The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant is a temporary grant for unemployed adults who have no other income. You can only apply online for this grant — no paper forms are accepted.
Who can get this grant?
- You must be between 18 and 59 years old.
- You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder.
- You must be unemployed and have no other income.
- No more than R624 may enter your bank account in a single month.
- You must not already receive another social grant, NSFAS funding, or UIF unemployment benefits.
Option A: Apply on the website (fastest)
- Open your phone's internet browser and go to srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Scroll down and enter your 13-digit South African ID number and your cellphone number. Click "Send SMS".
- You will get a text message with a One-Time PIN (OTP). Type this PIN into the website to confirm your number.
- Fill in your personal details — your full name, surname, and address.
- Enter your bank account details so SASSA can pay you directly. This is the safest way to get your money.
- Click Submit.
Option B: Apply on WhatsApp
- Save SASSA's WhatsApp number: 082 601 0111.
- Send the message "Apply" or "SRD".
- Follow the instructions sent to your chat to finish your application.
What happens after you apply?
- The SRD grant is checked every month, usually after the 15th.
- Check your status at srd.sassa.gov.za, or dial *120*69277# on your phone (this is free and works without data).
All SASSA applications are 100% free. Never pay anyone who promises to "speed up" or "approve" your application.