How to Apply for an R350 (R370) Grant On WhatsApp? 2026

The president has reaffirmed that the SRD 350 grant is here to stay, it has not been ended, and it has also been increased to R370. The latest national budget extended the grant all the way to 31 March 2027, so if you qualify you can still apply today.

If you are thinking of applying for the R350 grant (which is now paid as R370), the organization has introduced another method besides the online application for R350.

Yes, the South African Social Security Agency has officially confirmed that their WhatsApp line is open for receiving SRD grant applications, along with status checks and general queries.

Before You Start

Make sure you have these ready, because WhatsApp will ask for them during the application:

Your 13-digit South African ID number (or your permit or file number if you are a refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder).
A cellphone number registered in your own name. This is where your OTP and status updates are sent, so use a number that you control.
Your own personal bank account details if you want a bank payment. If you do not have a bank account, you can choose the CashSend option instead.

One important tip. Only apply through one method. Applying on WhatsApp and on the website at the same time will not speed things up, it can actually slow your application down.

Who Can Apply

Before you apply, make sure you meet the SASSA SRD criteria:

You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or holder of a valid special permit, and you must be living in South Africa.
You must be aged between 18 and 59.
You must be unemployed with no income, or earning less than R624 a month.
You must not be receiving any other SASSA grant. The Child Support Grant is the only exception. You also must not be receiving UIF or NSFAS funding.

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Keep in mind that SASSA runs a means test every single month, so your status can change from one month to the next.

Simple Steps to Apply for R350 grant on WhatsApp

A Screenshot from the Official PDF of SASSA showing the method to apply for an SASSA grant through WhatsApp

Here is the step-by-step procedure for applying for the SASSA SRD grant via WhatsApp, straight from the official SASSA method. To do that, what you have to do is:

Save the SASSA WhatsApp number on your phone contacts. The R350 SASSA WhatsApp number is 082 046 8553.
Open your WhatsApp, refresh your contacts, and send a message to this number to start the chat.
Provide your personal details as prompted by the chat.
You will then receive a Reference number, an OTP number, and a website link to click on.
Click on the link, insert the OTP number, and click verify.
Provide your surname and ID number.
Confirm your details as per the details you provided on the chat.
Agree to the terms and conditions. This is what allows SASSA to verify your details against Home Affairs, SARS, UIF, NSFAS, and your bank records to confirm that you qualify.
Keep following the messages until your application is complete.

That’s all, this is how you can successfully submit your R350 (now R370) application via the WhatsApp line.

After You Apply

Once you submit, SASSA usually sends an SMS confirming that they received your application. Your result normally shows within about 7 to 14 working days. You can check the outcome the same way on WhatsApp, or on the official portal. Remember, the grant is re-assessed every month, so check your SASSA status regularly. It is normal to be approved one month and declined the next if your details change.

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If WhatsApp Is Not Working

The WhatsApp line can get very busy. If it does not respond, you can still:

Apply or check your status on the official portal at srd.sassa.gov.za.
Use the SASSA USSD line by dialing *1347737# from your registered SIM.
Call the SASSA toll-free helpline on 0800 60 10 11.

Stay Safe from Scams

Only ever use the official number 082 046 8553. SASSA will never ask you for your PIN or OTP on WhatsApp, and the service is free because it uses your data, not your airtime. Do not enter your details on any lookalike website.

That’s all, have any questions? contact SASSA or comment below.