Sassa stands for South African Social Security Agency. It is a government agency in South Africa that is responsible for distributing social grants to eligible South African citizens who are in need of financial assistance. These social grants include child support grants, disability grants, old age grants and others.
Sassa aims to provide a social safety net to vulnerable members of society, and its services are an important part of the South African government's efforts to reduce poverty and inequality. Sassa grants aid thousands of South Africans struggling to meet their basic needs.
The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R350 grant was introduced during the Covid 19 pandemic to assist eligible individuals who had lost their income as a result as a way to provide financial support and social relief. Please note that there is no set payment date for the SRD grant.
Is your application status for the Sassa Social Relief of Distress grant stuck on 'bank details pending'?
If this happens when you are checking your application status it means that Sassa has received your application, but you have not submitted your banking details or indicated your preferred method of payment. In order to resolve this issue and have your application reviewed and updated, you must upload your banking details.
How to upload your banking details to the SASSA website for the R350 grant:
- Visit the official Sassa website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za/
- Select 'Click here to proceed' under the 'South African ID Holders' tab
- Scroll down until you see the 'How do I change my banking details' heading
- Type your ID Number below the heading
- You will then receive an SMS notification with a secure link that is unique to you. (Please note: The SMS will be sent to the mobile phone number you registered with during application your application process)
- Click on the link in the SMS and follow the instructions carefully.
- After you have followed the instructions listed above, Sassa will ask you to choose how your grant will be paid to your bank account. Ensure your details are correct and that you are the holder of the bank account, as not doing so may result in Sassa not processing your grant payment.
Remember to double check that you have provided the correct bank account information.
Sassa SRD Grant Banking Details
If you need to change your Sassa banking details - including banking details for your SRD grant we have all the details for you. As the grant is re-approved every month you need to make sure that your banking details with Sassa are correct or your grant won't be paid. The bank account must be in your own name as grants can't be paid into someone else's account. You'll find all the details in our Sassa banking details FAQ. You can also view our video on how to check your Sassa grant status.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The SRD Grant?
- South African citizenship or permanent residency: Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, special permit holders, asylum seekers or refugees with valid identification documents.
- Age requirement: The SRD grant is typically available for individuals who are between 18 and 59 years old.
- Means test: Applicants need to meet the means test criteria, which assesses the individual or household's income and assets to determine their level of need.
- Unemployment or loss of income: The SRD grant is provided to individuals who have experienced a significant loss of income, unemployment, or are unable to earn an income due to circumstances beyond their control.
- Not receiving other forms of income or social grants: Applicants should not be receiving any other form of income or social grants from Sassa or other government programmes, not including the Child Support Grant.
- Application process: Individuals need to complete the application form and submit it along with any required supporting documents, as specified by Sassa.
It's important to note that the specific eligibility criteria for the SRD grant may change over time and can vary depending on government policies and regulations. It is advisable to consult the official Sassa website or contact their offices directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the eligibility criteria and application process for the SRD grant.
What Other Social Grants Does Sassa Offer?
If you have been rejected for the SRD R350 grant, it may be because there is another grant you are more suited to applying for.
- Child Support Grant: This grant is provided to caregivers of children under the age of 18 who meet certain eligibility criteria. It aims to assist with the basic needs and expenses related to raising children.
- Older Person's Grant: This grant is available to elderly individuals who are 60 years or older and meet specific criteria. It provides financial support to help cover living expenses and support the well-being of older persons.
- Foster Child Grant: This grant is for caregivers who have legal responsibility for a foster child. It assists with the cost of caring for the child and meeting their basic needs.
- Disability Grants: These grants are available to individuals with disabilities who meet certain criteria. They aim to provide financial support to assist with disability-related expenses and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
- War Veterans Grant: The War Veterans Grant is a social assistance grant provided by the South African government to qualifying military veterans who have served in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) or the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA). It is aimed at providing financial support and assistance to eligible veterans.
- Grant-in-Aid: The Grant-in-Aid is a social grant that is available to individuals with disabilities who require full-time care and support due to their disability. This grant is meant to provide financial assistance to caregivers who provide care for individuals with disabilities and require financial support to meet their needs.
- Caregivers Grant: The Caregivers Grant is a social grant provided to individuals who are primary caregivers of children or adults who are disabled, chronically ill or frail and unable to care for themselves. It is intended to assist caregivers in meeting the needs of the person they care for.
What Does Sassa Do?
Sassa's social grant programmes help to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality, making a significant impact on the lives of millions of people, by helping them afford basic goods. However, Sassa has faced some challenges in the past, including issues with corruption and mismanagement.
Despite these challenges, the agency remains committed to its mission of providing social security to those who need it most. Through continued efforts to improve its operations and governance, Sassa hopes to continue to play a vital role in promoting social welfare and supporting citizens in need.
You can visit your nearest Sassa office or contact Sassa directly for any queries regarding your R350 grant. You can contact them on their toll free number: 0800 601 011.
Click here to find out how to submit a Sassa status check.
Visit the Sassa section of the Careers Portal website for the latest information on payment dates.
