SASSA SRD R350 Grant Eligibility Criteria
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant is designed to provide financial assistance to unemployed South Africans who meet specific eligibility criteria. Before applying, ensure that you meet all the requirements outlined below.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SASSA SRD R350 grant, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:
- ✓Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered with Home Affairs
- ✓Be currently residing within the borders of South Africa
- ✓Be aged 18 to 60 years old
- ✓Be unemployed with no income
- ✓Not be receiving any social grant (including Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, or Old Age Pension)
- ✓Not be receiving unemployment insurance benefit (UIF)
- ✓Not be receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or other government funding
- ✓Not be residing in a government-funded or subsidized institution
Disqualifying Factors
You will NOT qualify for the SRD R350 grant if any of the following apply to you:
- ✕You are employed (full-time, part-time, or casual) and receiving income
- ✕You are registered and active on the UIF database as receiving benefits
- ✕You are receiving financial support from any other government scheme
- ✕Your bank account verification shows that you have income from other sources
- ✕You are registered with SARS as a taxpayer with income above the threshold
- ✕You are receiving financial assistance from a family member who is legally obligated to support you
- ✕You have assets or investments that generate income
- ✕You are not a South African citizen, permanent resident, or registered refugee
Verification Process
When you apply for the SRD R350 grant, SASSA will verify your eligibility by checking your information against various government databases, including:
Department of Home Affairs
To verify your identity and citizenship status
South African Revenue Service (SARS)
To check if you have income or are registered as a taxpayer
Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF)
To verify that you are not receiving unemployment benefits
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
To confirm you are not receiving a student stipend
Department of Correctional Services
To verify you are not incarcerated
Government Pension Fund
To check if you are receiving a government pension
National Population Register
To verify your age and status
Banking Association of South Africa
To verify your banking details and check for income
Required Documents for Application
When applying for the SRD R350 grant, you will need to have the following information ready:
- Your 13-digit South African ID number
- Your name and surname as they appear on your ID document
- Your gender and disability status
- Your contact details (cell phone number and email address if available)
- Your residential address
- Your banking details (if you have a bank account)
How to Apply for the SRD R350 Grant
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the SRD R350 grant through the following channels:
- 1Online Application: Visit the official SASSA SRD website at srd.sassa.gov.za
- 2WhatsApp Application: Send a message to 082 046 8553
- 3USSD Application: Dial *134*7737# from any mobile phone
- 4Call Center Application: Call the SASSA toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11
After Applying
After submitting your application, SASSA will process it and verify your information. This process may take several days to weeks. You can check your application status using our status check tool on the home page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the R350 grant if I'm receiving a Child Support Grant?
No, if you are already receiving any social grant (including Child Support Grant, Disability Grant, or Old Age Pension), you are not eligible for the R350 SRD grant.
I'm a foreign national with a valid permit. Can I apply?
Only refugees registered with the Department of Home Affairs are eligible. Asylum seekers and other foreign nationals with permits are not eligible for the SRD R350 grant.
What if I'm unemployed but my spouse is working?
If your spouse's income is used to support you and exceeds the threshold, you may not qualify for the grant. SASSA considers household income during the verification process.
I'm a student. Can I apply for the R350 grant?
If you are a student receiving NSFAS funding or any other government stipend, you are not eligible. However, if you are a student without any financial support, you may qualify if you meet all other criteria.
What if my application is rejected even though I believe I'm eligible?
If your application is rejected and you believe you meet all the eligibility criteria, you can lodge an appeal within 30 days of receiving the rejection notification. Visit our Appeal Process page for more information.
How often do I need to reapply for the SRD R350 grant?
The current SRD R350 grant system requires beneficiaries to reconfirm their eligibility every three months. SASSA will notify you when you need to reconfirm your details.