How to Apply for the R350 SRD Grant

Life is tough when you’re unemployed and have no money coming in. Even buying a loaf of bread or taking a taxi to a job interview can feel impossible. The South African government introduced the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, widely known as the R350 grant, as a temporary safety net to help people in this exact situation.

It’s a small amount, but it can make a huge difference. Applying is free, quick, and can be done from your phone. Here’s everything you need to know.

Step 1: First, Do You Qualify? The Golden Rules

The R350 grant is specifically for the most vulnerable people. To get it, you must meet a strict set of criteria which SASSA checks every single month.

You MUST be:

• Between the ages of 18 and 59.
• A South African citizen, a permanent resident, a registered refugee, an asylum seeker, or a special permit holder.
• Living within the borders of South Africa.

And you must NOT:

• Be receiving any other social grant for yourself (e.g., disability or older person’s grant).
• Be receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits.
• Be receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
• Have any other source of income. SASSA checks your bank account. If you receive more than the set income threshold for that month (e.g., from a piece job), your application for that month will be declined.

If you fit this description, you are eligible to apply.

Step 2: Get Your Info Ready

You don’t need a pile of documents for this application. It’s very simple. You just need:

1. Your South African ID Number.
2. A Working Cell Phone Number. This is VERY important. SASSA will use this number to communicate with you. If you lose this SIM card, you might miss important updates.

That’s it! Let’s get you applied.

Step 3: How to Apply – Choose Your Method

You can apply from anywhere, as long as you have a phone and an internet connection or WhatsApp.

Method 1: The SASSA SRD Website (The Best and Easiest Way)

This is the most reliable method.

1. Go to the official website: srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Scroll down to the section that says “How do I apply for this grant?”
3. Click on the yellow button that says “Click here to apply online”.
4. Enter your ID number and the cell phone number you want to use.
5. Follow the simple on-screen instructions, filling in your personal details.
6. You will be asked how you want to receive your money. You can choose to have it paid into your own bank account (the fastest way) or to collect it via a “Cash Send” option at participating retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, or Usave.
7. Agree to the terms and conditions and submit.

Method 2: Applying via WhatsApp

If you have limited data, WhatsApp is a good option.

1. Save this number to your phone’s contacts: 082 046 8553.
2. Open WhatsApp and send the word “Hi” to this number.
3. You will receive a response. Reply by sending “SRD”.
4. The system will then guide you through a series of questions to complete your application.

Important Note: The application is FREE. Anyone who asks you for money to “help you apply” is a scammer. Do not share your ID number or PIN with anyone promising to apply for you.

Step 4: After You Apply – Checking Your Status

Once you’ve applied, you don’t need to apply again every month. SASSA will check your eligibility each month automatically. However, you should check your status regularly to see if you have been approved.

How to Check Your SRD Grant Status:

1. Go back to the official website: srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Scroll down to the tab that says “Click here to check online”.
3. Enter your ID number and the cell phone number you used to apply.
4. The system will show you the status of your application for each month.

• Approved: Great! The status will also show a “Pay Day,” which is the date your money will be available.
• Pending: SASSA is still verifying your details for that month. Be patient and check back later.
• Declined: The system will give a reason for the decline (e.g., “income source identified,” “UIF registered”).

What If You Are Declined? The Appeal Process

If your grant is declined and you believe the reason is incorrect, you have the right to appeal the decision.

1. You do NOT appeal with SASSA. You must appeal to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
2. Visit the ITSAA website: https://srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals/
3. Enter your ID number and phone number.
4. Select the month you want to appeal for and provide a reason why you believe the decision was wrong.
5. Submit your appeal. The Tribunal will review your case and make a final decision.

The R350 SRD grant is a critical lifeline for millions. If you are struggling and meet the criteria, don’t hesitate. Apply today.

For all applications, status checks, and appeals, use the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/

---