UPDATED: How to apply for the SASSA COVID-19 R350 Grant? (5 ways to apply)

South Africans, Permanent Residents or Refugees registered on the Home Affairs system; who are resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa; qualify for the R350 SASSA Grant paid per month in terms of the Special COVID19 Social Relief of Distress Grant? UPDATE: 2021 Applications for the R350 will open on Friday, 6 August CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

How to apply for the SASSA COVID-19 R350 Grant?

To apply for the R350 per month SASSA Grant you must do the following:

1. Apply online by CLICKING HERE OR
2. Download and fill-in the application form (CLICK HERE) – DO NOT USE A PEN, fill it in from your device (computer / table / phone) and the click on Email Form on Page 1 of the form. OR
3. Send an email with the supporting documents to [email protected] OR
4. Send a WhatsApp message written Hi to the SASSA SRD Whatsapp Line 082 046 8556 ; OR
5. Dial this USSD number on your phone: *134*7737#
6. Applications could be made by either calling SASSA National Call Center: 0800 60 10 11 or Email to: [email protected]

Applicants will need to provide the following compulsory information for processing of their applications:

• Identity Number/Department of Home Refugee permit;
• Name and Surname as captured in the ID (and initials);
• Gender and Disability;
• Banking details – Bank Name and Account Number;
• Contact details – Cell phone number;
• Proof of Residential Address.

Who qualifies for the SRD Grant?

• above the age of 18;
• Unemployed;
• Not receiving any income;
• Not receiving any social grant;
• Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits;
• Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme; and
• Not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

For more enquires on this Grant call SASSA or visit their regional offices:

Applications could be made by either calling SASSA National Call Center: 0800 60 10 11 or Email to: [email protected]

If you need further information, you may read the below excerpt from Minister Zulu’s speech:

Special COVID19 social relief of distress grant:

With regards to the Special COVID19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, the amount to be paid to qualifying applications will be R350 per month from May – October 2020. The Special COVID19 Social Relief of Distress Grant will be implemented in terms of the existing avenue provided for by the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) channel, which is administered in accordance with the provisions as set in the Social Assistance Act, 2004. 

In terms of Regulation 9 (6), social relief may be provided to South African citizens, permanent residents and refugees who have been affected by a disaster. This framework is currently administered through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) however with limitations. 

The implementation of existing grants (top-ups) is straightforward, as these beneficiaries are already in the SASSA database. SASSA was required to make adjustments to the system to increase the amount for existing beneficiaries for the next 6 months.

The new special COVID-19 SRD grant requires a rather more complex approach, as the beneficiaries are not on the SASSA database or other government grant support programmes. It was therefore necessary to introduce new systems and new qualification criteria, and amend some regulations.

The qualifying criteria for the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress of R350 per month for distressed individuals is as follows:

The grant will be available to South African Citizen, Permanent Resident or Refugee registered on the Home Affairs system; who are resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa;

In terms of Application process, an application for social relief of distress or a social grant may be lodged electronically over and above any other available means of lodging such applications. The measures applicable include sending a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and selecting SASSA or an E-mail to [email protected]. We are still finalising additional access channels and including SMS, self-help desks and online application process. We will give information on these soon.

For our people with no access to technology; Volunteers will be trained to assist applicants who cannot use technology and will be provided with gadgets to capture details on behalf of applicants. We have already received commitments from the NYDA, NDA and Community Development Workers in some of the provinces to assist. SASSA in the Provinces will further unpack these in consultation with Provincial structures and civil society organisation.

Notification of the outcome for an application for the Special COVID19 Social Relief of Distress Grant will be provided in the same manner in which the application was made.

In terms of payment, this will be made mainly through bank accounts of the applicants and through cash send measures through banks. The benefit/grant will be paid from the date of approval up to the end of October 2020 provided the qualifying criteria listed continues to be met. So if applicants apply in June their payments will be from June and there will be no backpay.