The SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) R350 grant has been made available to those who are unable to support themselves within reasonable limits. SASSA’s primary focus has been on pensioners, the disabled, and those in need of child support.

Since the start of Covid-19, the South African government has announced the SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant, which was made available in May 2020 to assist those who are financially distressed as a result of Covid-19. The SRD, like child support, disability, and old age grants, is administered in accordance with the Social Assistance Act.

The SRD grant has enabled many people to survive, and its legacy can be seen in the number of registered South Africans. As of 2022, 12 million South Africans and work permit holders had applied for the Covid-19 SRD grant, and the number is expected to grow before the grant expires in March 2023.

As time is running out, applying before the deadline must be prioritized. The grant is open to South African citizens, refugees, asylum holders, and special permit holders between the ages of 18 and 60. The grant, however, is not intended for everyone. 

Who can apply for the SASSA R350 grant? 

• South African citizens, refugees, asylum holders, and special permit holders aged 18 to 60 who:

• Have insufficient means, 
• Do not receive social grants on behalf of herself/himself, 
• Has not unreasonably refused to accept employment or education opportunities, 
• Are not contributing to or eligible for UIF payment, and
• Have no financial support from any other source. 

The applicant for the SRD grant must meet the requirements listed above.

Now that you know you are eligible for the R350.00 SASSA grant, you must ensure that you have all of the necessary information.

Information required to apply for the SASSA R350.00 grant:

• Banking information, 
• Mobile number, 
• Personal details, 
• Acceptance of clauses in the Covid-19 SRD declaration and consent documents, and
• Employment information and lifestyle sustainability information. 

With this information at hand, one can begin an application. The SRD grant can be applied for online, through WhatsApp, or through the SASSA chatbot.

How to apply for the SASSA R350 grant via Whatsapp 

1. Add the SRD grant WhatsApp number (082 046 8553) to your phone, 
2. Send a Whatsapp message to the saved SRD Whatsapp number, 
3. The Whatsapp chatbot will require personal details. Personal details to be provided include:
   • ID number, name, and surname as printed on the smart card or ID book, and
   • Other personal details that include address, gender, etc, 
4. A reference number will be sent to the applicant’s cell phone number as supplied. An OTP and a website link will be sent to the applicant to click on. 
5. After clicking the link, the applicant will be redirected to where the sent OTP will be required. After inserting the OTP, the applicant should click VERIFY. 
6. The applicant will then need to provide his/her Surname and ID number. 
7. The applicant will then have to confirm details as provided and click to Agree to terms and conditions. 

How to apply for the SASSA R350 grant on the SRD website 

1. visit the SRD website, 
2. Enter your mobile number from a South African network services provider, 
3. You will receive an OTP on your mobile phone with 6 digits that you need to enter and then press ‘verify pin’. 
4. A consent page will appear which will require acceptance of every clause set out in the agreement, 
5. After accepting the terms, the applicant will have to provide his/her personal details. Personal details include ID number, full name, and surname.

To complete the SARS grant application, the applicant’s banking information will be required. Those who have obtained asylum or a work permit may also apply for the SASSA R350.00 grant. Those with a permit or asylum can apply online.

How to apply for the SASSA R350 grant as an asylum or permit holder

1. visit the SRD website, 
2. Enter your mobile number from a South African network services provider, 
3. You will receive an OTP on your mobile phone with 6 digits that you need to enter and then press ‘verify pin‘, 
4. A consent page will appear which will require acceptance of every clause set out in the agreement, 
5. Personal details will be required. Personal details include name, Surname, date of birth, country of origin, permit reference number/asylum file number, address, UIF information, employer details, and more. 

Conclusion 

Applying for the SASSA R350.00 grant is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, enlisting the assistance of someone you trust can be beneficial. When applying for the R350.00 grant, SASSA allows individuals to act as proxies.

Asylum seekers and permit holders are also eligible for the R350.00 grant. Only those that meet the qualifying criteria of the grant will be issued with the grant. As a result, one must first meet the requirements listed when applying for the grant on the SRD website.