The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) distributed the Special Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant to many South Africans who faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the program has seen positive changes, there have been instances where approved applicants haven’t collected their grants.
Can I still apply for the R350 special SRD grant?
No, unfortunately, the application window for the special COVID-19 SRD grant has closed.
The South African government is currently focusing on a long-term social assistance approach, and the R350 grant is no longer offered.
How do I check if I have an unclaimed SASSA grant?
SASSA no longer publishes a public list of unclaimed grants due to privacy concerns.
However, you can still check your application status and see if you have any outstanding funds through the following methods:
- SASSA website: Visit the SASSA website and navigate to the “SRD Enquiry” section. You will need your ID number and application reference number to access your application status.
- SASSA mobile app: Download the SASSA SRD app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Register or log in using your ID number and create a secure profile. Once logged in, you can view your application status and see if there are any outstanding payments.
- SASSA contact center: You can call the SASSA contact center at 0860 601 060 to speak to a consultant and inquire about your application status. Be prepared to provide your ID number and any relevant reference numbers.
What documents do I need to collect my unclaimed SASSA grant?
To collect your unclaimed SASSA grant, you will need to bring the following documents to your nearest South African Post Office (SAPO) branch:
- Your South African ID document (original and a copy)
- Your SASSA SRD SUID number (if available)
- Proof of banking details (optional, but recommended for faster processing)
What happens if I don’t collect my unclaimed SASSA grant?
Unclaimed SASSA grants are eventually returned to the National Treasury.
This means you will lose the opportunity to receive the funds if you don’t collect them within a designated timeframe.
It’s important to check your application status regularly and claim any outstanding grants as soon as possible.
Can someone else collect my unclaimed SASSA grant for me?
Yes, you can authorize someone to collect your unclaimed SASSA grant on your behalf.
To do this, you will need to complete a SASSA SGP13 form (Authorization to Collect Payment on Behalf of Beneficiary), which is available at any SAPO branch.
The authorized person will need to present the completed form along with their own ID document and a copy of your ID document when collecting the grant.