MySRD Checker
MySRD Checker
The SASSA Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370 grant provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed South Africans who do not receive any other form of income or social support. Applying for this grant is free and can be done online from your phone or computer. This guide explains Apply for SRD R370 Grant and who qualifies, what documents you need, and the different ways you can submit your application.
To qualify for the SASSA SRD R370 grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Age requirement: You must be between 18 and 59 years old. People younger than 18 or 60 years and older do not qualify for the SRD grant but may be eligible for other SASSA grants like the Child Support Grant or Old Age Pension.
Citizenship and residency: You must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee registered with Home Affairs. You must be living in South Africa at the time of application. Foreign nationals on temporary work permits or study visas do not qualify.
Unemployment status: You must be unemployed and not receiving any income from employment. SASSA checks government and employer databases to verify this. If you are working, even part-time or informally, and your employer is registered, your application may be declined.
No other financial support: You must not be receiving:
No income from other sources: You must not have a regular source of income. SASSA may review your bank statements to check for consistent deposits that suggest employment, business income, or financial support from family members.
Means test: While there is no strict income threshold, SASSA uses various databases to assess whether you genuinely need financial assistance. If evidence suggests you have access to income or support, your application may be declined.
Important notes:
If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be automatically declined. Make sure you qualify before applying to avoid wasting time.
Need to check when your grant will be paid? See our SASSA Payment Dates guide.”
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | SRD R370 Grant |
| Provided By | South African Social Security Agency |
| Eligibility Age | 18 – 60 years |
| Application Methods | Online application, WhatsApp, or SASSA office |
| Status Check | Online status check portal |
| Payment Methods | Bank account, SASSA card, or retail store collection |
You do not need to submit physical documents when applying for the SRD R370 grant online. SASSA verifies your information electronically using government databases. However, you should have the following information ready when you apply.
Your South African ID number is the most important piece of information for your SRD application. SASSA uses this to verify your identity with the Department of Home Affairs.
What you need:
Common problems:
You do not need to upload a copy of your ID when applying online. SASSA will verify your identity automatically. However, keep your ID document safe in case you need to visit a SASSA office for verification.
You must provide an active South African mobile phone number when applying. This number is used to send you important updates about your application and payment.
Changing your number later: If you change your phone number after applying, you must update it with SASSA immediately. Failure to do so means you will not receive important notifications. You can update your number online, by calling the SASSA call center, or by visiting an office.
Update your number immediately if it changes. See Change Contact Number guide
Providing your banking details allows SASSA to pay your grant directly into your bank account. This is the fastest and safest payment method.
What banking information you need:
Important notes:
Alternative payment options if you do not have a bank account:
What if your bank details are incorrect? If you provide the wrong account number or bank name, your payment will fail and be returned to SASSA. You will need to update your banking details and wait for the payment to be reprocessed, which can cause delays.
Proof of residence is not always mandatory for SRD R370 applications, but having it ready can be helpful if SASSA requests additional verification.
What if you do not have proof of residence? Many SRD applicants live with family or friends and do not have formal proof of residence in their name. This is acceptable. You can still apply without uploading any documents. SASSA will use your ID address or contact you if they need additional information.
If you are homeless or living in informal settlements, you can still apply. Use the address where you receive mail or where you stay most often.
In most cases, you do not need to submit extra documents when applying for the SRD R370 grant online. However, in certain situations, SASSA may request additional proof to verify your eligibility.
If you were previously employed:
If you are appealing a declined application:
If you are a student:
If you live with someone else:
How to submit additional documents:
Most applicants do not need to worry about additional documents unless SASSA specifically asks for them.
There are several ways to apply for the SRD R370 grant. All methods are free, and you should choose the one that is easiest and most convenient for you.
Applying online through the official SASSA website is the fastest and most reliable method. You can do this from any phone, tablet, or computer with internet access.
Steps to apply online:
How long does it take? The online application process takes about 5 to 10 minutes if you have all your information ready.
What happens next? SASSA will verify your details with government databases (Home Affairs, UIF, SARS, Department of Labour). This can take a few days to a few weeks. You will receive an SMS when your application has been processed.
Advantages of applying online:
GovChat is an official government communication app that allows you to apply for the SRD grant directly from your smartphone.
Steps to apply via GovChat app:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
You can apply for the SRD grant through GovChat’s WhatsApp service without downloading a separate app.
Steps to apply via GovChat WhatsApp:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Which method should you use?
All methods are official and free. Never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.If you experience problems, see our SRD Appeal Guide or call 0800 60 10 11.
Once you submit your SRD R370 grant application, SASSA begins processing and verifying your information. Here is what you can expect.
Step 1: Application received Immediately after submitting, you will receive a confirmation message (SMS or on-screen) with your application reference number. Keep this number safe – you will need it to check your status.
Step 2: Verification process SASSA verifies your details with several government departments and databases:
This verification process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how busy the system is and whether there are any issues with your information.
Step 3: Application status update Once SASSA completes the verification, your application status will be updated to one of the following:
Approved: Your application has passed all checks, and you qualify for the grant. You will receive payment once it is processed.
Pending: SASSA is still verifying your information or waiting for confirmation from another department. This can take time – be patient and check your status regularly.
Declined: Your application did not meet the eligibility criteria. You will receive an SMS explaining the reason (e.g., “You are employed” or “You receive UIF”). If you believe the decline is incorrect, you can appeal.
Step 4: Payment processing If approved, SASSA will process your payment. Depending on your chosen payment method:
Step 5: Ongoing requirements The SRD R370 grant is not permanent. You may need to reapply monthly or every few months to continue receiving the grant. SASSA will inform you when you need to reapply.
How to check your status:
You can check your status as often as you like. It is a good idea to check every few days after applying to see if there are any updates.
What if you have problems?
For more help or if you experience problems with your application, contact the SASSA call center at 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free) or visit your nearest SASSA office. Do not pay anyone to help you apply – the application is free and you can do it yourself.
South African citizens, permanent residents, and eligible applicants can apply.
You need a valid ID number, an active phone number, and banking details.
The SRD application is completed online through the official SASSA website.
Yes, you will receive confirmation via SMS or on the website.
Status updates are usually available within 7–14 working days.