Empowering Lives: Navigating the SASSA SRD Grant – Eligibility, Application, and Support for Social Relief

Empowering Lives: Navigating the SASSA SRD Grant – Eligibility, Application, and Support for Social Relief

Are you in need of financial assistance during these uncertain times? Then let us introduce you to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, a program initiated by the South African government. Launched in April 2022 and extended until 31 March 2024, this grant offers essential aid to those facing financial challenges.

Managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) under the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004), with the approval of the Minister of Finance, the SRD Grant provides a monthly award of R350 to eligible recipients.

This guide presents key information about the SRD Grant, assisting you in navigating the application process and making the most of its benefits.

Process And Requirements For The SASSA SRD GRANT Application

Prospective applicants for the SASSA SRD Grant must carefully review and accept the terms presented in two forms: the declaration form and the consent form. These forms are essential for SASSA to verify the accuracy of the information provided in your application.

Make sure you have the following personal details ready for submission:

  • Identification Number (or your passport number/ special permit for non-South African citizens)
  •  Legal Name (as per your ID document/ passport) 
  • Contact number (SASSA will use this to update you on your application status, so use a number you frequently access) 
  • Current Residence or Physical Address 

Prerequisites For The Sassa SRD Grant Application

Eligibility for the SASSA SRD Grant is based on several criteria (note that these may change):

  • Applicant must reside in South Africa
  • Applicant must meet any one of the following conditions:
    • A citizen of South Africa
    • A Refugee in South Africa 
    • An Asylum Seeker in South Africa with an active section 22 permit or visa 
    • A Special Permit Holder in South Africa (under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation) 
  • Applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old
  •  Applicant’s income must not exceed R624 per month 
  • Applicant must be unemployed and should NOT be receiving financial support from any other source 
  • Applicant must be financially unable to support themselves 
  • Applicant should NOT be receiving any other social grants 
  • Applicant should NOT be eligible for or contributing towards UIF payment 
  • Applicant should NOT be unreasonably rejecting employment or educational opportunities 
  • Applicant should NOT be receiving a stipend from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) Guidelines on how to apply for SRD R350 Grant 

Submission Procedure For The Sassa SRD Grant ( Applying Process)

Applying for the SRD Grant involves a six-step process and requires access to a mobile phone, computer, or laptop, and internet.

STEP 1: SELECT AN APPLICATION METHOD:Applications for the SRD Grant can be submitted via WhatsApp, the SRD Website, or the SASSA Chatbot. Choose only one application method. Multiple applications will not expedite the process; in fact, they may delay your application.

Instructions for applying through each of these platforms are provided below:

For WhatsApp:

  1. Send a message to 082 046 8553 
  2. Share your personal information 
  3. You will receive a Reference number, an OTP, and a link to click on 
  4. Click on the given link, enter your OTP, and verify your account 
  5. Enter your surname and ID number 
  6. Confirm the personal details you shared during the WhatsApp chat 

For the SRD Website:

  1. Go to the SRD Website in your internet browser (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit Holder, find instructions on how to apply here) 
  2. Enter your mobile number and ID number, and then click “send SMS” 
  3. You will receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS 
  4. Input the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin” 

For the SASSA Chatbot:

  1. Go to the SASSA Website in your internet browser 
  2. Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (orange box on the side of the screen)
  3.  Input your ID number and mobile number 
  4. Choose the option to apply for the SRD R350 grant on the chat 
  5. Click on the SRD website link provided by the SASSA Chatbot 
  6. Follow the SRD website instructions 

STEP 2: ACKNOWLEDGE THE TERMS & CONDITIONS: Review and accept the statements on the Declaration and Consent forms Review and accept the clauses on the “You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant” document

STEP 3: SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

 Provide your personal information, including:

  • ID Number 
  • Legal Name and Surname (as printed on your ID Document/ ID Card) 
  • Gender 
  • Current Residence 
  • Contact Information (mobile number, email address) 
  • SASSA may request more information 

STEP 4: SELECT YOUR PAYMENT OPTION / PROVIDE YOUR BANKING DETAILS: 

For new applicants with a personal bank account, the following information is needed for payment:

  • Bank Name 
  • Account Number 
  • Branch Name 
  • Account Type 
  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions 
  • Submit your Banking Details 

For new applicants without a personal bank account, provide the following details:

  • Select Payment option – Cash Send 
  • Agree to Terms and Conditions 
  • Submit Banking Details 

For existing applicants with a personal bank account, confirm the following details:

  • Verify Existing Personal Banking Details 
  • Agree to Terms and Conditions 
  • Click Submit

 For existing applicants with the cash option, who wish to switch to the bank payment option.

STEP 5: Receive a SMS:

Upon receiving an SMS containing their banking details, applicants’ SRD R350 Grant applications become active and ready for processing.

STEP 6: SASSA Verification and Validation:

  1. SASSA cross-verifies your personal information (ID Number, Name, and Surname) with the Department of Home Affairs database. 
  2. Your ID Number is matched against approved databases like UIF, SARS, NSFAS, etc. 
  3. Fraud Risk Scoring is conducted with fraud prevention partners, verifying your ID number and mobile number against approved databases. 
  4. Based on the verification process, your application is either Approved or Declined.
  5.  If declined, you will receive a reason for the rejection. 

Application Process Completion:

  • Following the verification and validation steps, the application process concludes. 

Finalizing Your Application:

  • At this stage, SASSA reviews your information and makes a decision regarding your eligibility for the grant. 

Approval or Decline:

  • Your application can result in one of two outcomes: Approved or Declined.

Reason for Decline:

  • If your application is declined, SASSA will provide a specific reason for the rejection. 
  • This marks the end of the SRD Grant application process.

This marks the end of the SRD Grant application process. By following the SASSA Verification and Validation step, you can ensure the accuracy of your personal information and increase your chances of a successful application. Remember to provide truthful and complete details to avoid any issues during this process.

Cross-verifying The Status Of Your SASSA SRD Grant

After submitting your SRD Grant application, it’s crucial to monitor its progress. You can do this by:

  • Visiting the SRD grants website here. 
  • Sending a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553. 
  • Calling the Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11. 

Understanding Your SASSA SRD Grant Application Status

 The status of your SRD grant application will be displayed in the following ways:

  • Application Complete: Indicates that you have finished the reapplication process. Your SRD grant will undergo monthly verification, and you can track the details on the SRD website. 
  • Bank Details Pending: This status appears when your application or reapplication has been received, but no bank details or preferences have been submitted. You should provide your banking details through the SRD website. 
  • Reapplication Pending: This status indicates the absence of a reapplication. Applicants need to resubmit their application. 
  • Period Pending: This status indicates that the successful receipt of reapplication is awaiting verification for the period. Applicants should check their application status later in the month. 
  • Period Approved: This indicates that the application has been approved for the period. Check the pay day for payment details. 
  • Period Declined: This status shows that the application has been rejected for the period. The reasons for rejection will be provided. Applicants can request reconsideration.
  • Canceled: This status implies that the grant has been canceled. However, applicants can reinstate their grant on the SRD website. 

SASSA SRD Grant Payment Methods 

Payment of the SRD Grant can be made in two ways, depending on your preference:

  • Bank Deposit: Direct deposit into your bank account. 
  • Cash Collection: Collect cash from local grocery stores like Spar, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Boxer, and USave stores. The Post Office is no longer an option for collecting the R350 grants. 

Remember to bring your ID document and the cellphone registered to your contact number while collecting the grant payment. You can select your preferred payment method during the application process and even change it later.

Reasons For SASSA SRD Grant Rejection 

Your SRD Grant may be rejected for various reasons, including:

  • Alternative_Income_Source_Identified: The applicant’s bank account shows a balance of R624 or more for the reconsidered period. 
  • Identity_Verification_Failed: The provided personal information does not match the records of the Department of Home Affairs. 
  • Existing_Sassa_Grant: The applicant has been receiving a social grant during the reconsidered period. 
  • Nsfas_Registered: The applicant has been receiving NSFAS funds during the reconsidered period. 
  • Uif_Registered: The applicant has received a UIF payment during the reconsidered period. 
  • Gov_Payrol_Registered: The applicant has been employed within a government institution during the reconsidered period. 
  • Age_Outside_Range(>60): The applicant is over 60 years of age, not meeting the age requirement for the reconsidered period. 
  • Age_Outside_Range(<18): The applicant is under 18 years of age, not meeting the age requirement for the reconsidered period. 
  • Deceased record on DHA: The applicant is registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs database during the reconsidered period. 

How Long Will You Receive The SASSA SRD Grant For?

The SRD Grant will continue to be provided as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. According to amended regulations, applicants do not need to reconfirm their grant applications. However, if your circumstances change or if there are errors, you can update the responses to the screening questionnaire.

Applying For Reconsideration Of The SRD Grant

 If your application is rejected, you can apply for reconsideration form within 30 days of receiving the rejection reason. Reconsideration can be requested for each month that your application is declined. You can do this by:

  • Visiting the SRD Website (under the Application for Reconsideration tab). 
  • Calling the Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11. 

Appealing The SRD Grant Decision 

If you believe you meet all the criteria but your application is rejected, you can submit an appeal to be reassessed by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).

The steps for appealing are:

  1. Visit the SRD Appeals Website. 
  2. Enter your ID number. 
  3. Enter your mobile number used in the application and click “send pin”. 
  4. Input the pin on the SRD Appeals Website and click “submit”. 
  5. Select the month you wish to appeal for. 
  6. Select the reason for your appeal from the drop-down menu. 
  7. Click “submit” to complete the appeal application process. 

A new appeal application must be submitted for each month your application was declined.

Canceling Your Sassa SRD Grant 

If you no longer meet the requirements for the SRD Grant, you can apply for cancellation. 

Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the SRD Website (under the Cancel my Application tab). 
  2. Enter your ID number and mobile number, then click “send pin” to receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS. 
  3. Enter the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”. 
  4. Click “cancel my grant”. 
  5. Confirm the cancellation when prompted. 

Reinstating Your Sassa SRD Grant 

If you canceled your application but wish to resume your SRD grant, follow these steps:

  • Visit the SRD Website (under the Cancel my Application tab: reinstate my canceled grant application). 
  • Enter your ID number and mobile number, then click “send pin” to receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS. 
  • Enter the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”. 
  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions. 
  • Click “reinstate my grant”. 
  • Confirm the reinstatement when prompted. 

Updating Your Contact And Banking Details On Your SRD Grant 

Any change in contact details should be updated on the SRD grant system to ensure uninterrupted receipt of payments. You can change your contact details on the SRD Website.

If you wish to update your banking details for SRD grant payment, follow these steps on the SRD website:

  1. Visit the SRD Website. 
  2. Fill in your ID number. You will receive an SMS with a secure link to your registered mobile number. 
  3. Click on the link and follow the instructions. 
  4. Select your payment method. 

Please note that new banking details will be used only for future payments after verification. Each time you change your bank account, it will need to be verified, which might cause a delay in payment.

Updating Your Name And Surname On Your SRD Grant 

If your application was declined due to an incorrect name or surname, you can apply for a name change on the SRD website:

  1. Visit the SRD Website. 
  2. Fill in your ID number, Name, and Surname exactly as they appear on your ID Document or ID Card. 
  3. Follow the instructions provided to update your name and surname. 
  4. After updating, you will receive an OTP (one-time password) on your registered mobile number for verification. Enter this OTP where prompted on the website. 
  5. Upon successful verification, your name and surname will be updated in the system. 

Things to Remember 

It is crucial that your name and surname match exactly with those on your ID Document or ID Card to avoid any future complications. If you have recently changed your name or surname due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, ensure that your ID document is also updated and the change has been recorded in the Department of Home Affairs before updating the details on your SRD Grant application.

Failure to match the details may lead to the rejection of your application or difficulties in processing your SRD Grant payment.

If you encounter any issues, it is advisable to contact SASSA directly through their toll-free call center at 0800 60 10 11.

Please be cautious during this sensitive process involving your personal details. Beware of potential scams and only provide your personal details on the official SASSA SRD Website or through official SASSA communications.

Never share your personal details, especially your ID number and banking details, with unofficial sources or unknown individuals. SASSA will never request these details over the phone or via email. Stay safe while completing your SRD Grant application and managing your status.