How to Do a SASSA Application for the R370 SRD Grant (With Pictures)

This is your comprehensive guide on how to do a SASSA application for the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant.

In March 2020, the SRD grant came into effect during one of the hardest times the country had seen. Lockdowns had cut people off from work and stripped many families of their only income.

At R350 a month, the grant gave unemployed South Africans without other state support some way to cope. When the State of Disaster ended, the grant found a new home under the Social Assistance Act. It stayed in place, even as the immediate crisis eased. By April 2024, the value increased to R370. For households where every rand counted, it became one of the few steady lifelines people could trust.

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Eligibility Criteria – Know if You Qualify

The government checks each SASSA application for the R370 carefully to make sure it meets the rules. They look at your financial history, residency, and other government records before approving anything.

Citizenship and Residency

You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or hold specific permits such as Angolan, Lesotho, or Zimbabwe Exemption Permits. Valid asylum seekers can also apply. You have to live in South Africa.

Age

You must be between 18 and 59 years old for the SASSA application for the R370. Anyone younger or older cannot qualify.

Unemployment and Income

You cannot receive another grant for yourself, such as the Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant, or Child Support Grant. If you get UIF benefits, NSFAS support, or government COVID-19 relief, you cannot apply.

No Other Social Grants

If you already get an Older Person’s Grant, Disability Grant, Child Support Grant, UIF, NSFAS stipend, or COVID-19 relief, the SRD grant is not available to you.

Institutional Status

If you live in a government-funded or subsidised institution, you cannot qualify. The grant is meant for people living independently.

Where to do a SASSA application for the R370 SRD Grant

To apply for the SRD grant, you use one of the online options provided by SASSA. It is designed to save you from waiting at their offices.

SASSA SRD Website

On the SASSA SRD website, you complete a short form with your ID and contact information. You then agree to let SASSA check your details against their records.

WhatsApp

SASSA has also introduced WhatsApp as a channel. By saving the official contact and sending a message, applicants are given a secure link that takes them through the full application process.

SASSA Chatbot

There is also a chatbot on the SASSA website. It guides you step by step so you can finish your SASSA application for the R370 without any confusion.

Payment Dates and Methods

Grants are released monthly, with SASSA announcing a payment period that typically falls near the end of the month. You can confirm your status online to see if your application for that month has been processed successfully.

Payments can be received through several channels:

Direct Bank Deposit

If you have a bank account in your name, the easiest way is to get paid directly into it. SASSA only asks for your banking details once your application is approved. That way the money goes straight to you, safely.

Retailer Cash Collection

If you don’t use a bank, you can fetch your grant at stores like Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite, Checkers, or Usave. Before you go, SASSA will send you a code or voucher by SMS.

Cash Send

Cash send is another option. You get an SMS with details to withdraw your money at an ATM. You don’t need a card, which makes it useful if you prefer not to use a bank account.

How to Do a Step-by-Step SASSA Application for the R370 SRD Grant on Your Cellphone

1. Access the Application Portal

Go to the official SASSA SRD website. Look for the section that says “Click here to apply online” and click it.

2. Enter Your Mobile Number

You will be prompted to enter your mobile number. This is important, as you will receive a One-Time PIN (OTP) to this number.

3. Verify with OTP

Enter the OTP that was sent to your mobile number and click “verify.”

4. Review and Consent

This is where you’ll find the consent form with checkboxes. You need to read and agree to the following:

Consent to be subjected to a verification process: This allows SASSA to check your information to ensure you qualify for the grant.

Consent to the declaration and consent form: This is a general agreement that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of the application.

You must click these checkboxes to proceed.

5. Provide Personal Information

Enter your South African ID number, full name, and surname exactly as they appear on your ID.

6. Complete the Application

You will be asked to provide more personal details, including your:

• Email address
• Citizenship status
• Residential address
• Employment history
• Income details

7. Provide Banking Details

You must provide your banking details so that SASSA can pay the grant directly into your account if approved. If you do not have a bank account, you can opt for a cash send payment option.

8. Read and Accept Declarations

Carefully read and accept the declaration and consent forms, which allow SASSA to verify your information with other government databases and financial institutions.

9. Submit Your Application

Once you have filled in all the required information and accepted the terms, submit your application. You will receive a 6-digit Application ID. It is crucial to save this ID, as you will need it to check the status of your application.

FAQs About Your SASSA Application for the R350

How do I check the status of my grant application or payment?

You can check your SASSA SRD grant status in several ways:

• Online: Visit the official SASSA SRD website and enter your ID number and the phone number you used for your application.
• WhatsApp: Send a message to the SASSA WhatsApp number (0600 123 456).
• SASSA Call Centre: Call the toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 and provide your details to an agent.
• Moya App: Use the Moya App, which allows you to check your status without using data.

What happens if my application is declined?

If SASS application for the R370 SRD grant is declined, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process is handled by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). You must lodge your appeal online through the official SASSA SRD appeals portal within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days from the date of the declined status notification).

How long does the appeal process take?

The Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA) usually takes between 60 and 90 days to process an appeal, although this can vary. You can monitor your appeal status online during this period.

How do I update my banking details or contact number for the grant?

You can update your banking details or cell phone number by logging in to the official SASSA SRD website and following the prompts to update your information. It is crucial that the bank account is in your name. Please note that it can take up to 30 days for banking details to be verified.

When can I expect to receive my payment?

Payments for approved grants are usually processed during the final week of each month. The official website shows the exact date once it has been allocated. After the money is released, it can take between two and three working days to reflect in your account.

My grant status says “Pending.” What does that mean?

A pending result means SASSA is still verifying your details. They run checks with other government departments, including Home Affairs and SARS, while also looking at your income information. You need to keep checking until your status updates to approved or declined.

I was approved for the grant, but I haven’t received a payment date. Why?

When you see an approved status, it means you qualify for the grant during that month. A payment date will only appear once the processing is complete. Payments are generally made in the last week of the month, so you will need to wait until your status reflects the confirmed date.

What does “Identity Verification Failed” mean?

This message comes up when your ID number or personal details do not match what Home Affairs has on record. To fix it, you need to appeal and make sure the details you provide are accurate and linked properly.

Good luck with your SASSA Application for the R370.

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