SASSA SRD R350 Grant - Instant Approval Process 2024

The Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) is a program by the South African government to assist citizens facing financial difficulties. Administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) with oversight from the Ministry of Finance, this grant provides temporary relief to those unable to meet their families’ basic needs.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the SASSA SRD grant, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and what to do if your application is rejected.

Eligibility Criteria for SASSA SRD R350 Grant

Before applying for the SRD grant, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria to determine if you qualify. Here are the requirements:

You must be a South African citizen, a recognized refugee, or an asylum seeker with a valid permit or visa.
You must reside in South Africa.
Your age must fall between 18 to 60 years.
Your monthly earnings should not exceed R624 to pass the means test.
You should not be receiving any other government social grant.
You must lack sufficient resources to support your basic needs.
You must be unemployed with no other source of income.
You must not possess sufficient assets or investments to qualify for the R350 grant.
You should not be a contributor or recipient of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
You must not unreasonably refuse any employment or educational offers.
You must not be living in a state-funded station.

Required Documents for SASSA SRD R350 Grant

Here are the required documents for applying for the SASSA SRD grant:

Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria for the SRD grant.
Collect the necessary documents, including:
Original 13-digit bar-coded South African ID.
For asylum seekers, refugees, or special permit holders: Passport number or special permit number.
Full name, surname, date of birth, and gender as stated on your ID, passport, or permit.
Phone number registered in your name for SASSA to contact you.
Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill).
Most recent bank statement showing income and spending.
Proof of unemployment status if previously employed (e.g., discharge certificate).
Any relevant documents reflecting your current financial situation (e.g., invoices, payslips).

Before submitting the application, confirm that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of the Declaration and Consent Documents.

Provide the required information and documents (original or certified copies) to SASSA.

Keep track of your application status and any updates from SASSA. They may use the phone number you provided to contact you regarding your application.

Procedure to Apply for the SASSA SRD R350 Grant

Here are the steps for applying for the SASSA SRD grant through different channels:

Step 1: Choose Your Application Channel

You have three options to apply: WhatsApp, the SASSA chatbot, or the SASSA official website. Submit your application only once using one method to avoid delays.

Applying Online Through the SASSA SRD Website:

Visit the SASSA official website at https://srd.sassa.gov.za/said.
Go to the “How do I apply for this SRD Grant” section and click “click here to apply online”.
Enter your registered mobile number and click “Send SMS”.
Input the OTP code sent to your phone and click “Verify Pin”.

Applying Through WhatsApp:

Save the SRD WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 in your contacts.
Send a message to the saved WhatsApp number.
Provide the requested personal information in the chat.
Receive the OTP code, a reference number, and the SRD website link in chat.
Click the link, input the OTP, and click verify.
Provide your ID number and Surname.
Confirm your details match those given in the WhatsApp chat.

Applying Through the SASSA Chatbot:

Visit the SASSA website in your browser.
Click on the “SRD R350 Grant Assistance” chatbot on the right side of the page.
Provide your ID number and mobile number in the chat.
Choose “I want to apply for SRD R350 grant” from the chatbot options.
Receive the SRD website link in chat.
Click the link and proceed to step 2 below.

Step 2: Agree to the Terms & Conditions

After choosing your preferred application channel, carefully read and agree to the terms and conditions of consent and declaration, as well as the terms of the You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant document. Ensure you understand and agree to these terms before proceeding.

Step 3: Fill Out Your Personal Information

Provide the following details accurately:

Identity Document (ID) Number
Full Name and Surname (as stated on your ID document)
Gender
Residential Address
Contact Details (including phone number and email)
Employment and Financial Information
Any other supporting documents to prove eligibility
Keep in mind that SASSA may request further information as needed.

Step 4: Select Your Preferred Payment Method (Banking Details)

For New Applicants:

If applying for the first time, choose between Cash Send or Bank Account as your payment method.

Bank Account: Provide bank details including Bank Name, Account Number, Branch Name, and Account Type. Ensure the account is in your name.
Cash Send: Provide your mobile number and agree to the Terms and Conditions.

For Existing Applicants:

If you previously received payments via bank account, confirm existing bank details and agree to Terms and Conditions.

If changing from Cash Send to Bank Account, provide new bank details and agree to Terms and Conditions. Ensure the account is in your name.

Step 5: Confirmation Message

After submitting your banking details, you’ll receive an SMS confirmation on your provided mobile number. This message confirms that your SASSA SRD R350 application is now active.

Step 6: SASSA Verification Process

Once your part of the application process is done, SASSA takes over to verify and validate your information:

They verify your ID number, name, surname, and other personal details using the Department of Home Affairs database.

Your employment and financial details are verified from authorized databases such as SARS, UIF, and NSFAS.

SASSA conducts a fraud risk assessment by checking your mobile number and ID number against permitted databases to prevent fraud.

Upon completing the verification process, SASSA will either approve or decline your SRD grant application, providing a valid reason for the decision.

SASSA R350 Grant Status Check

After submitting your application, it’s essential to track its progress to know if it’s approved, declined, or pending. Regularly checking your application status keeps you informed about upcoming grant payments. Here are the methods to check your SASSA SRD grant status:

Through SASSA Official Website: Visit the official SASSA website or follow the provided link for checking application status.
Using the Moya APP: Utilize the data-free method on the Moya App to check your application status conveniently.
Via SMS: Send an SMS to the SASSA number 082-046-8553 to receive updates on your application status.
Through SASSA WhatsApp: Add the SASSA WhatsApp number 082-046-8553 to your contacts and send a message to inquire about your application status.
Contact SASSA Toll-Free: Dial the toll-free number 0800-601011 to speak directly with a SASSA representative and inquire about your application status.

The processing time for the SASSA SRD R350 grant application typically ranges from 60 to 90 days, depending on the volume of applications. If your application is approved, you will be paid from the date of your application.

In case of a denial, SASSA will provide a letter explaining the reason for rejection and how to request an appeal.

SRD R350 Grant Reapplication Process in 2024

The reapplication process for the SRD R350 grant is identical to the initial application. It’s for individuals who were previously eligible for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant but didn’t apply initially or whose grant has expired.

Required Information:

Applicants need to provide the same information as in their initial SRD grant application, including their name, contact details, and ID number. Bank account information must also be provided for grant disbursement.

Review and Approval:

SASSA will review the reapplication to determine eligibility. Approved applicants will receive payments as if their application was initially approved. If the application is rejected, the applicant will receive a notification.

SRD R350 Grant Reinstatement in 2024

Reinstatement allows individuals to reactivate a previously cancelled application, often due to changes in circumstances. This can occur if the applicant’s employment or financial situation has changed since the initial application.

Using the SRD Website:

To reinstate a cancelled application, users should visit the SRD website and enter their ID and phone number. They’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) via SMS for verification.

Reactivating the Application:

After verification, users are directed to the “reinstate your grant” page. They’re prompted to confirm if they want to resubmit their cancelled application. Selecting “yes” allows users to proceed with the reinstatement request.

Completion and Updates:

Once the steps are completed, a reinstatement request is sent, and users receive instructions or updates about their application status. The reinstatement process may vary based on individual circumstances and SRD grant requirements. Following instructions on the SRD site is crucial for a smooth reinstatement process.