SASSA Grant Application for Asylum Seekers And Special Permit Holders

By Dave Nyam •  Updated: 10/03/24 •  5 min read

Are you an asylum seeker or special permit holder in South Africa? If so, you may be eligible for financial relief through the Social Relief of Distress Grant. But how do you check your grant status and ensure your payments are being processed? This article covers everything you need to know, including the eligibility criteria, the application process, and the different methods for checking your SASSA status

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SASSA Grant Application for Asylum Seekers And Special Permit Holders

Are you an Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holder in South Africa looking for financial relief? The Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant), introduced by the South African Government during the Covid-19 pandemic, could provide basic financial support for those with insufficient means to support themselves.

To be eligible for this grant, you must be an Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holder residing in South Africa, between the ages of 18 and 60, and meet the means test with an income of R624 or less per month. Additionally, you must be unemployed, not receiving financial support from any other source, and not receiving any other social grants.

The application process is easy and accessible. Applicants only need a cellphone number to apply; all information is submitted electronically. You don’t need to submit any documents during the application process.

You can apply online with a valid file number or a Special Permit Holder from Zimbabwe, Angola, or Lesotho. If your permit or file numbers have expired, you must re-apply for the grant with the new permit number or file number. Payments for approved months when your permit was still valid will still get processed.

If your application is successful and a payment date has been confirmed, you can collect your grant payment at any Pick’ n Pay or Boxer store. Ensure you have your Payment ID (SASSA system-generated number) and the cellphone number used to apply for the grant to collect your grant.

How Do I Check My SASSA Status for Asylum?

Suppose you have applied for asylum to receive financial assistance from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). In that case, it’s important to check your SASSA status regularly to ensure your payments are being processed and to identify any potential issues or delays in receiving your benefits. In this article, we will explore the various methods for checking your SASSA status, including online through the SASSA or the SASSA SRD website, using the WhatsApp line, calling the toll-free helpline, and visiting a local SASSA office.

The first method to check your SASSA grant status is through the SASSA website. To check your status online, visit the SASSA website and click the “Check your status” button. You will then be required to enter your ID number and select the type of grant you applied for from the drop-down menu. After entering this information, click the “Submit” button and wait for your status to load. It’s important to note that the online status check is only available for certain types of grants. It may not always be accurate, so it’s advisable to follow up with SASSA directly if you have any concerns or questions about your grant status.

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Another method for checking your SASSA status is by using WhatsApp. To do this, you need to have the SASSA application number. Once you have the application number, you can message the SASSA WhatsApp at 082 046 8553. You must include the word “STATUS” followed by your application number in the message. After sending the message, you will receive a response from SASSA with your status information. This case is a convenient and quick option for those who may not have access to the internet or prefer not to use the online method. Standard data rates may apply when using WhatsApp, so ensure a sufficient data balance before using this method.

You can also check your SASSA status via SMS. The SASSA short code for status checks is 082 46 46. To check your status via SMS, simply type “STATUS” followed by your ID number, then “*” and your application or ID number again, and then “#” and send it to the SASSA shortcode. You will then receive a response confirming your application status. Note that standard network rates apply for sending SMS messages.

It’s important to note that the status check methods may vary depending on the type of SASSA grant and the current status of your application. Using multiple methods to check your SASSA status and confirm the information with SASSA officials or the nearest SASSA office is advisable.

SASSA Requirement Asylum Seekers And Special Permit Holders

Are you an Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holder in South Africa? Are you struggling to make ends meet? The South African government has introduced the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) to provide basic financial relief to those who cannot support themselves. You can apply for this grant as an Asylum Seeker or Special Permit Holder, provided that you meet specific criteria. You must be between 18 and 60 years old, reside within South Africa, and have insufficient means to support yourself. Also, you must not receive financial support from any other source, contribute towards or be eligible for UIF payment, or receive a stipend from NSFAS.

If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the grant here. You do not need to submit any documents when applying; all information is submitted electronically. If successful, you can collect your payment at any Pick’ n Pay or Boxer store. Simply bring your Payment ID and cellphone number used to apply for the grant. Contact the SASSA call center if you need to change or update the cellphone number.

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