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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) plays a crucial role in administering social assistance programs, including the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. Established in 2005, SASSA aims to provide financial assistance to eligible citizens and permanent residents facing economic challenges.
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Continuation and Improvement of R350 Grant
In a recent State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed the continuation and enhancement of the R350 grant. This grant, initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic, remains available to provide ongoing social relief, with improvements in its structure.
Changes in the Application Process
Under the Social Assistance Act, the SRD grant is no longer governed by the State of Disaster Act, signaling changes in the application process. While initially set to end in March 2023, the grant has been extended to March 2024, with a significant allocation of R44 billion to support 10.5 million beneficiaries monthly.
Eligibility Criteria for R350 Grant
To qualify for the R350 SRD grant, applicants must meet specific criteria, including unemployment, South African citizenship, age between 18 and 59, and residence within South Africa. Additionally, applicants should not be receiving other social grants or residing in government-subsidized institutions.
Application Methods
1. SASSA Online Application at srd.sassa.gov.za
- Visit srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Choose citizenship criteria (‘South African ID Holders’ or ‘Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders’).
- Click on ‘click here to apply online.’
- Enter mobile number, receive and enter the one-time pin, and complete the application steps as guided by SASSA.
2. Application via WhatsApp
- Add 082 046 8553 as a contact.
- Send ‘hi’ and respond with ‘help.’
- Choose option ‘4’ for the Unathi SASSA platform.
- Begin the application process by providing necessary details as instructed.
Required Documentation for Application
To ensure successful consideration, applicants must grant consent for identity, residency, and income verification. Acceptance of the declaration and consent is also necessary, as the SRD grant serves as a temporary provision for social relief.
Tracking SRD Grant Application
1. SASSA Online Application Tracking
- Visit the SASSA SRD grant website.
- Navigate to ‘Application status.’
- Click ‘Click here to check online.’
- Fill in the required fields to view the application status.
2. Phone Application Tracking
- Call 0800 60 10 11.
- Follow the provided prompts to check your application status.
3. WhatsApp Application Tracking
- Add 082 046 8553 to your phone.
- Send a message and follow the instructions provided.
Important Considerations
Applicants may experience delays in viewing their application status due to the high volume of daily applications received by SASSA. The entire process may take up to three months (90 days), after which applicants will receive an SMS notifying them of the approval or rejection of the SRD grant.