Since it’s an announcement, the R350 Covid-19 social relief of distress grant has been top of mind for many a South African who finds him- or herself in dire financial straits due to the national lockdown.


The grant will be available to South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees registered on the Home Affairs system who are residents within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.
The qualifying criteria for the special Covid-19 SRD for distressed individuals are as follows.
Applicants must be:
  • – Above the age of 18
  • – Unemployed
  • – Not receiving any income
  • – Not receiving any social grant
  • – Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits
  • – Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme
  • – Not resident in a government-funded or subsidised institution

Prospective Applicants will need to provide the following compulsory information for the processing of their applications:
– Identity number/department of home affairs permit
– Name, surname (and initials) as captured in the ID
– Gender and disability status
– Banking details: bank name and account number
– Contact details: cellphone number
– Proof of residential address
Application process
Applications for the SRD grant may be lodged electronically over and above any other available means of lodging such applications.
The measures applicable include sending a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and selecting “Sassa” or sending an e-mail to srd@sassa.gov.za.
“We are still finalising additional access channels and including SMS, self-help desks and online application process. We will give information on these soon,” added Zulu.
In order to serve people with no access to technology, volunteers will be trained to assist applicants who cannot use technology and will be provided with gadgets to