The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant is a temporary financial aid provided by the South African government to assist individuals and families facing severe economic hardship. This grant helps those who are unable to meet their basic needs due to unemployment, financial instability, or other emergencies.
You may qualify for the SRD grant if you:
Have no source of income or financial support.
Are in desperate need of basic necessities.
Are awaiting approval for other social grants.
Are unable to work due to disaster, disability, or medical reasons.
Are affected by a crisis such as a natural disaster or emergency.
Unlike the R350 grant, the Social Relief of Distress grant does not have an online application process. You must apply in person at your nearest SASSA office.
Visit your nearest SASSA office or check if there are temporary outreach points in your area.
When applying, you need to submit the following:
Certified copy of your ID (or a sworn affidavit from the police if you do not have an ID).
Children’s birth certificates (if applying for assistance for your children).
Proof of income status (bank statement or affidavit confirming you have no income).
Affidavit from the police if you don’t have an ID or birth certificate.
Tip: Ensure all documents are recent and properly certified to avoid delays in processing your application.
Visit your nearest SASSA office with all required documents.
Submit your application to a SASSA officer.
Your application will be processed immediately.
Once approved, you will receive your first month’s assistance in the form of:
You will receive relief for three months. If your financial situation does not improve, you can apply for an extension for another three months.
The Social Relief of Distress grant is provided in one of the following forms:
Food Parcels – Essential groceries to sustain you and your family.
Food Vouchers – A voucher to purchase food from specific retailers.
Cash Payments – In some cases, direct cash assistance may be provided.
Note: The type of assistance you receive depends on SASSA’s resources and your location.
For more information or assistance:
Website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11
Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify for the SRD grant if you: Have no source of income or financial support. Are in desperate need of basic necessities. Are awaiting approval for other social grants. Are unable to work due to disaster, disability, or medical reasons. Are affected by a crisis such as a natural disaster or emergency.
Where to Apply?
Unlike the R350 grant, the Social Relief of Distress grant does not have an online application process. You must apply in person at your nearest SASSA office. Visit your nearest SASSA office or check if there are temporary outreach points in your area.
Required Documents
When applying, you need to submit the following: Certified copy of your ID (or a sworn affidavit from the police if you do not have an ID). Children’s birth certificates (if applying for assistance for your children). Proof of income status (bank statement or affidavit confirming you have no income). Affidavit from the police if you don’t have an ID or birth certificate. Tip: Ensure all documents are recent and properly certified to avoid delays in processing your application.
Application Process
Visit your nearest SASSA office with all required documents. Submit your application to a SASSA officer. Your application will be processed immediately. Once approved, you will receive your first month’s assistance in the form of:- Food parcels
- Food vouchers
- Cash (in some cases)
You will receive relief for three months. If your financial situation does not improve, you can apply for an extension for another three months.
What Will You Receive?
The Social Relief of Distress grant is provided in one of the following forms: Food Parcels – Essential groceries to sustain you and your family. Food Vouchers – A voucher to purchase food from specific retailers. Cash Payments – In some cases, direct cash assistance may be provided. Note: The type of assistance you receive depends on SASSA’s resources and your location. Need Help?
For more information or assistance: Website: https://www.sassa.gov.za Call Centre: 0800 60 10 11 Email: grantenquiries@sassa.gov.za