The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) provides financial assistance to low-income individuals in the form of social grants. These individuals rely on monthly Sassa payments to purchase their most basic needs.
The agency aims to provide a social safety net for vulnerable South Africans, particularly those who are unable to support themselves due to poverty, disability or other circumstances. SASSA was established in 2005 and falls under the Department of Social Development.
The different grants that SASSA provides to vulnerable South Africans include the following:
- Older Persons Social Grant
- Disability Social Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Social Relief of Distress Grant
- War Veterans Social Grant
- Foster Child Social Grant
- Child Support Social Grant
- Grant-in-aid
- R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant
What is the R350 Grant?
Sassa introduced the Social Relief of Distress grant, commonly referred to as the SRD or R350 grant, during the Covid-19 pandemic to assist some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens. Although the State of Disaster has come to an end, the SRD R350 grant will continue.
Eligibility Criteria For The R350 Grant
Applicants must be:
- Unemployed
- South African citizens, permanent residents, refugees and asylum seekers, holders of a special permit under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation; Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation; or Asylum seekers with a valid section 22 permit or visa. Sassa will compare your info with the listings on the Home Affairs database.
- Between 18 and 59 years old
- Live within the borders of South Africa
- Be registered on the Home Affairs database or Sassa's social grant database for individuals without ID documents
- Not living in a government Institution or subsidized institution
- Not receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Benefits or National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) support or any other social grants distributed by Sassa
Changes To SASSA SRD Grant Application Process
The SRD grant was due to come to an end in March 2023 to provide social relief. However, it was announced that it will be extended by at least one year, to March 2024. An amount of R44 billion has been allocated to allow for the extension of the grant for 10.5 million beneficiaries monthly.
Every month, Sassa R350 grant applications are open for those wanting to apply for the social grant. Sassa is hoping to continue to open up new payment locations so that it will become easier for beneficiaries to access the grant payments - and grant payment dates.
How to apply for the SRD grant online
The easiest way to apply is probably via a Sassa online application.
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Select your citizenship criteria at the end of the page (either pick 'South African ID Holders' or 'Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders')
- Select the yellow bar that says, 'click here to apply online' under the 'How do I apply for this SRD Social Grant' or the 'Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders' section depending on your citizenship selection
- Enter your mobile number
- Click "send SMS"
- Then enter the one-time pin that Sassa has sent to the number
- Continue the application process by filling in the steps required by Sassa
How to apply for the SRD grant on WhatsApp
- Add 082 046 8553 as a contact on your phone
- Go on WhatsApp and send a message saying 'hi' to this number
- You will then receive a response and you should then respond saying 'help'
- You will be given various options, reply saying '4'
- This will lead you to the Unathi Sassa platform message which you should reply 'SRD' to
- You then have to confirm whether you're applying for yourself or someone else
- Now the actual application begins and you'll have to submit your name, surname and ID number in the message
- You will then receive a message on WhatsApp stating the next steps
What is a SASSA Status Check?
When you apply for a SASSA grant you will want to do a status check to check the progress of your application. Your SRD status is an important thing to check. You must make sure that what you check SASSA status to ensure you receive your payment on the correct date. You can also do a general Sassa status check..
SASSA status check allows R350 grant applicants to check the status of their applications, as well as appeal any rejected applications. There are some dangers when you are doing a Sassa status check so please beware of fake websites.
Applicants are also able to see if their application has been approved or declined, and they are able to check the status of the SRD Social relief of Distress grant online.
How to check your Sassa status online
Follow these simple steps to check your SASSA status online:
- Start by visiting the official Sassa website
- Look for the 'Application Status' prompt
- Click on the link and provide the necessary information, such as your ID number.
- Once you have entered the required details, click on the "Check Status" button.
- Wait for the system to process your request and display your Sassa status.
Checking your Sassa status online is a quick and convenient method that allows you to access your information at any time, from anywhere. It eliminates the need for lengthy phone calls or in-person visits, saving you time and effort.
How to check your Sassa status via WhatsApp
If you prefer to check your Sassa status using your mobile phone, you can do so with a simple WhatsApp message. Follow these step-by-step instructions to check your Sassa status via WhatsApp:
- Add the Sassa WhatsApp number to your contacts: 082 046 8553.
- Open WhatsApp and send a message to the Sassa number that says "Status" followed by your ID number.
- Double-check the accuracy of your ID number to avoid any errors.
- Sassa will then provide the necessary information regarding your application status.
After sending the SMS, you will receive a response with your SASSA status. The message should include information about your application, payment dates, and eligibility.
What To Do If Your Online SASSA Application Is Decline
If your SRD grant application is rejected, you will have an unsuccessful SRD grant status. You can appeal the decision.
How To Submit A SRD Grant Appeal
To submit a grant appeal, you need visit the SRD grant appeals website and provide your ID number and cell phone number. Make sure to enter the One Time Pin (OTP) sent to your phone via SMS.
You can appeal for each month your SRD grant application was rejected. Remember to submit your appeal within 30 days of receiving the unsuccessful application status from SASSA. You can expect to hear back about your appeal within 60-90 days.
How To Track Your R350 Grant Appeal
To check on your SASSA grant appeal status you need to have your ID number with you. This is how you research your grant appeal and find out your grant appeal status.
- Go to Sassa Appeals Website
- Enter ID number
- Enter telephone number
- Track appeal
You can also call the Sassa Call Centre on their cellphone number which is 0800 601 011. If you've already submitted an appeal, you don't need to submit another or contact the Sassa office.
Need To Contact SASSA?
You can visit the Sassa website for information or contact Sassa directly. The Sassa toll-free number (080060 10 11) and dedicated email address for grant enquiries (grantenquiries [at] sassa.gov.za (grantenquiries[at]sassa[dot]gov[dot]za)) are available for assistance and support.
The SASSA Toll-Free Number
The SASSA toll-free number is a dedicated helpline specifically designed to address queries and provide guidance to applicants and approved grant beneficiaries. Toll-free means that it does not cost beneficiaries any money or airtime to call SASSA for their grant queries.
The SASSA Head Office
Serious concerns may be escalated to the SASSA head office, which is the central administrative body responsible for overseeing the grant distribution process.
