take some time due to the volume of applications received. It is essential to remain patient during this period.

On the SRD grants website
Send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553
Call the Toll Free Call Centre on 0800 60 10 11

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

Applying for the Social Relief Grant can provide essential financial assistance during challenging times. By understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and selecting the appropriate application method, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to follow up on your application and remain patient throughout the process. For more information, please visit SASSA Grant’s official website.

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