How to Apply
Applying for grants and benefits — what you need, which channel to use, and what happens after you submit.
Also searched as: apply, application, how to apply, register, sign up, new application.
Guides on how to apply
Frequently asked questions
Can someone help me apply?
Yes — a family member or community worker can help, but do it on your phone number, and never share the OTPs afterwards. The number on the application controls everything.
I made a mistake on my application.
Details like banking and phone can be corrected via the portal (banking, phone). A wrong ID or name usually means the application fails identity checks — reapply correctly.
Do I need proof of address?
No. SRD has no address requirement — you can apply with no fixed address.
Read the full guide: What you need to apply for SRD (spoiler: almost nothing)
Do I need to be at a SASSA office?
No — SRD is the one grant designed to be fully remote. Offices can help if you're stuck, but nothing requires visiting one.
Read the full guide: What you need to apply for SRD (spoiler: almost nothing)
Can I get paid without a South African bank account?
Yes — the cash and mobile-money options work with your permit. See payment methods.
Read the full guide: SRD for refugees, asylum seekers and special-permit holders
Do my children qualify for grants?
Children of recognised refugees can qualify for the Child Support Grant and other child grants. See support for refugees and asylum seekers for the full picture.
Read the full guide: SRD for refugees, asylum seekers and special-permit holders
Why does SASSA ask people to reconfirm at all?
To keep the register current — circumstances change, and reconfirmation plus monthly database checks is how the system verifies ongoing eligibility without paper forms.
Read the full guide: Reapplying and reconfirming your SRD grant
I reconfirmed late. Are the missed months gone?
Months where you were assessed and approved pay as backpay; months not assessed because reconfirmation was outstanding are generally not recoverable. Reconfirm the day you're asked.
Read the full guide: Reapplying and reconfirming your SRD grant
Being written
- How to apply for a SASSA grant at an office (Grants — phase 2)
- Documents you need for each SASSA grant (Grants — phase 2)
- Document checklist builder (Tools — phase 3)