South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recently reintroduced the Special Covid-19 R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
Applications were opened on August 6, and already millions of South Africans have applied and received some relief. It is a state fund intended to cushion the poorest in the country from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anyone who thought they deserve some aid was encouraged to apply. Previous recipients were also required to apply afresh, but were not guaranteed of anything.
Those who were denied the first time can also check if they qualify this time round.
If you are in doubt, there is a way you can confirm whether you still a qualify.
How To Check If You Still Qualify For The R350 Grant
Confirming your status is an easy online process.
1. Visit the SASSA website.
2. Select “Click here to confirm your existing application”
3. Fill in the form with the reqested information.
4. Click confirm.
5. Wait for your query to be processed.
You can also seek confirmation via Whatsapp on 082 046 8553.
Please note that you should only choose one mode of confirmation. SASSA will only process one query per applicant. So, if you choose the website way, do not repeat the process on Whatsapp.
How to apply for the R350 Grant
Once you are sure that you qualify, the next step is actually applying for the grant.
That can be done through numerous channels.
Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
USSD line: Dial *134*7737#
GovChat: https://govchat.app/login
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govchat.org
Applications for the R350 grant remain open till March 2022.
How to check your R350 grant application status
After applying, you will need to know whether you are successful or not.
There are several ways you can check your r350 grant application status.
Check your R350 grant application status by calling
You can make a simple phone call to find out where your application stands.
1. Call 0800 60 10 11
2. Press 1
3. Follow the prompts
Check your R350 grant application status via Whatsapp
Finding out your application status on Whatsapp is a simple automated process. All you need is your ID number and cellphone number, which should match what you provided in your application.
1. Save the number 082 046 8553
2. Open your WhatsApp and refresh your contacts
3. Open chat and send a message to the above number saying ‘status’
5. Now you will be able to check the progress on your grant.
Check your R350 grant application status online
You can also check your status online, by visiting the SASSA website.
You will be asked to provide your South African ID number and the phone number used to submit your application.
How to appeal a declined R350 grant application
In August alone, 3.7 million R350 grant applications were declined by SASSA. This was almost a 30% decline rate, from a total of over 13 million applications. The main reason applications are declined is because the applicants have other identified sources of income or are registered for assistance like Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The good news is that if you think your application was declined by mistake, you have the right to appeal within 30 days of receiving the decline reason.
An appeal can be filed on the SRD website, by simply clicking “application for consideration”.
For the last round of applications, appeals should be made via email, by sending to covid19srdappeals@sassa.gov.za.
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What to include in an appeal
Any changes in your financial situation should be disclosed. If your situation has taken a turn for the worse since your application, put that in writing.
Bank of Post Office. Which is the faster R350 grant payment method?
SASSA has confirmed that sending the cash to your bank account is faster and more convinient than sending via post office.
So, while making your application, ensure you fill in your bank details correctly.
How to contact SASSA for any R350 grant queries
If you still have more questions regarding your R350 grant, SASSA has provided several avenues to reach them directly.
Their toll free number is 0800 60 10 11. Select 1 and follow the prompts.
You can also send them an email on grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za. Remember to identify yourself with your ID number.
Their SRD website also have a contact option.
SASSA is also on both Twitter and Facebook, and they should be able to help you there as well.
Now Read: How To Change Your SASSA Payment Method
