How to Apply SASSA Online Application?

The SRD (Social Relief of Distress) grant is a temporary grant introduced by the South African government in 2020 to provide financial relief to individuals and households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown restrictions. The grant was initially available from May 2020 to October 2020, but has been repeatedly extended due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on livelihoods. The grant is currently available until March 2023.

The SRD grant provides R350 per month to eligible applicants who are unemployed and do not receive any other form of social grant or UIF payment. It can be a lifeline for many households struggling to make ends meet during this difficult economic period. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about applying for the SRD grant in 2022/2023.

SRD Grant Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SRD grant, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee registered on the Home Affairs database
• Be resident within the borders of South Africa
• Be above the age of 18 years
• Be unemployed
• Not receiving any income
• Not receiving any social grant
• Not receiving an unemployment insurance benefit and do not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits
• Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Not be a resident in a government funded or subsidized institution

Applicants must confirm that the above criteria is still applicable every month when they complete the required declaration on the SASSA online portal or WhatsApp channel. This confirmation is required to ensure ongoing eligibility for each month’s SRD grant payment.

Where and How to Apply for the SRD Grant

There are two channels to apply for the SRD grant:

1. Online via the SASSA website: srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Via WhatsApp: 082 046 8553

You only need to apply once using either of the above channels. SASSA will process one application per applicant. Here are step-by-step guides for applying through each channel:

Online Application via SASSA Website

Follow these steps to submit an online application via the SASSA website:

1. Go to srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Click on the “Apply Now” button
3. Accept the terms and conditions by ticking the box
4. Complete the application form providing your personal details, contact information, banking details etc.
5. Answer the screening questions truthfully to confirm your eligibility
6. Upload copies of your ID document, proof of residence, bank statement/letter
7. Complete the consent and declaration
8. Click Submit
9. You will receive an Application Reference Number – save this for future reference

Once submitted, you can use your ID number and reference number to check your application status on the website.

WhatsApp Application

To apply via WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Save the SASSA WhatsApp support number 082 046 8553 on your phone
2. Send the word “Hi” to this number via WhatsApp to start the application chatbot
3. Follow the prompts to complete the screening questionnaire and application
4. Provide your ID number when prompted which will be used to verify your identity
5. Upload copies of your documents when you reach that step
6. Complete all sections of the application process
7. Make sure to save the confirmation message you receive at the end

The WhatsApp channel allows you to complete the entire application and document submission process from your phone.

Documents Required for SRD Application

You will need to submit the following documents when applying for the SRD grant either online or via WhatsApp:

• Copy of your South African ID document (Green barcoded ID, Smart Card ID or valid passport for foreign nationals)
• Proof of residential address (utility bill, lease agreement, affidavit from tribal authority etc.)
• Signed declaration form confirming your eligibility
• Bank statement or bank account confirmation letter if you selected bank payment

All documents need to be clear and legible color scans or photos. Make sure your ID copy shows both sides. Certified copies may be requested in some cases but are not required for initial application.

How to Check SRD Application Status

You can check the status of your SRD grant application in a few ways:

• Online: Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and click on “Check Application Status”. Enter your ID number and reference number to see your status.
• WhatsApp: Send “Status” to 082 046 8553 and follow prompts to receive your status via WhatsApp.
• Call: The SASSA call center at 0800 601 011 can look up and inform you of your status over the phone.
• Visit: You can visit your nearest SASSA office and request an officer to check and inform you of your status.

It is recommended to proactively check your status online or via WhatsApp to get real-time updates.

How and When Is the SRD Grant Paid

If approved, the R350 SRD grant amount will be paid into your nominated bank account or via money transfer to your registered mobile number. The grant is paid from the date of approval until the current end date of March 2023. Payments are processed in the first week of every month.

For ongoing payments, approved beneficiaries need to complete a declaration on the SASSA portal or WhatsApp confirming that they still meet the eligibility criteria for that month. This declaration is required for each month’s payment to be processed.

Beneficiaries are advised to monitor their status online and ensure their declaration is completed between the 1st – 3rd of each month for timely receipt of that month’s funds.

How to Update or Change SRD Grant Details

If you need to update any details related to your approved SRD grant, follow these steps:

Change Banking Details

1. Log in to srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Under “I want to” select “Change my banking details”
3. Enter your ID number and complete OTP verification
4. Enter your new bank account details
5. Upload proof of bank account letter/statement
6. Changes will reflect after verification in 1 month

Update Personal Details

1. Log in to your profile on the SASSA portal
2. Under “My Profile” select “Edit My Details”
3. Update your personal details as required
4. Upload copy of marriage certificate if updating surname
5. Edited details will be updated after verification

Change Payment Method

1. Log in to your profile on the SASSA portal
2. Under “My Grants” select your SRD grant
3. Choose “Change Payment Method”
4. Select your new preferred payment method
5. Complete process and upload any required proofs

Note it may take 1-2 months for changes to banking details or payment method to reflect in your grant payments.

How to Report SRD Grant Problems

If you experience any issues with your SRD grant such as missing payments, unauthorized deductions, application issues etc. you can report it through the following channels:

• Call the SASSA call center at 0800 601 011 and explain the problem to an agent
• Visit your nearest SASSA office and request to speak to a supervisor or manager
• Submit an email to grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za detailing your issue and grant reference number
• Log in to your srd.sassa.gov.za profile and submit an online complaint/query
• Follow up regularly via the above channels until your issue is resolved

Be sure to keep records of any reference numbers provided when reporting issues for follow up purposes.

How to Appeal Rejected SRD Grant Application

If your SRD grant application gets rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision. Follow this process:

1. Log in to your SASSA online profile and download the rejection letter
2. Review the reasons provided for rejection in the letter
3. Prepare documentation and information to counter the rejection reasons
4. Access the online DSD Appeals Portal
5. Create an account and submit your appeal online providing details
6. Specify the date/months you are appealing for reconsideration
7. Upload supporting documents
8. Submit the appeal and monitor the appeal status online
9. May take 1-2 months for appeal outcome to be determined

Being clear on why your application was rejected will help in drafting a strong appeal case.

Cancelling the SRD Grant

If your circumstances change and you no longer want to receive the SRD grant, you can opt to cancel it at any time by:

• Logging into your SASSA online profile
• Selecting the “Cancel Grant” option
• Completing the reason for cancellation
• Submitting the cancellation request

Payments will stop being processed the month after a cancellation request is received.

If you change your mind again later, you can reinstate a cancelled SRD application via the same SASSA portal within 3 months of cancellation.

SRD Grant Payment Dates

SRD grant payments are processed in the first week of each month. Here are the estimated SRD grant payment dates for the remaining months it is available:

• February 2023: 1 – 3 February
• March 2023: 1 – 3 March

Beneficiaries should monitor their bank accounts in the first week of each month for receipt of funds.

SRD Grant Extension News

The SRD grant has already been extended several times beyond the initial October 2020 end date. The current extension is until March 2023. It is possible there may be further extensions if economic conditions remain weak.

Beneficiaries should monitor news from SASSA for any extension announcements in early 2023. The online portal and WhatsApp service will also broadcast any updates on grant extension news.

People Also Ask

How do I qualify for the SRD grant?

To qualify for the R350 SRD grant, you must be a South African citizen, unemployed, not receiving any income or other grants, and meet all other criteria listed on the SASSA website/application form. Your eligibility is checked each month when declaring to continue receiving the funds.

Can I apply for the SRD grant at Pick n Pay?

No, you cannot apply for the SRD grant at Pick n Pay stores. Applications are only accepted through the SASSA website at srd.sassa.gov.za or by Whatsapp at 082 046 8553. Pick n Pay is only used to collect grant payments.

How do I update my ID number on SRD application?

If you provided an incorrect ID number on your SRD application, you can request a correction by submitting the application ID number update form on the SASSA website. Provide your correct ID number and details as they appear on your ID document. Changes can take a few weeks to reflect.

Do I need to reapply for SRD every month?

You only need to submit one SRD grant application, but must complete a monthly declaration confirming your eligibility for each month’s payment. This declaration is done online or via WhatsApp in the first 3 days of each month.

How long does SRD application take to be approved?

SRD applications can take approximately 1 to 2 months to be processed and approved, if all documents and application details are correctly provided. Ensure you meet eligibility and include all required proofs to avoid delays.