SASSA SRD R370 Grant (Previously R350) – Complete Guide. On 1 April 2024, the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant was officially increased from R350 to R370. This comes after Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, announced that the SRD grant would be increased after first being introduced in 2020.
The Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) is a financial assistance program from the South African government for its citizens who are facing financial difficulties, unable to fulfill the most basic needs of their families and needing temporary assistance. It is also know as SASSA Unemployment Grant and SRD R350 Grant.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is the government agency responsible for the administration of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. The Social Relief of Distress grant is administered with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance, in accordance with section 32 of the Social Assistance Act of 2004, for smooth and proper financial management.
In this article we will explain the complete information and application process for the SASSA SRD grant. We will also guide you about the qualification criteria and what to do if your application is rejected.
Important Note: The Grant name R350 used throughout article is referred to SASSA Social Relief of Distress Grant. It was popular with name R350 but currently it is increased to R370.
Eligibility Criteria For The SASSA SRD Grant
Before applying for the SRD grant, you first need to understand its eligibility criteria to verify if you qualify for the grant. The criteria are the following:
Essential Information And Required Documents to Apply for SRD R370 Grant
After confirming your eligibility for the SASSA SRD grant, you can apply by providing the required information and documents (original or certified copies) to SASSA.
You will need to acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of the Declaration and Consent Documents before submitting the application. The required documents are the following:
Please gather all your required documents before applying for the SASSA SRD grant and make sure that they are up to date. The document requirements may also change, so it is recommended to check the updated requirements from the SASSA official website.
Procedure to Apply for the SASSA SRD R370 Grant
You should have a laptop, computer, or a mobile phone with an active internet connection to apply for the SRD R370 grant. Please follow the below steps to submit your application correctly:
Step 1: Choosing the Application Channel
You can apply via WhatsApp, the SASSA chatbot, or the SASSA official website for the SRD grant. You must submit your application only once by using only one method. The multiple submission will not speed up your application process.
Apply Online Through the SASSA SRD Website:
- Visit the SASSA official website from the link https://srd.sassa.gov.za/said.
- Navigate to the “How do I apply for this SRD Grant” section and click the “click here to apply online” button.
- Provide your mobile number which is registered on your name and currently active.
- Click on the “Send SMS” button.
- The OTP code will be sent to your provided phone number.
- Enter that code on the website and click “Verify Pin”.
- Continue to the below step 2.
Apply Through WhatsApp:
- Save the SRD WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 in your contact.
- Send a message to the saved WhatsApp number.
- Provide the personal information asked in the chat.
- You will receive the OPT code, a reference number, and the SRD website link in chat.
- Click on the link, provide the OTP and click verify.
- Provide your ID number and Surname
- Confirm your details are the same as given on WhatsApp chat.
- Continue from the below step 2.
Apply Through the SASSA Chatbot:
- Navigate to the SASSA website in your browser.
- Click on the “SRD R370 Grant Assistance” chatbot (located on the right side of the website page).
- Provide your ID number and mobile number in chat.
- You will be provided the options in chat. Select “I want to apply for SRD R370 grant” from the options.
- You will be provided with the link to the SRD website in chat.
- Click on the provided link and continue from the below step 2.
Step 2: Agree to the Terms & Conditions
Now, you will be asked to read and agree to the terms and conditions of consent and declaration. Also, read and agree to the terms of You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant document. Understand and agree to them and then move to the next step.
Step 3: Fill Out Your Personal Information
Now fill out your details including:
Please keep in mind that SASSA can also ask you for further information.
Step 4: Select Your Preferred Payment Method (Banking Details)
There is a possibility that you may have applied for the SRD grant in the past, or you may be applying for the first time. So, this step is gonna little different for both scenarios. Please follow the below steps accordingly:
For New Applicants:
If you are applying for the first time for SRD grant, you will be asked to select one from the following two payment methods:
- Cash Send
- Bank Account
Bank Account:
If you are going to use a bank account as your payment method, you need to provide the following banking details:
The bank account should be in your name, as SASSA can’t pay your payments to the other person’s bank account.
Cash Send:
To use Cash Send as your payment method:
For Existing Applicants:
If you have applied for the SRD grant in the past and your payment method was a bank account, then follow the steps:
If your previous payment method was cash send method, but you want to change it to a bank account method, then provide the following banking details:
Please keep in mind that the bank account you are providing should be in your name, as SASSA can’t pay your payments to the other person’s bank account.
Step 5: Confirmation Message
Now, you will receive an SMS on your provided mobile number confirming your banking details. Congratulations, this confirmation means that your SASSA SRD R350 application is active now.
Step 6: SASSA Verification Process
The process from your side is completed now and the application is transferred to SASSA. Now, they will verify and validate all your information from the government databases:
Once SASSA completes the verification process, they will approve or decline your SRD grant application with a valid reason. Hence, your application process cycle is completed.
How To Apply For SRD Grant Via SMS Method
If you don’t have an internet connection, then you can also apply via mobile SMS method. Dial the USSD code *134*7737# and follow the instructions in the video below:
How much is the SASSA SRD Grant?
The current amount for the SASSA SRD grant is R370 per month, previously it was R350. This increase was implemented for the first time in April 2024, starting from the day it was introduced.
Processing Time for the Application of the SASSA SRD Grant
The processing time for the SASSA SRD R370 grant application is between 60 to 90 days. It may vary depending on the amount of applications they are receiving. After your application is processed and your grant is approved, you will be paid as of the date you apply. If your application was declined, SASSA will provide you with a letter explaining why your application was denied and how to request an appeal.
Reapplication Process for SRD R350 Grant Application
The SASSA reapplication process is similar to the initial application submission. This process is for the applicants who were previously eligible for the SRD grant but missed their initial application duration or whose grant period expired. The application submission should be made on the SASSA website using the link srd.sassa.gov.za. You will have to provide the same information that you provided in your first SRD grant application which includes:
SASSA will review your application once again to make a decision. If your application is approved, you will start receiving payments else you will be notified if the application is declined.
How to Reconsider Your SRD Grant Application
If your initial SRD grant application is declined, the reconsideration process is a way to request the SASSA to review your application for the second time. You have the right to apply for reconsideration if you believe that your application was declined incorrectly. Before applying, you need to review your personal information and other details to ensure they are correct. You can apply within 30 days after your application rejection and it can be used only once.
Lodge an Appeal for Your SASSA SRD R370 Grant
If the reconsideration request is also denied, but you still disagree with the decision of SASSA, you have the right to appeal the decision of your SASSA SRD grant to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA). You must appeal within 90 days of being notified by providing the following details:
All the details are submitted to ITSAA through the link srd.dsd.gov.za/appeals/appeal. If ITSAA agrees with you, they will overturn the decision of SASSA, and you will start receiving the SRD grant payments else you will be notified if your appeal is declined.
Understanding the SRD Grant Payment Process
Once your SRD grant is approved, you will be paid from the date you applied. SASSA releases the payment schedule every month as they don’t have any fixed dates. Check the upcoming SASSA payment dates.
SASSA will pay you the grant payments through the following two methods (You need to opt for one):
NOTE: Post offices used to be cash collection points for the SASSA R370 grant, but they are no longer.
If you are unable to collect grants yourself due to being too old, you can nominate someone to collect payments on your behalf.
How to Cancel your SRD R370 Grant Application
If your financial condition improves and you want to cancel your application, You can cancel it before it has been approved. If your application has already been approved, you will need to appeal the decision to cancel your application.
Before canceling your application, first check your application status from the SASSA website, to see if your grant is inactive. If it is inactive, then there is no need to cancel your application. But if it is active, then you need to cancel your application by using the following method:
How To Reinstate Your Canceled SRD R370 Grant Application
Reinstating a canceled application is the process of requesting the reactivation of your previously canceled application. There might be a situation when you cancel your R370 SRD grant application due to a change in your employment or financial status by realizing that you do not need the grant longer. But later, the circumstances change, or you lose your source of income and need to reinstate your canceled application.
In these scenarios, you can reinstate your SASSA application by the following method:
Updating Your SRD Grant Contact Details
You need to update your contact details if they are changed to ensure that you receive your grant payments without any interruption.
You can update your contact details by the following method:
Please keep in mind that the changes will appear within 24 hours after the update.
How to Change Your SRD Grant Banking Details
The option to update banking details is only available to registered SASSA SRD 350 grant beneficiaries. The process to update the banking details differs for African Nationality Holders and Asylum Seekers/Special Permit Holders. You have to visit the website through the link, head over to the bottom and confirm your nationality:
For South African ID Holders
Click the “click here to proceed” button. You will be redirected to another page. Go to the tab “How do I change my banking details” and provide your ID number. An SMS will be sent to your registered mobile number with a secured unique link. Click on the link and follow the instructions carefully to update your banking details.
For Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders
Click the “click here to proceed” button. After you are redirected to another page, go to the tab “Lookup Payment ID to collect payment at Pick ‘n Pay”. Provide your file number, passport number and cell phone number you used for registration. If your details are correct, you will be provided further instructions to update the details.
You need to provide your bank account registered on your name, as SASSA cannot pay your grant in another person’s bank account. The same goes for the mobile number, and it should also be registered on your name. The new bank details will be only used for future payments after the verification.
Updating Name and Surname For SRD Grant
SASSA allows you to update your name and surname once a month. You can only request updates if your name is incorrect on your ID document. If there are other reasons, such as marriage, divorce or any other reasons, then you need to update your ID document first.
Before updating, please make sure that your name and surname are the same as it appears on your Smart ID Card or South African green ID Document. Here are the steps to request an update for your name and surname:
SASSA will update your name and surname on their system after verification from the Department of Home Affairs. You will receive an SMS notification once your update is completed or if they need any additional details.
Extension of SRD R350 Grant
The SRD R350 grant was initially introduced on May 16, 2020 as a temporary measure to help the South Africans who were struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was supposed to be paid for six months, but the government extended it multiple times.
According to the last update, the government is extended it until March 2025. However, there is still a chance that the government may extend it further.
New Policy for Period of Social Relief of Distress
According to the new policy, Social Relief of Distress will be paid monthly until you are eligible, you don’t need to reapply after every 3 months further. As according to the old policy, you had to reapply after three month periods to continue receiving the SRD payments, but that is no longer needed.
Originally posted 2024-06-17 09:35:05.