SASSA R370 Application Guide – Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The SASSA R370 Grant (also known as the SRD Grant) continues to provide much-needed financial relief in 2025 for South Africans who are unemployed and do not receive other social grants.

It’s important to understand exactly who qualifies, how to apply, and how your application is evaluated. 

What is the R370 Grant?

The R370 Grant is part of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) scheme administered by SASSA.

Although it was originally known as the R350 Grant, it has since been increased to R370 per month.

It is designed for adults who are in financial distress, who are not receiving other social grants, and who meet strict eligibility criteria. 

It helps cover basic needs for a month while other help is sought.

Who qualifies for the R370 Grant in 2025?

To qualify, you must meet a number of specific criteria. These include:

1. You must be a South African citizen, a permanent resident, or recognised refugee/asylum permit holder.
2. You must be between 18 and 59 years old (those aged 60+ are normally eligible for the Older Persons Grant rather than SRD).
3. You must be unemployed and not receiving any other SASSA social grant for yourself (child grants may not always disqualify you) or receiving UIF benefits, NSFAS bursaries, etc.
4. You must meet the means-test: your income, assets and banking balances must be under the thresholds set by SASSA. For example, one source says your bank account must not exceed approx. R624 for the application.
5. You must reside in South Africa, cannot be permanently living in a government-funded institution, and must apply according to the process.

If you meet these criteria you are eligible to apply, if you don’t meet them, your application may be declined.

What documents or details do you need to apply?

Before you start the application, it helps to have the following ready:

1. Your valid 13-digit South African ID number (or asylum/refugee permit number) and proof of residence.
2. A mobile phone number registered in your own name (this is used for verification via SMS/OTP).
3. Your bank account details (if you choose bank deposit) or agreement to collect via approved pay point — the account must usually be in your name.
4. Information about your employment/income status, assets and any other support you are receiving. This is part of the means-test.
5. You may also need to consent to verification with other government databases (UIF, SARS, NSFAS) as part of the eligibility check.

Having these details ready reduces delays in your application.

How to apply for the R370 Grant online in 2025

Here is the typical step-by-step process to apply:

1. Go to the official SASSA SRD portal or the specific application section.
2. Select your category: for example “South African ID holder” or “Asylum/Refugee permit holder”.
3. Enter your 13-digit ID number (or permit number) and the mobile phone number used in your application. Submit and verify via SMS or OTP sent to you.
4. Complete the application form: enter your personal information, banking/payment method, income/assets details, contact info, etc.
5. Read and accept the terms and conditions, then submit your application. After submission, make note of any reference number or confirmation.
6. Wait for SASSA to process your application and verify your details. Then you can check your status (see next section).

Applying online is generally faster than applying in person, and reduces the need to visit a SASSA office.

How to track your application and status

Once you apply, you can track the status to see if you’ve been approved, pending, or declined. 

Methods include:

1. Visit the “Check Status” section of the SRD portal, enter your ID and mobile number.
2. Use WhatsApp: send your ID/phone to the official number (082 046 8553) to check status.
3. Use USSD code (such as *120*3210#) from your phone number to check status.
4. If status shows Approved, you will later get your payment date; if Pending, SASSA may still be verifying; if Declined, you may need to appeal or reapply next month.

Regularly check your status so you are aware of any issues and can act quickly.

What happens after approval and how will you receive payment?

Once your application is approved:

1. SASSA assigns you to a batch for payment; for the R370 Grant, payment is usually made towards the end of the month in a payment window.
2. Funds are paid via your selected method — direct bank deposit, pay-point or retail partner collection depending on what you selected during application.
3. Make sure your bank account is active, and the details you submitted remain correct; otherwise your payment may be delayed.
4. Continue to meet the means-test each month; your eligibility may be reviewed monthly.

What to do if your application is declined or you’re still pending?

If your status is Declined:

• Read the reason given by SASSA — it may relate to income/asset thresholds, receiving another grant, incorrect details, or non-verification.
• If you believe the decision is incorrect, you can appeal via the official channels or reapply in the next monthly cycle once you meet the criteria.

If your status is Pending for a long time:

• Check that your information (banking, mobile number, ID) is correct and hasn’t changed since application.
• Update any changed details promptly to avoid delay.
• Contact SASSA via the toll-free number (0800 60 10 11) if needed.