Millions of economically vulnerable South Africans depend on essential social grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to survive. With high nationwide poverty and unemployment, made even worse by COVID-19’s impacts, these government-funded welfare programs provide a vital lifeline. One of the most crucial offerings is SASSA’s Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, commonly called the R350 grant.
This monthly payment of R350 aims to support those left severely affected by the pandemic’s consequences. Applicants face strict eligibility rules to qualify for this emergency financial aid. If you’ve applied for the R350 grant, regularly checking your status online is key to getting your approved funds on time.
This article will outline step-by-step instructions for checking your SASSA status in January 2024, along with details on payment schedules, eligibility criteria, application methods, and more. That way you can access these indispensable grants and relief funds during these challenging times.
Understanding South Africa’s Social Assistance Policy and SASSA
As part of the nation’s expansive social welfare system, the government utilizes SASSA to distribute regular financial support to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups through social grants. Besides the temporary R350 COVID grant, the main programs include:
- Old Age Grant – For struggling seniors over 60 years old.
- Disability Grant – For disabled citizens between 18 and 59 who are unable to work.
- War Veterans Grant – For those who fought in World War 1 or 2.
- Child Support Grant – For low-income parents supporting children under 18.
- Foster Child Grant – For registered foster parents caring for a child.
- Care Dependency Grant – For caregivers of disabled children under 18.
- Grant-in-Aid – An additional amount for disability grant recipients needing full-time care.
These grants aim to aid vulnerable demographics by providing monthly cash payments for essential living costs. With South Africa’s high poverty levels, SASSA’s social assistance is a vital lifeline for millions.
Checking Your R350 Grant Status Online
If you’ve applied for the special COVID-19 R350 grant, checking your status regularly is key to ensuring you get approved funds on time. You can check online:
Via the SASSA SRD Website
- Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Enter your 13-digit South African ID number.
- Input the mobile number used on your R350 application.
- Click “Send SMS” to get a one-time PIN.
- Input the PIN to verify your identity and view your status.
Through the Moya App
- Download the Moya app on your smartphone.
- Open the app and select “Discovery” then “Application Status”.
- Enter your ID number and mobile phone number.
- Your status will display in the Moya app.
Via WhatsApp
- Save the number 082 046 8553 as “Sassa Status” in your contacts.
- Send a WhatsApp message to this number with your name, surname, ID number and the word “status”.
- An automated reply will provide your current R350 grant status.
By Phone
- Call the SASSA contact center at 0800 601 011.
- When prompted, input your 13-digit South African ID number.
- An agent will communicate your status over the phone.
Understanding Key SASSA R350 Status Results
Here are the common status results and their meanings when checking your grant:
- Pending – Your R350 application is still being processed and verified.
- Declined – Unfortunately your application was rejected.
- Verification Failed – Your ID could not be verified.
- Bank Details Pending – You’re approved but SASSA needs your account details to pay out.
- Cancelled – SASSA canceled your grant. You can appeal.
- Period Pending – Your application for the current monthly period is still pending.
- Period Approved – You’re approved for the current month’s payment.
- Period Declined – Your grant is declined for the current period only.
R350 Grant Payment Dates for January 2024
If approved, you’ll receive an SMS each month with your specific payment date. Expected January 2024 dates are:
- Older Person’s Grant: 3 January 2024
- Disability Grant: 4 January 2024
- Child Support Grant: 5 January 2024
These dates can vary slightly from month to month. Check your status regularly for your exact monthly payment date.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the R350 Grant?
To qualify for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Aged between 18 and 60 years old
- South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee
- Unemployed without income or other grants
- Failed the SARS means test indicating low income
- Not admitted to or cared for in a state institution
- Do not already receive a disability grant
- Do not receive any other social grants
- Not receiving UIF, NSFAS or other government aid
This emergency financial relief aims to assist those facing economic hardship due to the pandemic’s impacts. Self-employed individuals who lost income due to lockdown restrictions may also qualify. Non-citizens must provide proper immigration paperwork.
How to Submit Your Application for the R350 Grant
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the temporary COVID-19 R350 grant using:
The SASSA Online Portal
- Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Provide your ID, mobile number, and personal details.
- Upload any required proof of income documents.
- Carefully fill in your banking details.
- Accept the terms and submit your application online.
- Save 082 046 8553 as “SASSA Apply” in your phone’s contacts.
- Initiate a chat and follow the step-by-step prompts.
- You’ll receive an application reference number.
- Finalize your application using the given reference.
The SASSA Chatbot
- Go to www.sassa.gov.za.
- Click the “SASSA R350 Grant assistance chatbot” link.
- Enter your ID and mobile when prompted.
- Select the option to apply for the R350 grant.
- Follow the chatbot’s instructions to complete your application.
In Person
- Find your closest SASSA office location.
- Visit during operating hours and request an application form.
- Provide your documents and information to the SASSA agent.
- Submit your completed application in person.
Be sure to provide accurate information and follow up if your application is still pending after 90 days. Reapply each month until successfully approved.
Checking the Status of Your R350 Appeal
If your initial R350 application was rejected, you can appeal the decision through SASSA’s online portal:
- Go to https://sassacheck.com/status.
- Login using the details you submitted your appeal with.
- Under “Application Status” select “R350 Appeal Status”.
- Input your reference number and ID number.
- Click “Submit” to view your appeal status.
Pending means a decision is still pending. Approved means your appeal was successful. Declined means your appeal was unfortunately rejected.
Common Reasons for Delayed R350 Payments
There are a few reasons why an approved R350 payment may be delayed:
- Public holidays – Processing takes longer on weekends and holidays.
- Verification issues – Payments are checked for fraud which can cause delays.
- Technical problems – Computer system issues at SASSA offices disrupt payment processing.
- High application volumes – Large numbers lead to processing delays.
- Administrative issues – Problems finalizing beneficiary details hold up payments.
Contact SASSA if your payment is delayed more than a few days to investigate and resolve the problem.
Receiving Your Approved SASSA Grant Money
Once approved, you can receive your monthly R350 grant payments:
- By direct deposit into your personal bank account if you provided details.
- In cash at any South African Post Office branch.
- In cash at select Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Boxer or SASSA pay points.
- Via money transfer services like Money Market, Cash Send, etc.
Be sure to verify your banking details with SASSA for quick electronic payments. Otherwise collect cash at designated pay points using your ID.
Applying for Other Vital SASSA Grants
Besides the temporary COVID-19 R350 grant, other key social grants are available from SASSA to aid vulnerable groups:
Older Person’s Grant
- Provides R1980 monthly for South African seniors over 60 facing financial difficulties.
- Helps cover basic living costs like food, utilities and housing.
- Apply at your local SASSA office by submitting ID and proof of income.
Disability Grant
- Offers R1980 monthly for disabled citizens between 18-59 years old who are unable to work.
- Requires medical assessments to verify disability preventing employment.
- Submit applications at nearest SASSA office with doctor reports.
Child Support Grant
- Gives R480 monthly to unemployed, low-income parents and caregivers supporting children under 18.
- Aims to help provide basic nutrition, shelter, and clothing for children.
- Apply at SASSA offices with ID, birth certificates, and proof of income.
Foster Child Grant
- Registered foster parents caring for a child receive R1080 monthly to help provide for the child’s needs.
- Requires formal court placement of the child in your custody.
- Apply through the provincial DSD office by submitting the required documents.
Care Dependency Grant
- Provides R1980 monthly for caregivers of a disabled child under 18 needing permanent home care.
- Requires doctor assessments confirming the child’s disability.
- Apply at SASSA with medical reports and birth certificates.
Proper use of these programs provides vital welfare assistance to poor, disabled, and otherwise vulnerable South Africans. Visit your nearest SASSA office to begin the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions About SASSA Grants
Here are some common questions about South Africa’s social grants:
How do I update my cell phone number or bank details?
Visit your closest SASSA office in person and fill out the required form with your new details and supporting documents.
What if my R350 application shows declined?
If you still meet the eligibility criteria, you can reapply or request reconsideration from SASSA.
How long does the R350 grant approval process take?
The full application process takes 1-3 months including verifying details and processing approval.
Can asylum seekers and refugees apply for the COVID-19 grant?
Yes, asylum seekers and refugees can apply as long as they provide proper documentation and meet other criteria.
What do I do if my ID number can’t be verified?
If your ID fails verification, visit Home Affairs immediately to fix any issues causing this. Inform SASSA afterward.
Who can I contact for help with my grant issues?
Call 0800 601 011 or visit your closest SASSA office for help with any issues including non-payments, delayed payments, declined applications, and more.
Checking your R350 status online and being aware of January 2024 payment schedules ensures you receive essential approved funds on time. We hope this guide provides the necessary details and instructions to access SASSA’s vital financial relief programs during these challenging times.