How to Apply for R350 Grant? Online Application
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is a grant or form of financial support offered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to the vulnerable segment of society. If you find yourself in a difficult financial situation, the SRD R350 can provide you with monetary support.
The application procedure for an SRD grant is straightforward and can be done using different channels.
However, before applying, there are certain criteria that the applicants must observe to qualify for the grant. What are these requirements?
Let me tell you one by one.
SASSA SRD R350 Grant Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria set by SASSA allow them to filter and identify the deserving individuals who meet the requirements for SRD R350.
These criteria serve as a means to ensure that the grant is offered to those who truly deserve it. Therefore, to apply for the application, you must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen.
- You must be a resident within the borders of South Africa.
- The applicant must either be a refugee, an asylum seeker (valid section 22 permit), or a special permit holder in South Africa.
- Your age must be over 18 and below 60.
- The applicant’s household income must meet the certain income threshold established by SASSA. Your earnings must be R624 or less.
- Only those individuals can apply whose financial situation does not allow them to fulfill their basic needs.
- Applicants who have lost their jobs and are unemployed can apply for an SRD R350 grant.
Who is “NOT” Qualified for the SASSA Grant?
The applicants are not eligible to apply for the SASSA SRD R350 grant if they perform the following actions:
- The applicants have access to other financial sources and receive their support.
- You are receiving funds from other government social grant programs.
- You are not eligible for SRD if you are qualified or contributing to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
- The applicant accepting funds from the NSFAS is also not qualified.
What are the Documents Required for the SRD Application?
You must have certain documents to apply for the SRD R350 grants. Therefore, read the following list and prepare the necessary documents required for the application process:
- The applicant must possess a valid and authentic South African ID number.
- If you are an asylum seeker, you must have your asylum documents with you.
- The applicant must provide evidence of their residential address.
- Information related to your bank statement.
- The applicant’s contact details, such as phone number, email address, etc.
- If you have any sort of disability, you must give proof of it.
- Provide them with evidence of your financial situation (payslips, etc.).
- Lastly, submit documents that verify your unemployment status.
These documents are the necessary requirements for the SRD R350 grant application process. Therefore, submit authentic and up-to-date details to avoid any problems in the future.
How to Apply for R350 Grant?
If you fulfill the eligibility criteria and possess all the documents mentioned above, the next step is learning how to apply for the SRD grant.
SASSA has made the application process convenient; you can apply using different channels. I will discuss how you can use these platforms to submit your application successfully.
The following video also explains the process
1. Online Method
The online platform allows you to submit your application from the comfort of your home. Read the following instructions:
Step 1: Navigate to the SRD Official Website
The first step is to open any browser on your device and search for the SASSA website, or you can directly visit the website by using the link https://srd.sassa.gov.za/. The website is user-friendly, so you can effortlessly navigate through it.
Step 2: Click the “Apply Online” Tab
After you have opened the website, the option “Apply online” will be displayed on the top. Click on this tab to start your application process.
Step 3: Provide Phone Number
You will be directed to a new page. You must enter your registered mobile number and press “Send SMS.” Moreover, remember you must enter valid and your own phone number as this will be used for verification purposes.
Step 4: OTP Code
Next, a one-time pin (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number you provided in the previous step. Type the OTP code in the empty field and press “verify pin” to proceed.
Step 5: Enter Personal Details and Submit Your Application
After carrying out the previous step, you will be asked to read the declaration. After thoroughly reading it press the “agree” option to move to the next step.
In the next step, enter your valid ID number (write it exactly as written on the South African green ID document), full name, email address, residential address, employment status, and citizenship. Then click “submit”.
Afterward, you will be asked to select the payment option and submit your answer. Lastly, you will receive a confirmation notification that your application was submitted successfully. Now, you only need to wait for the SASSA’s response.
2. Using the SASSA Chat Box Channel
SASSA has introduced a “Chat box” feature to make it easier for individuals to solve any of their queries related to the SASSA grants. Furthermore, you can use this feature to apply for the SASSA SRD R350 grant. Let me show you how you can utilize this feature to complete the application procedure.
Step 1: Open SASSA Official Website
Search for the SASSA’s official website on your browser and click it. Open the website and search for the “Chat box” option.
Step 2: Select the “Chat Box” Option
After finding the chat option, press it and enter your personal details, such as your ID number and registered mobile number.
Step 3: Select SRD R350 Grant Option
Open the chat box and click on the “I want to apply for the SRD 350 grant” option. It will provide you with a link. Click on this link, and you will be directed to the SRD website.
Step 4: Complete the Application Process
On the SRD website, you will see “apply online” displayed on the screen. Click it to start the application process. You can follow the steps I mentioned above (SRD online method) to proceed further.
3. SASSA Registration for R350 via SMS
There is no method to apply for R350 via SMS, however, if you wish to receive SMS updates about your grant, you can register here.
Once you have applied for the SRD grant, you can check your SASSA Status below.
How will I know if my application for SASSA SRD R350 is approved?
You can see if your application is approved or not by logging in to your SASSA account and tracking your application progress. The tracking will allow you to observe at which level your application is or whether it is approved or not. In addition, SASSA will also send you an SMS indicating that your application has been accepted.
Do I have to reapply for the grant every month?
No, you do not have to. However, SASSA will conduct a monthly verification process to check for changes in the applicant’s information. This is to ensure that the applicant’s financial situation is the same and they still need assistance.
In addition, if there are any changes in your financial situation, you must update your application in order to let SASSA know about your change.
Where do I apply for SASSA SRD R350?
You can apply for SASSA SRD using multiple channels. You can either use SASSA SRD’s official website https://srd.sassa.gov.za/. Or you can also use their Whatsapp number 082 046 8553.
Can I apply for the SRD grant again if my application is rejected?
Yes, you can. You can lodge an appeal if you believe SASSA rejected your application without any satisfactory reason. You can visit the SRD website to submit an appeal and provide the required details to complete the process.
However, you must submit your appeal within 90 days. After this time limit, SASSA will not reassess or consider your application. Therefore, appeal as soon as possible.
Why did SASSA reject my SRD grant application?
It could be due to multiple reasons that SASSA declined your application. It could be because you provided incorrect personal information and employment status, or you have been receiving UIF income or other grants and more. Therefore, it is necessary for you to provide the correct information, as SASSA carries out a verification check every month.
SASSA SRD R350 grant relieves the deserving individual from the financial burden; hence applying for it can help you alleviate it. Furthermore, SASSA has made it much easier for individuals to apply for the SRD grant. They have opened various channels, such as WhatsApp and online platforms, which you can utilize to submit your application.
You can either use their official website or Whatsapp number to apply for the grant. You can also use the new feature “chat box.” Moreover, SASSA also offers you the chance to lodge an appeal if your application is rejected and you do not agree with the decision.
However, before you apply, you must follow their eligibility criteria to qualify for the SRD grants. This qualification criterion ensures that deserving individuals get the opportunity to apply for the SASSA SRD R350 grant.