SASSA SRD Grant | Everything You Need to Know

Have you been seeking financial relief amidst the uncertainties of these trying times? Then, allow us to introduce the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant, a ray of hope created by the South African government. Initiated in April 2022 and extended until 31 March 2024, this grant provides much-needed assistance to those grappling with financial constraints.

Administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) under the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004), and implemented with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, the SRD Grant is a powerful initiative that awards R350 per month to eligible candidates.

This article brings to you the essentials of the SRD Grant, helping you to navigate the application process and optimize the benefits.

Process And Requirements For The SASSA SRD GRANT Application

For the SASSA SRD Grant application, prospective applicants need to review and agree to terms outlined in two forms: the declaration form and the consent form. These documents are necessary for SASSA to confirm the accuracy of the information given in your application.

Ensure you have the following personal details ready for submission:

• Identification Number (or your passport number/ special permit for non-South African citizens)
• Legal Name (as per your ID document/ passport)
• Contact number (This is how SASSA will update you about your status, hence it should be a number you frequently use)
• Current Residence or Physical Address

Prerequisites For The Sassa SRD Grant Application

Eligibility for the SASSA SRD Grant depends on several criteria (note that these may be subject to change):

• Applicant must live within South Africa
• Applicant should meet any one of these conditions:
  • A citizen of South Africa
  • A Refugee in South Africa
  • An Asylum Seeker in South Africa with an active section 22 permit or visa
  • A Special Permit Holder in South Africa (under the Special Angolan Dispensation, the Lesotho Exemption Permit Dispensation, or the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Dispensation)
• Applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old
• Applicant’s income must not exceed R624 per month
• Applicant must be jobless and should NOT be receiving financial support from any other source
• Applicant must be financially incapable to support themselves
• Applicant should NOT be receiving any other social grants
• Applicant should NOT be eligible for or contributing towards UIF payment
• Applicant should NOT be unreasonably rejecting employment or educational opportunities
• Applicant should NOT be receiving a stipend from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) Guidelines on how to apply for SRD R350 Grant

Submission Procedure For The Sassa SRD Grant ( Applying Process)

The SRD Grant application is a six-step procedure and requires access to a mobile phone, computer, or laptop, and internet.

STEP 1: SELECT AN APPLICATION METHOD:

Applications for the SRD Grant can be filed through WhatsApp, the SRD Website, or the SASSA Chatbot. Only one method of application should be chosen. Multiple applications won’t speed up the process; instead, they may delay your application.

Guidance on how to apply through each of these platforms can be found below:

For WhatsApp:

1. Send a message to 082 046 8553
2. Share your personal information
3. You will receive a Reference number, an OTP, and a link to click on
4. Click on the given link, enter your OTP, and verify your account
5. Enter your surname and ID number
6. Confirm the personal details you shared during the WhatsApp chat

For the SRD Website:

1. Go to the SRD Website in your internet browser (if you are a Refugee, Asylum Seeker, or Special Permit Holders, instructions on how to apply can be found here)
2. Enter your mobile number and ID number, and then click “send SMS”
3. You will receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS
4. Input the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”

For the SASSA Chatbot:

1. Go to the SASSA Website in your internet browser
2. Click on the SRD R350 Grant assistance chatbox (orange box on the side of the screen)
3. Input your ID number and mobile number
4. Choose the option to apply for the SRD R350 grant on the chat
5. Click on the SRD website link provided by the SASSA Chatbot
6. Follow the SRD website instructions

STEP 2: ACKNOWLEDGE THE TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Review and accept the statements on the Declaration and Consent forms Review and accept the clauses on the “You and Your Special COVID-19 SRD Grant” document

STEP 3: SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Provide your personal information, including:

• ID Number
• Legal Name and Surname (as printed on your ID Document/ ID Card)
• Gender
• Current Residence
• Contact Information (mobile number, email address)
• SASSA may request more information

STEP 4: SELECT YOUR PAYMENT OPTION / PROVIDE YOUR BANKING DETAILS:

For new applicants with a personal bank account, the following information is needed for payment:

• Bank Name
• Account Number
• Branch Name
• Account Type
• Agree to the Terms and Conditions
• Submit your Banking Details

For new applicants without a personal bank account, provide the following details:

• Select Payment option – Cash Send
• Agree to Terms and Conditions
• Submit Banking Details

For existing applicants with a personal bank account, confirm the following details:

• Verify Existing Personal Banking Details
• Agree to Terms and Conditions
• Click Submit

For existing applicants with the cash option, who wish to switch to the bank payment option.

STEP 5: Receive a SMS:

Once applicants receive an SMS containing their banking details, their SRD R350 Grant application becomes active and ready for processing.

STEP 6: SASSA Verification and Validation:

1. SASSA cross-checks your personal information (ID Number, Name, and Surname) with the Department of Home Affairs database.
2. Your ID Number is matched against approved databases like UIF, SARS, NSFAS, etc.
3. Fraud Risk Scoring is conducted with fraud prevention partners, verifying your ID number and mobile number against approved databases.
4. Based on the verification process, your application is either Approved or Declined.
5. If declined, you will receive a reason for the rejection.

Application Process Completion:

• After the verification and validation steps, the application process concludes.

Finalizing Your Application:

• At this point, SASSA has reviewed your information and made a decision regarding your eligibility for the grant.

Approval or Decline:

• Your application can result in one of two outcomes: Approved or Declined.

Reason for Decline:

• If your application is declined, SASSA will provide a specific reason for the rejection.
• This marks the end of the SRD Grant application process.

By following the SASSA Verification and Validation step, you can ensure the accuracy of your personal information and increase your chances of a successful application. Remember to provide truthful and complete details to avoid any issues during this process.

Cross-verifying The Status Of Your SASSA SRD Grant

After the submission of your SRD Grant application, it’s important to track the progress. This can be achieved by:

• Visiting the SRD grants website here.
• Sending a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553.
• Calling the Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11.

Comprehending Your SASSA SRD Grant Application Status

The status of your SRD grant application will be displayed in the following ways:

• Application Complete: Indicates that you have completed the reapplication process. Your SRD grant will undergo monthly verification, the details of which can be tracked on the SRD website.
• Bank Details Pending: This status arises when your application or reapplication has been received but no bank details or preferences have been submitted. Applicants are advised to provide their banking details through the SRD website.
• Reapplication Pending: The absence of a reapplication is indicated by this status. Applicants need to resubmit their application.
• Period Pending: The successful receipt of reapplication is denoted by this status. However, the application’s verification for the period is yet to be done. Applicants are advised to check their application status later in the month.
• Period Approved: This denotes that the application has been approved for the period. Check the pay day for payment details.
• Period Declined: The application’s rejection for the period is displayed by this status. The reasons for the rejection will be provided. Applicants can submit a request for reconsideration.
• Canceled: This status implies that the grant has been canceled. However, applicants can reinstate their grant on the SRD website.

SASSA SRD Grant Payment Methods

Payment of the SRD Grant can be made in two ways, as per your preference:

• Bank Deposit: Direct deposit into your bank account.
• Cash Collection: Collect cash from local grocery stores like Spar, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Boxer, and USave stores. The Post Office is no longer an option for collecting the R350 grants.

Remember to bring your ID document and the cellphone registered to your contact number while collecting the grant payment. You can select your preferred payment method during the application process and even change it later.

Reasons For SASSA SRD Grant Rejection

Your SRD Grant may be rejected for a variety of reasons, some of which are:

• Alternative_Income_Source_Identified: The applicant’s bank account displays a balance of R624 or more for the reconsidered period.
• Identity_Verification_Failed: The provided personal information does not match the records of the Department of Home Affairs.
• Existing_Sassa_Grant: The applicant has been receiving a social grant during the reconsidered period.
• Nsfas_Registered: The applicant has been receiving NSFAS funds during the reconsidered period.
• Uif_Registered: The applicant has received a UIF payment during the reconsidered period.
• Gov_Payrol_Registered: The applicant has been employed within a government institution during the reconsidered period.
• Age_Outside_Range(>60): The applicant is over 60 years of age, thus not meeting the age requirement for the reconsidered period.
• Age_Outside_Range(<18): The applicant is under 18 years of age, thus not meeting the age requirement for the reconsidered period.
• Deceased record on DHA: The applicant is registered as deceased on the Department of Home Affairs database during the reconsidered period.

How Long Will You Continue to Receive The SASSA SRD Grant For?

The SRD Grant will continue to be provided as long as you meet the requirements. Due to amended regulations, applicants do not need to reconfirm their grant applications. However, if your circumstances change or if there are errors, you can update the responses to the screening questionnaire.

Applying For Reconsideration Of The SRD Grant

In the case of application rejection, you can apply for reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the rejection reason. Reconsideration can be requested for each month that your application is declined. This can be done by:

• Visiting the SRD Website (under the Application for Reconsideration tab).
• Calling the Toll-Free Call Centre at 0800 60 10 11.

Appealing The SRD Grant Decision

If your application is rejected but you meet all the criteria, you can submit an appeal to be reassessed by the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).

The steps to appeal are:

1. Visit the SRD Appeals Website.
2. Enter your ID number.
3. Enter your mobile number used in the application and click “send pin”.
4. Input the pin on the SRD Appeals Website and click “submit”.
5. Select the month you wish to appeal for.
6. Select the reason for your appeal from the drop-down menu.
7. Click “submit” to complete the appeal application process.

A new appeal application needs to be submitted for each month your application was declined.

Cancelling Your Sassa SRD Grant

If you no longer meet the requirements for the SRD Grant, apply for cancellation by following these steps:

1. Visit the SRD Website (under the Cancel my Application tab).
2. Enter your ID number and mobile number, then click “send pin” to receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS.
3. Enter the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”.
4. Click “cancel my grant”.
5. Confirm cancellation when prompted.

Reinstating Your Sassa SRD Grant

If you canceled your application but wish to resume your SRD grant, follow these steps:

1. Visit the SRD Website (under the Cancel my Application tab: reinstate my canceled grant application).
2. Enter your ID number and mobile number, then click “send pin” to receive a 6-digit OTP via SMS.
3. Enter the OTP number on the SRD website and click “verify pin”.
4. Agree to the Terms and Conditions.
5. Click “reinstate my grant”.
6. Confirm reinstatement when prompted.

Updating Your Contact And Banking Details On Your SRD Grant

Any change in contact details should be updated on the SRD grant system to ensure uninterrupted receipt of payments. You can change your contact details on the SRD Website.

If you wish to update your banking details for SRD grant payment, follow these steps on the SRD website:

1. Visit the SRD Website.
2. Fill in your ID number. You will receive an SMS with a secure link to your registered mobile number.
3. Click on the link and follow the instructions.
4. Select your payment method.

Please note that new banking details will be used only for future payments after verification. Each time you change your bank account, it will need to be verified, which might cause a delay in payment.

Updating Your Name And Surname On Your SRD Grant

If your application was declined due to incorrect name or surname provided in your application, you can apply for the name change on the SRD website:

1. Visit the SRD Website.
2. Fill in your ID number, Name, and Surname exactly as they appear on your ID Document or ID Card.
3. Follow the instructions provided to update your name and surname.
4. After updating, you will receive an OTP (one-time password) on your registered mobile number for verification. Enter this OTP where prompted on the website.
5. Upon successful verification, your name and surname will be updated in the system.

Things to Remember

Remember, it is crucial that the name and surname match exactly with the one on your ID Document or ID Card to avoid any future complications. If you have recently changed your name or surname due to marriage, divorce, or other personal reasons, ensure that your ID document is also updated and the change has been recorded in the Department of Home Affairs before updating the details on your SRD Grant application.

Failure to match the details may lead to rejection of your application or difficulties in processing your SRD Grant payment.

If you still encounter issues, it may be best to consult directly with SASSA via their call center, toll-free at 0800 60 10 11.

Please remember that this is a sensitive process involving your personal details. Be aware of potential scams and only provide your personal details on the official SASSA SRD Website or through official SASSA communications.

Do not share your personal details, especially your ID number and banking details, with unofficial sources or unknown persons. SASSA will never ask for these details over the phone or via email. Stay safe while you complete your SRD Grant application and manage your status.