With President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announcing that the R350 grant will be extended, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is gearing up to disperse the next cycle of the grant. Here are a few details on when the grant will end and how you can apply if you have not submitted your online application.
Applications for the Social Releaf of Distress (SRD) grant, which has now been extended to continue for an additional year, will close on March 2023. Beneficiaries of the grant can apply by following the steps listed below.
Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, is due to give directives on how the next cycle of the SRD grant will be dispersed before the end of March.
Applications must be done using one of the following platforms:
SASSA website – https://srd.sassa.gov.za: Learn How To Apply To SASSA R350 Grant Online
Email – srd@sassa.gov.za
WhatsApp: 082 046 8553 (send a Whatsapp message to this number. Make sure to include your name, surname and ID number in the Whatsapp message. You will then receive a message which will detail the next steps you need to follow.)
USSD line: Dial *134*7737# and follow the prompts
GovChat: https://govchat.app/login
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govchat.org Learn how to apply with Gov Chat
According to Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi has further stated that they are currently going through appeals and people can still apply.
However, before applying, applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria listed below:
- South African citizens/permanent residents/refugees/asylum seekers/holders of special permits
- Unemployed
- Have no alternative source of income or financial support from any other source
- Between the ages of 18 and 60
The new cycle of the grant is also open to Caregivers who are not receiving any grant on their own behalf.
