✅ What is the SRD R350 Grant?
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 Grant was introduced by the South African government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing temporary financial assistance to unemployed individuals with no income or social support. It continues to serve as a lifeline for millions.
🎯 Who Qualifies?
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- 🇿🇦 Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker registered with Home Affairs
- 📍 Live in South Africa
- 👤 Be aged 18 to 60
- 💸 Have a combined household income below R6000/month
- 🚫 Be unemployed with no source of income
- 🚫 Not receiving:
- Other SASSA grants (e.g., Child Support, Disability)
- UIF, NSFAS, or other government support
- Any private financial support
📝 How to Apply for the SRD R350 Grant
You can apply via:
1. WhatsApp
- Send “Hi” to 082 046 8553
- Follow the chat prompts to submit ID, surname, and mobile number
- You’ll receive a reference number and OTP
- Enter OTP to verify
- Confirm details and proceed to agree to terms
2. SRD Website
Visit: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
- Enter ID & mobile number
- Receive OTP via SMS and verify
- Agree to the declarations and proceed to complete your personal details
3. SASSA Chatbot
Visit: www.sassa.gov.za
- Click on the SRD R350 Grant chat assistant
- Enter ID & mobile number
- Follow chatbot prompts to apply via the SRD website
📃 Required Steps (All Channels)
Step 1: Agree to Terms
- Confirm you understand the Declaration & Consent and SRD Grant Policy
Step 2: Provide Personal Details
- Include: ID number, name, surname, gender, address, etc.
Step 3: Submit Banking Details
Choose one of the two options:
A. Personal Bank Account
- Provide bank name, account number, branch, account type
- Agree to terms and submit
B. Cash Send (No Bank Account)
- Choose Cash Send
- Agree to terms
Existing clients can confirm or update their existing banking information.
📲 Confirmation Message
You’ll receive an SMS like this:
“Application ID: 123456… SASSA confirms the successful update of banking details for [Bank Name]. Your SRD R350 Grant application is now active.”
🔍 Status Check & Appeals
Check Application Status:
- Website: srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
- WhatsApp: Message 082 046 8553
- Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11 (Toll-Free)
If Declined?
- You may request a reconsideration/appeal within 30 days via the same status check page.
🛂 Application Review Process
Your ID and personal info will be checked against:
- Home Affairs
- SARS, NSFAS, UIF, and other government databases
- Fraud risk analysis using mobile & ID verification tools
📅 Payment and Duration
- Paid monthly into your bank account or via Cash Send
- Grant is not permanent and may be extended or revised based on government decisions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply if I’m employed?
A: No. Only unemployed individuals with no income may apply.
Q: How long does approval take?
A: From a few days to several weeks. You’ll receive an SMS once approved.
Q: How long will I receive the R350 grant?
A: It is renewed monthly but subject to review and government policy changes.
🔔 Stay Informed
Follow SASSA for updates:
- https://www.sassa.gov.za
- Facebook & Twitter: @OfficialSASSA
🧾 Summary Checklist
| Requirement | ✅ |
|---|---|
| South African citizen/resident/refugee | ✔️ |
| Aged 18–60 | ✔️ |
| No income or employment | ✔️ |
| Not receiving other government support | ✔️ |
| Not on UIF/NSFAS | ✔️ |
| Has a mobile number and ID | ✔️ |