The SASSA SRD R370 grant provides R370 per month to unemployed South Africans who have no other source of income. The grant has been extended through to 31 March 2027 with a dedicated R36.4 billion budget allocation confirmed in the 2026/27 National Budget. See our SRD grant extension update for the full details.
If you have never applied, or your previous application lapsed, this guide covers every method available in 2026 and what to expect after you submit.
Do You Qualify? Eligibility Checklist for 2026
Before applying, confirm you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are between 18 and 59 years old
- You are a South African citizen, permanent resident, recognised refugee, or asylum seeker with a valid Section 22 permit
- You are unemployed and not earning income (or earning less than R624 per month)
- You are not receiving any other SASSA grant — see our guide on all SASSA grant types to understand how they interact with SRD eligibility
- You are not registered for UIF or NSFAS benefits
- You have a valid South African ID number
- You have a cellphone number registered in your name
SASSA verifies your eligibility every month automatically against bank records, SARS, UIF, NSFAS, and Home Affairs databases. Approval one month does not guarantee approval the next.
The income threshold is R624 per month. A single deposit above this amount — even from a family member — can trigger an automatic decline for that month. If this happens, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Method 1: Apply Online (Recommended)
The online application through the official SASSA SRD portal is the fastest and most reliable method.
- Go to srd.sassa.gov.za and click Apply Now
- Select your category: South African citizen, or Asylum Seeker / Special Permit Holder
- Enter your cellphone number — an OTP will be sent to verify it
- Enter your ID number and complete the personal details form
- Add your banking details for direct payment, or select a retail collection point (Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, or USave)
- Review all information carefully and submit
After submission, SASSA will verify your details against multiple government databases. You do not need to reapply every month — your application stays active and SASSA reassesses your eligibility automatically at the end of each cycle.
Method 2: Apply via WhatsApp
- Save the SASSA WhatsApp number 082 046 8553 to your contacts
- Open WhatsApp and send "Hi" to start the conversation
- Follow the automated prompts — you will be guided through the application step by step
- Provide your ID number, personal details, and payment preference when asked
- You will receive a confirmation message once your application is submitted
WhatsApp is a good alternative if you have difficulty loading the SASSA website on your device.
Method 3: Apply via USSD
Use this method if you have no internet access at all.
- Dial *120*3210# from any network on your mobile phone
- If that code does not work, try the legacy code *134*7737#
- Follow the menu prompts and enter your personal details when requested
- Confirm your submission
USSD is the most limited method — you cannot check detailed status information or update banking details through USSD. Use the website or WhatsApp where possible.
What Happens After You Apply
Verification takes time. SASSA checks your details against SARS, UIF, NSFAS, Home Affairs, and your bank. This process can take days to several weeks for a first-time application.
You do not reapply monthly. Once your application is active, SASSA automatically reassesses you every month. Check your status — approved, pending, or declined — at srd.sassa.gov.za. For a full explanation of every status message, see our complete SRD statuses guide.
You must reconfirm your details periodically. SASSA will request a reconfirmation (shown as "Reapplication Required" on your status page) to confirm your circumstances have not changed. Do this promptly to avoid payment gaps.
When Are SRD Payments Made?
SRD R370 payments are processed toward the end of each month, typically between the 24th and the last business day. Your individual payment date is assigned based on when your monthly verification clears — it will appear on your status page once processed.
For the current and upcoming payment windows, see our SASSA confirmed payment dates page. You can also check your SRD status and payment balance at any time to see your personal assigned date.
How to Collect Your Payment
Bank deposit (recommended): Payment goes directly to the bank account you registered. The account must be in your name — third-party accounts are automatically rejected.
Retail collection: If you did not register a bank account, you can collect at Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Boxer, Checkers, or USave using your South African ID and the OTP sent to your registered number.
To change your payment method after applying, see our guide on how to change your SRD payment method.
Keeping Your Application Active
To avoid interruptions to your monthly grant:
- Keep your registered cellphone number up to date
- Ensure your banking details are current and the account is active and in your name
- Respond promptly to any "Reapplication Required" notices on your status page
- Check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za at least once a month
- Never share your ID number, OTP, or banking PIN with anyone — see our guide on SASSA SRD scams to avoid
If Your Application Is Declined
A decline is not permanent. You have 90 days from the date of decline to submit an appeal. For the full process, see our guides on:
- How to appeal a declined SRD grant — step-by-step appeal submission
- Check your SRD appeal status — track what's happening with a submitted appeal
- All SRD statuses explained — understand the specific reason for your decline
The appeal process is completely free. The Department of Social Development's ITSAA handles formal appeals independently from SASSA. Black Sash also offers free paralegal support to beneficiaries navigating appeals.
If You Want to Cancel Your Application
If you have found employment or no longer need the grant, you can cancel at srd.sassa.gov.za. It is important to cancel promptly to avoid fraud penalties. See our guide to cancelling your SRD grant application for the full process, including how to reinstate your application later if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
See our SRD grant FAQ page for answers to common questions, or use the contact details below.
Is the SRD grant still R370 in 2026? Yes. The amount remains at R370 per month for the entire 2026/2027 financial year. No increase was announced in the February 2026 Budget Speech. Any claim that the grant is increasing to R400, R700, or another amount is false — read our post debunking the R700 SRD grant claim.
Can I apply if I already receive a Child Support or Disability Grant? No. You cannot receive the SRD grant alongside any other SASSA grant. See our guide to all SASSA grant types for the full breakdown of how grants interact.
Contact SASSA for Application Help
- SASSA Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, Monday to Friday 08:00–16:00)
- WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
- Email: [email protected]
- Official SASSA portal: srd.sassa.gov.za
- Full contact list: SASSA contact numbers by area