SASSA SRD (R370) Application, Eligibility Criteria and More

During the hard days of the pandemic (COVID-19), a huge number of people lost their jobs to help the unemployed people in South Africa; the SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) lunches, a special grant program popularly known as SASSA SRD (R350) or Social Relief of Distress grant. From 1 April 2024, the government of South Africa increased the SRD grant from R350 to R370.

Initially, the grant was launched to support people during the pandemic. Still, SASSA extended the grant multiple times, and now, according to the latest updates, the SRD grant is extended to March 2025, and it can be extended further because of the rise in the unemployment rate in South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria for SASSA SRD Grant

To apply for the SASSA SRD (R350) grant, applicants should meet the following criteria;

Age limit for applicants (18-59).
Applicants must be in South Africa.
Applicants must be a permanent resident or recognized Refugee in South Africa.
Per month income must be less than R624.
Must be unemployed and have no other income source.
Must not be a part of UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund) and NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).
Must not live in state-funded institutions like hospitals or jails, etc.

Documents Required for SRD R350 Grant Application

Documents required for SRD grants are listed below;

Permanent citizens will use the 13-digit South African ID; refugees and asylum seekers will need their passport number or special number.
An active email and phone number.
Document for residential proof such as utility bills etc.
3-6 months old bank statements.
Unemployment proof of your previous job (discharge certificate).

Procedure for SRD R350 Grant Application

SASSA provides both online and offline channels to apply for SRD grants; you can choose the application method that is easy and comfortable for you. There are six steps in the online application procedure;

Select the Application Channel (you can apply via the SASSA SRD (R350) website, WhatsApp, and SASSA chatbot.
Agree to the TOC (Terms & Conditions).
Fill Out Your Personal Information.
Choosing banking details.
Message Confirmation.
SASSA Verification Process

step 1) Selecting the Application Channel

Selecting the application channel is the first step of the SRD online application; you can apply via the SRD website, WhatsApp, and the SASSA chatbot,

Apply via the SRD Official Website

Go to the SASSA official website https://srd.sassa.gov.za/said. On the top of the screen, you will find the “Click here to apply online” section.
You will be redirected to another tab; enter your mobile number in the “mobile box” and click on send SMS.
You will receive an OTP (One Time Password), copy and paste, and click on verify.

Apply via SRD WhatsApp Number

Contact SASSA at 082 046 8553 and send a message. Share the required details they asked for. You will get a reference number, OTP, and a link to proceed. Click on the link and verify OTP. Share the surname and ID. Confirm the details in conversation

Apply via SRD SASSA Chatbot

Go to the SASSA official website https://www.sassa.gov.za/SitePages/HomePage.aspx.
On the homepage of the website, you can find the SASSA chatbot.
Submit your credentials (ID and phone number).
You will get multiple options; choose the “I want to apply for SRD R350 grant.”
The SRD grant application link will be sent to you.

Step 2) Agree to the SASSA Terms & Conditions

In this step, the applicant will read and agree to the SASSA terms and conditions for the SRD (R350) grant.

Step 3) Fill Out Your Personal Information

Provide and fill out your personal information, which includes your ID, surname, address, financial condition, and other supporting documents.

Step 4) Choosing banking details.

SASSA provides multiple payment methods for grant beneficiaries. Choose your preferred banking method to receive the SRD grant and enter banking details such as bank name, account number, branch code, etc.

Step 5) Message Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation message on the number that you share in your application form, which indicates that your SRD grant is active.

Step 6) SASSA Verification Process

SASSA Verification Process is the last step in which SASSA verifies all the details and documents that you submit. After verification SASSA can accept or reject your SRD grant application.

Processing Time for the SASSA SRD Grant Application

There may be a 60-90-day waiting period depending on the number of applications SASSA receives. SASSA ensures that the right person gets the grant payment at the right time; after processing and approval of the SRD grant applicant will get payment from the date that they apply.

SASSA SRD (R350) Status check

Through the SASSA status check, you can get information about your SRD grant, whether your application is accepted or rejected; also, you can check your current payment dates and appeal status, etc.

SRD R350 Grant Application Cancelation process

If your financial condition has improved and you don’t need the grant payment, it is advised to cancel your SASSA SRD (R350) grant; if you don’t cancel the grant, it will be considered a crime, and you may face criminal charges, and also you will not be eligible for any other social grants offered by the government.

After cancellation, if your financial condition changes, you can apply again for the SRD grant. Here is the step-by-step process to cancel your SASSA SRD grant:

Go to the SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/cancellation.
Enter your credentials (ID and phone number) and click on send pin.
You will get OTP, copy and paste the pin, and click on verify.
Click on the cancellation button, and your request will start.

Reinstating Canceled SASSA SRD (R350) Grant Application

If you canceled the SRD grant application and now want to reinstate it, here is a step-by-step process for it.

Go to the SASSA SRD (R350) website.
Enter your credentials (ID and phone number) and click on send pin.
You will get OTP, copy and paste the pin, and click on verify.
Click on the Reinstating button, and your request will start.

Reinstating Canceled SASSA SRD (R350) Grant Application

How To Update SRD Grant Contact Details

Contact details information is one of the most important steps in SASSA social grants; you can change or update contact details to get the grant payment on time.

Go to SASSA SRD (R350) website https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/contact.
Provide the credentials (ID number and application ID).
Add a new contact number.
Verify the new number and Click on submit.

Changing SRD Grant Banking Details

You can easily change or update your SRD banking details, the process is slightly different for permanent citizens and refugees or asylum seekers.

Go to SRD’s official website https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
Scroll down and you will find the “How do I change my banking details” section.
Enter your credentials, and you will proceed to the link.
Share your new banking details.
Click on submit and wait for the SASSA to approve it.

SASSA SRD Reapplication

If your initial SASSA SRD (R350) application is rejected because of missing information or any other reason, you can reapply for SASSA SRD reapplication. The process is the same for all SASSA social grant applications. Update the missing details, provide your ID, phone number, banking details, and other details, and reapply. SASSA authorities will check all the details and will decide on your grant applications.

SASSA SRD (R350) Reconsideration Application

If someone thinks there’s been a mistake, they can ask SASSA to take another look. After the approval of the SASSA reconsideration, applicants will start the grant benefit of the grant money for which they are eligible. The reconsideration process is the same for all SASSA social grants, but the documents may vary depending on the grant type.

Appeal for SRD R350 Grant

If SASSA rejects your grant application and you disagree with it. In that case, You can appeal within the timeframe of 90 days to the ITSAA (Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals) to share all the required information with them. It will ensure that the necessary information is available for further action and decision-making.

SASSA SRD (R350) Application, Eligibility Criteria and More