How to Apply for an R350 Grant On WhatsApp?

Applying for the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant has never been easier.

Thanks to SASSA’s innovative WhatsApp application system, you don’t need a computer, mobile data, or internet browser. All you need is a basic smartphone with WhatsApp installed.

This guide will walk you through how to apply for the R350 grant using WhatsApp in 2025, step by step.

Whether you’re unemployed, have no internet access, or prefer simple mobile communication, this method is quick, secure, and accessible to all South Africans.

What Is the SASSA R350 SRD Grant?

The R350 SRD grant, introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and extended into 2025, provides temporary financial relief to unemployed South Africans with no other source of income or government support.

This grant is specifically for:

• South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees
• Unemployed adults between 18–59 years old
• Individuals not receiving any other form of income, UIF, or social grant
• People who are not registered for NSFAS, pension, or any government wage subsidy

While online applications are common, many rural and low-income South Africans don’t have access to stable internet, making WhatsApp a practical alternative.

Why Use WhatsApp to Apply?

The WhatsApp method was introduced by SASSA and the Department of Social Development to bridge the digital divide.

Benefits of applying via WhatsApp include:

• Zero data cost on most networks
• No need for a smartphone with a browser
• Faster processing due to direct integration with SASSA’s systems
• Step-by-step interaction using guided chat
• Secure and encrypted messages
• Available in multiple languages

As of 2025, this remains one of the most popular and inclusive ways to apply for the R350 SRD grant.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for R350 Grant via WhatsApp

Follow these steps to submit your application using WhatsApp:

Step 1: Save the SASSA WhatsApp Number

Save the official SASSA WhatsApp number on your phone:

082 046 8553

This is the number for all SRD grant-related communication and services.

Step 2: Start a New Chat

Open WhatsApp and start a new chat with SASSA.

Send a simple message:
“Hi”

The system will respond with a menu of available services.

Step 3: Select “Apply for R350 Grant”

You will receive a numbered menu. Reply with the number that corresponds to:

“Apply for the SRD R350 Grant”

You may see options like:

1. Apply
2. Reconfirm Application
3. Check Status
4. Update Banking Details
5. Cancel Application

Choose 1 to proceed with a new application.

Step 4: Provide Your Personal Information

SASSA will prompt you to provide:

• Full name
• ID number
• Contact number
• Address (province, municipality, suburb or rural area)

Each prompt is sent separately, and you must reply after each one.

Be careful to enter information exactly as it appears on your ID.

Step 5: Agree to the Terms and Conditions

You will be sent a consent form explaining the data checks SASSA will perform. These checks include:

• Cross-referencing your ID and phone number
• Checking for UIF, NSFAS, or grant income
• Verifying that you’re not employed or receiving a stipend

Type YES to give consent.

You must accept the terms for your application to be processed.

Step 6: Choose Payment Method

You’ll be asked to choose how you want to receive your R350 grant payments:

• Bank account (provide bank name, account type, and branch code)
• Cash Send (if you don’t have a bank account)

Cash Send will require mobile verification through one of the partnered retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Shoprite.

Make sure the cellphone number you’re using is registered in your name, especially for Cash Send.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation

Once you complete the steps, you’ll receive:

• A reference number
• A message stating that your application has been received
• A notification that SASSA will conduct eligibility checks

You can now sit back and wait for an SMS confirming the outcome.

How to Check the Status of Your R350 WhatsApp Application

You don’t have to wait helplessly. You can check the status of your application through WhatsApp:

1. Open WhatsApp chat with SASSA (082 046 8553)
2. Type: “Status” or select the appropriate number from the menu
3. Provide your ID number and registered cellphone number

You’ll receive a reply with one of the following statuses:

• Approved (with a pay date or bank confirmation)
• Pending (still under review)
• Declined (with a reason)
• Cancelled (either by you or SASSA)

Tips to Ensure Your WhatsApp Application Is Successful

1. Use a valid SA ID and cellphone number
2. Do not apply multiple times using different platforms; one application is sufficient
3. Ensure your cellphone number is RICA-registered in your name
4. Avoid using someone else’s number for Cash Send options
5. Always reconfirm your application each month if requested

Also, avoid fraudulent websites or people claiming to process SASSA applications. Only use the official WhatsApp number.

Can You Reconfirm or Update Banking Details via WhatsApp?

Yes. If SASSA requests a monthly reconfirmation, you can do it using the WhatsApp system.

Follow the steps:

• Type: “Reconfirm”
• Follow prompts to validate your income and employment status

To update banking details:

• Choose the Update Bank Details option from the menu
• Enter your ID number
• Follow the secure link sent via SMS (Note: this part redirects you to a secure browser, so some data may be needed)

What If You Get Declined? WhatsApp Appeal Process

If your application is declined, you can appeal via the SRD Appeals Portal or use the WhatsApp channel to get instructions.

Here’s how:

1. Type “Appeal” in the SASSA WhatsApp chat
2. You will be directed to the correct steps or sent a link
3. You must appeal within 30 days of being declined

Common reasons for decline include:

• UIF income found
• NSFAF active
• Employment detected
• Incorrect bank details

Make sure to fix these issues before submitting an appeal.

Advantages of Using WhatsApp Over Other Methods

• Inclusive: Works on entry-level smartphones
• Efficient: No need to travel or queue
• Real-time updates: Get immediate responses
• Language support: Available in multiple South African languages
• Low data cost: Ideal for people with no internet bundle

This makes WhatsApp a perfect solution for older applicants, rural dwellers, and people without stable internet access.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Problem: No response from SASSA on WhatsApp
Solution: Wait at least 10 minutes. If still no reply, try again later—there may be high traffic.

Problem: Wrong ID or phone number entered
Solution: Restart the process. You must use the same ID and phone number throughout.

Problem: Didn’t get reference number after applying
Solution: Type “Status” to check if your application went through. If not, reapply.

Problem: Can’t reconfirm my application
Solution: Reconfirmation is only needed when SASSA sends a prompt. Don’t reconfirm if not requested.

Conclusion

Applying for the R350 SRD grant via WhatsApp in 2025 is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to secure financial relief, especially for those without internet access.

With just a basic smartphone, you can submit your application, check your status, update banking details, or appeal a decision—all through a simple chat interface.

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, take advantage of this user-friendly and cost-effective method. It only takes a few minutes and could help put food on the table when you need it most.

For full guides, appeal support, and grant status updates, visit SassaStatusCheck.org.

FAQs