SASSA Application for Unemployment Grant

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SASSA offers the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant to unemployed South Africans facing financial hardship.

This grant provides temporary financial support to those who struggle to meet their basic needs.

If you’re unemployed and believe you qualify for the SRD Grant, this guide will walk you through the application process step-by-step.

Who Qualifies for the SASSA Unemployment Grant?

Before applying, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria.

To qualify for the SRD Grant, you must be:

  1. A South African citizen, refugee, asylum seeker, or holder of a special permit.
  2. Between the ages of 18 and 59 (as of June 2024).
  3. Unemployed with no income.
  4. Not receiving any other social grants or Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments.
  5. Not a student receiving financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
  6. Not residing in a government-funded or subsidized institution.

Required Documents for SASSA Unemployment Grant Application

While the application process is electronic, you’ll need the following information readily available:

  1. South African ID Number (or valid asylum seeker/special permit number)
  2. Cellphone Number (for receiving updates)
  3. Banking Details (account name, branch code, and account number) if you choose a bank deposit

How to Apply for the SASSA Unemployment Grant

There are two primary ways to apply for the SRD Grant:

  1. SASSA website: This is the most common method. Visit the SASSA SRD Grant application website. Select your category (South African ID holder, asylum seeker, or special permit holder) and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be required to enter your personal information, confirm your understanding of the application terms, and provide your banking details (optional).
  2. GovChat App: You can also apply through the GovChat app, a government communication platform. Download the GovChat app, register or log in using your cellphone number, and navigate to the SASSA SRD Grant application section. The application process is similar to the website method.

You must ensure all information you provide is accurate and complete. Mistakes can delay your application or lead to rejection.

If you choose a bank deposit, ensure the account belongs to you and is active. SASSA won’t be liable for payments deposited into incorrect accounts.

Don’t submit multiple applications because this can flag your application for review and potentially delay processing.

SASSA communicates application updates via SMS to the cellphone number you provided.

How much is the SASSA Unemployment Grant?

The current SASSA SRD Grant amount is R350 per month as of June 2024.

This amount is subject to change based on government decisions.

The SASSA SRD Grant is a temporary measure, and the grant’s duration is subject to government decisions and funding availability.

When will I receive my SASSA Unemployment Grant after applying?

The processing times can differ, but SASSA generally aims to finalize applications within a few months.

You’ll receive an SMS notification informing you of the decision.

Can I check the status of my SASSA Unemployment Grant application?

Unfortunately, there’s no current online system to track your application status.

However, you can contact the SASSA SRD Grant Helpdesk at 0800 601 011 to inquire about your application.

What happens if my SASSA Unemployment Grant application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision.

You can lodge an appeal with the Department of Social Development for each month your application was declined.

SASSA will provide information on the appeals process within the application rejection notification.