SASSA Account Guide 2026
You can apply for the SASSA SRD R370 grant online at srd.sassa.gov.za in about 10 minutes. You need your South African ID number, a registered cellphone number and a bank account in your own name.
To qualify for the SRD R370 grant you must meet all of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| South African citizen or permanent resident | Valid SA ID required |
| Age | 18 to 59 years old |
| Not receiving another social grant | No Old Age, Disability or Child Support Grant |
| Not receiving UIF payments | UIF must not be active for the period |
| Not receiving NSFAS funding | Student funding disqualifies you |
| Income threshold | Less than R624 per month |
| Not in a government institution | Prison or registered care facility |
If you are 60 or older you should apply for the Old Age Pension instead, which pays significantly more.
Step 1: Go to srd.sassa.gov.za Open the website on your phone or computer. Look for the “Apply” button on the homepage.
Step 2: Enter your ID number and phone number Type your full 13-digit ID number and the cellphone number you want to register with your account. This number will receive all future OTPs so make sure it is the one you use daily.
Step 3: Verify with OTP An OTP (one-time pin) is sent to the number you entered. Enter it to confirm your identity. You have a limited time before it expires so have your phone ready before you click submit.
Step 4: Complete the application form Fill in all required fields:
Step 5: Submit and save your reference number After submitting you will receive an SRD reference number. Save this because you will need it to check your application status. Most people skip this step and then struggle to find their status later.
Step 6: Wait for assessment (7 to 14 days) SASSA checks your details against multiple government databases. This takes 7 to 14 days. You do not need to follow up during this period.
SASSA verifies your application against several official databases before making a decision. The one that catches most people out is the SARS check. Even a single informal payment in the past month can trigger it so be honest about any income when you apply.
The databases SASSA checks:
If all checks pass and you meet the income threshold your application will show as Approved.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Your application is being assessed |
| Approved | You qualify and payment is being processed |
| Declined | You do not qualify for that month |
| Bank Details Pending | Banking details are being verified |
| Identity Verification Failed | Home Affairs check failed. See identity verification guide |
Check your SRD application status at srd.sassa.gov.za using your ID number.
SASSA periodically opens and closes the SRD application portal depending on the current grant phase. If the portal shows “Applications Closed” the current cycle is not accepting new applications. Check back at srd.sassa.gov.za or follow SASSA’s official announcements for reopening dates.
Already have a previous application? If your grant was cancelled or lapsed, see the SRD reapplication guide because the process is slightly different from a first-time application.
SASSA typically processes SRD applications within 7 to 14 days. After that your status will change from Pending to either Approved or Declined.
You need a bank account in your own name to receive payment. If you do not have one you can open a free account with Capitec, TymeBank or African Bank before applying. Postbank via SASSA card may also be available. Check srd.sassa.gov.za during the application process.
A declined decision is assessed fresh each month and your application automatically re-evaluates. You can also submit an appeal within 90 days of a specific month’s decline. See the Status Declined guide for the full list of reasons.
SASSA strongly encourages online applications at srd.sassa.gov.za. If you genuinely cannot apply online, visit your nearest SASSA office for assistance. Bring your ID and banking details.
The SRD grant is R370 per month in 2026. It is paid monthly for each approved month.
Written by
Busi specialises in South African social grant systems and SASSA policy. Every guide on this site is independently researched, verified against official SASSA sources, and updated whenever SASSA releases new dates, amounts, or policy changes.
About the authorReady to check your SASSA status?
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