What is the Application Process for SASSA r350?

Bybursariesafrica

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offers the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant to provide temporary financial support to unemployed South Africans experiencing hardship.

This grant has been very helpful for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the process for applying can seem tough at first.

However, with the right information, submitting the application is simple and straightforward enough for anyone.

Who can apply for the SASSA R350 grant?

To be eligible for the SASSA R350 grant, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African Citizenship or Residence: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid asylum seeker or refugee permit.
  2. Unemployed: You must be unemployed and not receiving any other form of social security grant (with some exceptions).
  3. Income Threshold: You must not have income exceeding a specific threshold set by SASSA. This threshold is subject to change, so I recommend that you check the latest information on the SASSA website.
  4. Age: There is no specific age restriction for applying for the R350 grant.

Whether you are registered for unemployment with the Department of Employment and Labour (DOL)

Any disability grants you or someone in your household may be receiving

How much is the SASSA R350 grant?

The current value of the SASSA R350 grant is R350 per month.

This amount is subject to change based on government decisions.

How do I apply for the SASSA R350 grant?

There are two primary ways to apply for the SASSA R350 grant:

  1. Online Application: This is the preferred method and can be done through the SASSA SRD website. You will need a valid South African ID number, a registered cell phone number, and your banking details (optional). The online application process involves following the prompts, entering your information, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
  2. WhatsApp Application: You can apply via WhatsApp by saving the SASSA WhatsApp number (082 046 8553) and sending a message stating “Covid-19 SRD grant.” Follow the prompts that follow to complete the application.

Remember that regardless of the application method chosen, you must have all the required information readily available.

What documents do I need to apply for the SASSA R350 grant?

While there are no physical documents to submit during the application process, the information you provide online will be verified electronically with various government databases.

Therefore, it’s important to ensure the accuracy of your:

  1. South African ID number or asylum seeker/refugee permit details
  2. Full name and surname (matching your ID)
  3. Contact information (including a registered cell phone number)
  4. Banking details (if opting for a bank deposit)

How long does it take to process a SASSA R350 application?

The processing time for SASSA R350 grant applications can vary depending on the volume of applications received and verification procedures.

However, you can generally expect a response within a few weeks.

How can I track the status of my SASSA R350 application?

There are two ways to track the status of your SASSA R350 application:

  1. Online Status Check: Visit the SASSA SRD website and go to the application status check section. You will need your ID number and registered cell phone number to access your application status.
  2. SASSA Contact Centre: You can call the SASSA contact centre at 0800 601 011 to enquire about your application status. Be prepared with your ID number and any reference number you may have received during the application process.