The Covid 19 social relief of distress grant is a crucial financial aid program designed to support unemployed South Africans who have been affected by the economic impact of the pandemic. If you’re struggling to make ends meet and want to know how to qualify, apply, and receive this grant, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress Grant?

The Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress Grant is a temporary financial support program introduced by the South African government to assist individuals who were hardest hit by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant was first rolled out in 2020 and is managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

It was specifically created to help unemployed South Africans who had no other form of income or government assistance. The grant provided R350 per month to eligible applicants and has since been extended several times due to the continued economic impact of the pandemic.

The Covid 19 social relief of distress grant is meant for people who are:

• Between 18 and 59 years old
• Unemployed
• Not receiving any other government support like UIF, NSFAS, or social grants
• South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees with valid documents

While originally introduced as an emergency response during lockdowns, the grant has continued to offer relief for millions of people facing financial hardship. Its role has become even more important in addressing poverty and unemployment in the country.

The application process was designed to be simple, with most people applying online or through platforms like WhatsApp and GovChat.

Who Qualifies for the Grant?

To receive the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by SASSA. These requirements help ensure that the grant reaches the most vulnerable individuals who have no other means of income.

Here’s a clear breakdown of who qualifies:

Basic Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant, you must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylum seeker, or special permit holder registered with Home Affairs.
• Be 18 to 59 years old.
• Be unemployed and not receiving any income.
• Not be receiving any other form of social grant (such as child support or disability grant).
• Not be receiving Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments or support from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme).
• Not be living in a government-funded or subsidised institution (e.g., prison or state care).

If you meet all of these conditions, you are eligible to apply for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant.

Important Notes:

• You can only apply for yourself. No one can apply on your behalf, even if they have your ID or phone.
• If you are found to be receiving any other government assistance, your application may be declined or suspended.

Documents You Need to Apply

Before applying for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant, it’s important to have all the necessary documents ready. This will help prevent delays or rejections during the application process. SASSA uses this information to verify your identity and eligibility.

Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

1. South African Identity Document (ID)
   • If you are a South African citizen, you must provide your 13-digit barcoded ID number.
   • If you are an asylum seeker, special permit holder, or refugee, you must provide your valid document issued by Home Affairs.
2. Contact Information
   • A working mobile phone number is required. You will receive status updates, OTPs (one-time pins), and payment notifications through this number.
3. Residential Address
   • You may be asked to provide your proof of residence, such as your street address or location details (especially for verification purposes).
4. Banking Details (Optional)
   • If you have a bank account, you can submit your banking information to receive the grant directly into your account.
   • If you don’t have a bank account, SASSA will assign you a collection point like the Post Office or selected retailers.

Important Reminders:

• The personal details you provide must match exactly with the information registered at Home Affairs.
• If your ID or contact details are incorrect, your application may be declined.

How to Apply for the Covid 19 Social Relief of Distress Grant

Applying for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant is simple and can be done online or through mobile platforms. The goal is to make the process quick and accessible to everyone, especially those without access to physical offices.

Below are the approved methods to submit your application.

Method 1: Apply Online via the SASSA SRD Website

The easiest and most recommended way is through the official website.

Steps:

1. Go to the official website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Scroll down and select your category (e.g. South African ID holders, asylum seekers, special permit holders).
3. Enter your ID number and mobile number.
4. Follow the prompts to submit your application.
5. Accept the terms and conditions and allow SASSA to verify your information.
6. After submission, you will receive a confirmation message.

Method 2: Apply via WhatsApp

If you don’t have internet access, you can apply using WhatsApp.

Steps:

1. Save this number: 082 046 8553.
2. Send the word “Hi” to the number.
3. Follow the instructions that appear.
4. Submit your ID number and details as requested.

Method 3: Apply Using GovChat

GovChat is another option for mobile users.

Steps:

1. Visit https://www.govchat.org
2. Click on “SASSA Services”.
3. Select “SRD R350 Grant Assistance”.
4. Complete the application form and submit.

What to Remember When Applying

• Only one application per person is allowed.
• Your personal information must match your details on record at Home Affairs.
• Use a valid and active mobile number.
• You do not need to reapply every month. Once approved, your details are reviewed monthly.

How to Check Your Application Status

After you’ve applied for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant, it’s important to track your application to know whether you’ve been approved, declined, or still under review. SASSA provides a simple online tool to check your grant status in real-time.

Here’s how you can check your application status.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Status Online

1. Visit the official SRD grant website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Scroll down to the section that says “Check your application status”.
3. Click the link and enter your South African ID number and the mobile number you used when applying.
4. Click Submit.
5. Your current status will appear on the screen (e.g., “Pending”, “Approved”, “Declined”).

What Your Status Means

• Pending: Your application is still being processed.
• Approved: You’ve qualified and payment will be scheduled.
• Declined: You did not meet the criteria. The reason will be shown.
• Cancelled: You or SASSA have cancelled your application.
• Referred: SASSA has sent your application for further review, possibly for fraud checks.

How to Request Reconsideration

If your application was declined and you believe it was a mistake, you can submit a reconsideration request.

Steps to appeal:

1. Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za
2. Scroll to “Application for Reconsideration”.
3. Enter your ID number and mobile number.
4. Follow the prompts to confirm your appeal.
5. Be patient — reconsideration responses may take several weeks.

Additional Tips

• Check your status every month, as SASSA reassesses eligibility monthly.
• Always keep your phone number active to receive updates.
• If your phone number changes, update your contact details on the same website.

How and When You’ll Be Paid

Once your application for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant is approved, the next important step is to understand how and when you’ll receive your payment. SASSA offers different payment options, depending on your preferences and the details you submitted during your application.

How You’ll Be Paid

You can receive your Covid 19 social relief of distress grant in one of the following ways:

1. Direct Bank Deposit
   If you submitted your bank account details during the application, the R350 will be paid directly into your account. This is the fastest and most secure method.
2. Retail Stores (Cash Send)
   If you don’t have a bank account, you can collect your grant at approved retail partners such as:
   • Shoprite
   • Checkers
   • Usave
   • Pick n Pay
   • Boxer
   • Spar (selected stores)
3. Post Office (limited use)
   While the South African Post Office was previously a payment point, this option has been phased out in most areas. It’s best to choose a bank account or a retail collection point.

When You’ll Be Paid

• Payment is made monthly once your application is approved and verified.
• You do not need to reapply each month, but SASSA will check your eligibility every month before releasing payment.
• You will receive an SMS confirming your payment date once your grant is ready.
• Delays can happen if:
  • Your banking details are incorrect.
  • You recently changed your contact number or payment method.
  • SASSA is still verifying your information.

Tips to Ensure You Get Paid on Time

• Make sure your banking details are correct and in your name.
• Use a mobile number that is registered in your name.
• Check your application status often to avoid missing important updates.
• If your payment is delayed, contact SASSA or update your payment information at https://srd.sassa.gov.za.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

While applying for or receiving the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant, many applicants face common problems that delay or prevent payment. Understanding these issues—and how to resolve them—can help you avoid unnecessary delays and improve your chances of successful approval.

1. Identity Verification Failed

What it means:
SASSA could not match your personal information (ID number, name, etc.) with the Department of Home Affairs.

How to fix it:

• Double-check that the ID number and full names you entered match exactly what’s on your ID document.
• Reapply on the SASSA SRD website with the correct details.

2. Alternative Income Source Identified

What it means:
SASSA detected that you may have received income into your bank account during the verification period.

How to fix it:

• If this was incorrect, submit a reconsideration request on the SRD website.
• Be prepared to explain or provide proof that the funds were not income (e.g., once-off deposit from a family member).

3. UIF Registered

What it means:
You are listed as receiving or qualifying for Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) payments.

How to fix it:

• Visit the Department of Labour website to confirm your UIF status.
• If you are not receiving UIF, lodge a reconsideration on the SASSA SRD website and explain your situation.

4. Phone Number Issues

What it means:
You changed your phone number, or SASSA cannot reach you through the number you provided.

How to fix it:

• Go to the SASSA website and update your contact details under the “Update Contact Details” section.
• Always use a phone number that is registered in your name.

5. Banking Details Not Verified

What it means:
The bank account you provided could not be verified or does not belong to you.

How to fix it:

• Make sure the account is in your name and is active.
• Re-submit correct banking details on https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
• Avoid using someone else’s bank account.

6. Referred for Fraud Review

What it means:
Your application has been flagged for further investigation, possibly due to suspicious information.

How to fix it:

• Wait for SASSA to complete its review.
• You can call the SASSA helpline to get more information or email them if needed.

Tips for a Successful Application

If you want to improve your chances of being approved for the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant, it’s important to follow the application steps carefully and avoid common mistakes. Even small errors can lead to delays or rejections.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful application process:

1. Double-Check Your Personal Information

Make sure your ID number, name, and surname exactly match the information on your official ID document. This is the most common reason for identity verification failures.

2. Use a Valid Mobile Number

You must use a mobile number that is registered in your name and currently working. This number is used for all communication, including OTPs, updates, and payment confirmations.

3. Submit Accurate Banking Details

If you choose to receive the grant through your bank account:

• Use an account that is in your name only.
• Make sure the account is active and not blocked or closed.

4. Do Not Apply Multiple Times

Only one application per person is allowed. Submitting more than one application can delay processing or trigger fraud checks.

5. Avoid Using Someone Else’s Details

Do not use another person’s phone number, ID, or bank account. The grant is only for individual applicants, and mismatched information will lead to rejection.

6. Monitor Your Application Status

After applying, check your status regularly at https://srd.sassa.gov.za. This helps you stay updated and take action if there are any issues or declines.

7. Keep Your Information Updated

If you change your contact number or banking details, update them immediately on the official SASSA website to avoid missing payments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions about the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant and their answers to help you better understand the grant process.

1. Is the Covid 19 social relief of distress grant still available in 2025?

Yes, the grant has been extended multiple times to support vulnerable South Africans. However, eligibility and application periods may vary, so always check the official SASSA website for the latest updates.

2. Can I reapply if my application was declined?

Yes, you can submit a reconsideration request if you believe your application was unfairly declined. Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za and follow the process for reconsideration.

3. What if I don’t have a bank account?

If you don’t have a bank account, you can collect your payment at approved retail partners like Shoprite, Checkers, or Pick n Pay. SASSA will provide you with the nearest payment point once your application is approved.

4. How long does it take to get paid after approval?

Payments usually take place monthly. Once approved, you should receive your payment within a few days after SASSA processes the monthly payments. You will get an SMS confirming your payment date.

5. Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

No. Each person must apply for the grant themselves using their own ID number and mobile number. Applications made on behalf of others will be rejected.

6. What should I do if my payment is delayed?

Check your application status online and ensure your contact and banking details are correct. If issues persist, contact SASSA through their official helpline or website.

7. Will applying for the grant affect other social grants I receive?

No. The Covid 19 social relief of distress grant is intended for those who are unemployed and not receiving any other social grant. If you already receive a social grant, you do not qualify for this relief grant.

Conclusion

The Covid 19 social relief of distress grant remains a vital source of financial support for many South Africans facing unemployment and economic hardship. Understanding who qualifies, how to apply, and how to avoid common issues can significantly increase your chances of a successful application.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate to apply through the official SASSA channels—whether online, via WhatsApp, or GovChat. Remember to keep your personal details accurate, monitor your application status regularly, and update your contact or banking information when needed.

By staying informed and following the right steps, you can access this important grant to help you through challenging times. Visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za today to check your eligibility or start your application.