SASSA SRD R370 Grant – How to Apply & More
SASSA SRD R370 grant, also known as the R350 Grant and Social Relief of Distress Grant, was introduced by the South African government during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to provide financial assistance to people who lost their jobs during COVID-19, and now it provides support to those unable to meet their basic needs.
In this article, I will explain the eligibility criteria for the SRD R370 grant. Then, I will discuss the complete application procedure and its processing time. I will also guide you on what actions to take if your application is declined.
What is SASSA SRD R370 Grant?
Initially, it was called SRD R350 because of the amount it provided to the grant holders. In 2024, when the grant amount increased to R370 per month, its name was also updated to SRD R370. At first, it was introduced for only six months but now the government has extended its period to 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for SRD R370 Grant
Before applying for the SRD R350 grant, you have to fulfill the following eligibility criteria of the grant:
This grant has simple criteria as compared to other SASSA grants.
What Will You Need to Apply for the SASSA SRD Grant?
If you are eligible for the SRD grant, then prepare these documents to apply for the grant:
Please ensure you have all the required documents before applying for the grant. It will help you receive the R350 grant without any delay.
How to Apply for the SRD R370 Grant?
There are 3 methods to apply for the SRD R370 grant. You have to follow one of the following methods to apply for SRD.
Method 1: Apply for the R350 Grant Via the SASSA Website
You can easily apply for the SRD R350 grant through the SASSA website by following this process:
Step 1: Visit the SASSA Official Website
First, go to the SASSA official website by clicking this link: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/said. After clicking this link, a new page will appear on your screen.
Step 2: Click on “Apply Online”
Go to the first section of the web page, which is the “How do I apply for this SRD Grant” section. Now, click “Click here to apply online”.
Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number
After clicking, a new webpage will open. You have to enter a mobile number that is registered under your name and currently in use. Now, click “Send SMS”.
Step 4: Enter the OTP
Now, SASSA will send a 6-digit OTP to your mobile number. Enter the OTP on the website and click the “Verify PIN” button.
Step 5: Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Now, you have to read and accept the terms and conditions. First, read the conditions and select “Agree” in the “Declaration and Consent” section.
Step 6: Provide the Required Information
After accepting, a new webpage will display on your screen. You have to provide the following information:
After entering this information, click the “Verify Identity” button. Now, new sections will appear where you have to enter this information:
Now, recheck your information to ensure that you have provided accurate information. Click the “Submit” button.
Step 7: Select the Payment Method
After clicking, new sections will appear on your screen. You have to choose one of the following payment methods to receive your payments:
Bank Account
If you are selecting “Bank Account,” then you have to enter the following information.
After entering this information, select the “Submit” button. Please remember the bank account should be in your name since SASSA can’t deposit your payments into another person’s account.
Cash Send
If you are choosing “Cash send” in the Payment details, then provide the following:
Now, select the “Submit” button to proceed.
Step 8: Confirmation Message
Lastly, you will receive a confirmation message from SASSA at your mobile number detailing that you have successfully submitted your application.
I suggest applying for the SRD R350 grant through the official SASSA website because it is a straightforward process and saves a lot of time.
Method 2: Apply for the SRD R370 Grant Via the Chatbot
You can also apply for the SRD R350 through the SASSA Chatbot by this method:
If you are selecting “Bank Account” as your payment details, then you have to enter this required information:
Finally, SASSA will send a confirmation message on your SASSA mobile phone confirming that your application for the SRD R350 has been submitted.
Method 3: Apply for the R350 Grant Via the WhatsApp Number
This is another method of applying for the SRD R370 grant. Here is the complete process:
Step 1: Save the SASSA Whatsapp Number
Firstly, you have to save the SASSA WhatsApp number, 082 046 8553, in your contacts.
Step 2: Contact SASSA
Click on the SASSA saved number, and send the message “SASSA” to initiate the process.
Step 3: Type” SRD” to Apply for the Grant
SASSA will reply to your message informing you to send “SRD” to apply for the SASSA grant. Now, send “SRD” in the chat.
Step 4: Type “1” in the Chat
After typing “SRD,” SASSA will reply to you, asking whether you are applying for yourself or on behalf of someone else. You will be provided with two options:
- Myself
- Someone Else
You have to type “1” to proceed.
Step 5: Read the Eligibility Criteria
After typing “1”, SASSA will send a message containing eligibility criteria. Firstly, read this criteria carefully and then type “Yes.”
Step 6: Provide Your Name
Now, SASSA will ask for your “First Name”. After entering your first name, SASSA will require your “Surname”. Now, you have to provide your surname.
Step 7: Agree to the Terms and Conditions
SASSA will send “Terms and Conditions” in the chat. You have to read these conditions thoroughly. After reading these conditions, you must type” Yes” to accept them.
Step 8: Enter Your Address
Now, SASSA will require your “Home Address”. Please enter your accurate home address.
Step 9: Choose Your Citizenship Status
SASSA will reply with a message asking for your citizenship status in chat. You have to select your status from these options:
- SA Citizen
- Permanent Resident
- Refugee
Step 10: Receive Your Reference ID, OTP, and Link
This is the most important step. SASSA will reply with your reference ID, one-time PIN, and the link to the form. Please note this OTP remains valid for only 2 hours. Now, you have to click this link.
Step 11: Enter Your OTP
After clicking this link, a form will appear on your screen. You have to enter your OTP in the first section. After entering the OTP, click the “Submit” button.
Step 12: Fill the Personal Information
Now, you have to enter your surname in the upper section. After entering your surname, select your citizenship status from these options:
After selecting the relevant option, enter your 13-digit ID in the last section. Now, you have to click “Continue”. Upon clicking, more sections will appear on your screen. You have to provide this information:
Once you enter these details, select the “I agree to the terms and conditions” box and click the “Submit Form” button. A new web page will appear on your screen with the message “Thank you for completing your COVID-19 of Distress application”.
Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your SRD grant application.
Note: You can only apply for the SASSA SRD grant through its official website and WhatsApp number. Please do not provide your personal information to any strange website to avoid scams.
How Much Will You Receive?
Initially, the SRD amount was R350. However, in April 2024, the SRD grant amount increased from R350 to R370.
Processing Time for SASSA R350 Grant
The average processing time for this grant is almost 60 to 90 days. The processing time can vary with the number of applications SASSA receives from the day you submit your application. Once you are selected for the SRD grant, you will receive payments from the day you apply. If SASSA rejects your grant application, SASSA will send a written letter detailing why your application was rejected.
What Should You Do if Your Application is Declined?
If SASSA rejects your grant application, you can reapply for the SRD grant. In this way, SASSA will reconsider your application. You can apply for the reconsideration of your application in the following way:
SASSA will take almost 60 to 90 days to reconsider your SRD grant application. This time may vary depending on the number of applications SASSA receives from the day you applied for the grant. SASSA will inform you about the decision through a message on your mobile phone.
Appeal for the SRD R370 Grant
If SASSA rejects your reconsideration application, you can appeal for the SASSA SRD grant. If you disagree with the SASSA’s decision, you can appeal it to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSA). Please note you have to appeal the decision within 90 days. Here is a simple process to appeal.
ITSA will review your application between 60 to 90 days. It depends on the number of the appeal ITSA receives from the day you appeal. If ITSA accepts your request, you will receive the payment on the day you apply for the grant.
How to Receive Your SRD Grant Payments?
Once your application for the SRD grant is accepted, you will receive your payments on specific dates. SASSA issues the monthly payment dates for SRD grants, as the payment dates are not fixed for the R350 grant. There are two methods for receiving your payments:
- If you have selected “Bank account” in your payment details, then you will receive grant payments directly in your account.
- If you have chosen “Cash Send,” you can withdraw your grant amount through SASSA partners like Pick n Pay, Usave, Boxer, and Spar.
SASSA SRD R370 Status Check
Once you submit your application, regularly check your application status to know if your application is accepted or rejected. Once your application is accepted, you must perform SASSA status check to get your grant payment dates. You can easily check your grant status with the help of these steps:
Further, you can also check your grant status through the SASSA toll-free number or WhatsApp number.
How to Cancel Your SASSA SRD Grant?
It is important to cancel your SRD grant when your financial conditions improve to avoid punishments and fines from the SASSA. Before starting the cancellation process, you have to check your grant status. If your grant status is “Inactive,” you do not have to cancel your grant. But if your SRD grant is still active, then you can cancel your grant through this method:
You can get further information regarding SRD grant cancellation from this guide (LINK OF HOW TO CANCEL YOUR SASSA GRANT APPLICATION?)
Conclusion
SASSA R350 is a great initiative by the South African government to eliminate poverty. It offers financial assistance to those who cannot meet their expenses. You can apply for the SRD grant through the official Website, WhatsApp, and Chatbot. Once selected, you will receive a monthly R370 on the payment dates issued by the SASSA.
