How to Reapply for the SASSA R350 Grant (2026)
The SASSA R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant requires periodic reapplication to ensure beneficiaries continue to meet eligibility criteria. Whether your previous application expired, was declined, or you need to update your information, understanding the reapplication process is essential. This comprehensive 2026 guide walks you through everything you need to know about reapplying for the R350 grant in South Africa.
When Do You Need to Reapply?
Automatic Reapplication Periods
SASSA requires beneficiaries to reapply periodically, typically:
- Every 3 Months: Some beneficiaries must reapply quarterly
- Every 6 Months: Most beneficiaries reapply twice yearly
- Annually: Some cases require annual reapplication
- After Expiry: When your current approval period ends
Other Reapplication Scenarios
You may need to reapply if:
- Application Expired: Your previous application period has ended
- Application Declined: Your previous application was declined
- Status Changed: Your circumstances changed significantly
- Information Update: Major information updates are needed
- SASSA Request: SASSA requests reapplication for review
- Payment Stopped: Payments stopped and reapplication is required
Before You Reapply
Step 1: Check Your Current Status
Verify Your Status:
- Visit www.sassa.gov.za
- Check your application status
- Determine if reapplication is needed
- Note any issues with current application
Status Scenarios:
- Expired: Application period ended, reapplication required
- Declined: Can reapply or appeal
- Pending: Wait for current application to process
- Approved: Check if reapplication period has arrived
Step 2: Review Eligibility
Ensure You Still Qualify:
- Age: 18-59 years old
- Income: R624 or less per month
- Citizenship: South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Unemployment: Not in formal employment
- No UIF: Not receiving active UIF benefits
- No NSFAS: Not receiving NSFAS funding
- No Other Grants: Not receiving other social grants
Step 3: Gather Required Information
Have Ready:
- South African ID number
- Registered cellphone number
- Banking details (if changed)
- Current address
- Income information
- Employment status
- Any updated documentation
Step 4: Address Previous Issues
If Previous Application Was Declined:
- Understand why it was declined
- Address the decline reason
- Gather supporting documents
- Fix any problems before reapplying
Common Issues to Address:
- Update banking details if verification failed
- Correct income information if above threshold
- Resolve UIF/NSFAS issues if applicable
- Fix identity verification problems
- Update contact information
Step-by-Step Reapplication Process
Method 1: Online Reapplication (SASSA Website)
Step 1: Access the SASSA Website
- Visit www.sassa.gov.za
- Navigate to "Apply" or "Reapply" section
- Select "SRD R350 Grant"
- Click "Reapply" or "New Application"
Step 2: Enter Your Details
- Enter your South African ID number
- Enter your registered cellphone number
- Complete security verification (CAPTCHA if required)
- Click "Continue" or "Next"
Step 3: Verify Your Information
- Review your existing information
- Update any changed details:
- Banking information
- Contact details
- Address information
- Income status
- Ensure all information is current and accurate
Step 4: Update Required Fields
- Banking Details: Update if changed
- Phone Number: Update if changed
- Address: Update if moved
- Income: Update if changed
- Employment Status: Update if changed
- Other Information: Update any relevant changes
Step 5: Review and Submit
- Review all information carefully
- Ensure accuracy of all details
- Check that all required fields are completed
- Submit your reapplication
- Save your reference number
Step 6: Confirmation
- Receive SMS confirmation
- Note your application reference number
- Save confirmation for your records
- Wait for processing (typically 30-90 days)
Method 2: WhatsApp Reapplication
Step 1: Start WhatsApp Chat
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Message SASSA: 082 046 8553
- Send "Reapply" or "New Application"
Step 2: Follow Menu Prompts
- Select "SRD R350 Grant"
- Choose "Reapply" option
- Enter your ID number when prompted
- Provide your registered phone number
Step 3: Update Information
- Answer questions about any changes
- Update banking details if needed
- Confirm or update contact information
- Provide any additional required information
Step 4: Submit
- Confirm all information is correct
- Submit your reapplication
- Receive confirmation message
- Save reference number
Method 3: USSD Reapplication
Step 1: Dial USSD Code
- Dial 1347737# from your registered phone
- Follow the menu prompts
- Select "Apply" or "Reapply"
Step 2: Enter Information
- Enter your ID number
- Follow on-screen prompts
- Update information as needed
- Confirm details
Step 3: Complete Application
- Review information on screen
- Confirm submission
- Receive confirmation message
- Note reference number
Method 4: In-Person Reapplication
Step 1: Visit SASSA Office
- Find your nearest SASSA office
- Bring required documents:
- South African ID
- Proof of address
- Bank statements (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents
Step 2: Request Reapplication
- Inform staff you want to reapply
- Provide your ID number
- Explain your situation
- Request reapplication form
Step 3: Complete Application
- Fill out reapplication form
- Update all information
- Provide supporting documents
- Submit to SASSA official
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
- Get receipt or confirmation
- Note reference number
- Ask about processing timeline
- Follow up if needed
Important Information to Update
Banking Details
When to Update:
- Changed bank accounts
- Bank account was closed
- Banking verification failed previously
- Want to use different payment method
How to Update:
- Provide new bank account number
- Provide bank name and branch code
- Ensure account is in your name
- Verify account is active
Contact Information
When to Update:
- Changed phone number
- Changed email address
- Changed physical address
- Contact details are incorrect
How to Update:
- Enter new phone number
- Update email if applicable
- Provide new address
- Verify contact information
Income Information
When to Update:
- Income has changed
- Lost employment
- Started part-time work
- Income decreased below threshold
How to Update:
- Provide current income amount
- Explain income sources
- Provide proof if needed
- Ensure accuracy
Employment Status
When to Update:
- Became unemployed
- Lost job
- Employment ended
- Started temporary work
How to Update:
- Indicate current employment status
- Provide employment termination proof if applicable
- Explain current situation
- Update regularly if status changes
Tips for Successful Reapplication
1. Apply Early
- Don't wait until the last day
- Reapply as soon as reapplication period opens
- Earlier applications may be processed faster
- Avoid system overload periods
2. Ensure Information Accuracy
- Double-check all information before submitting
- Verify ID number is correct
- Confirm phone number is current
- Ensure banking details are accurate
- Review all fields for completeness
3. Address Previous Issues
- If previous application was declined, fix the issue
- Update banking details if verification failed
- Correct income information if incorrect
- Resolve any identity verification problems
- Update information that caused previous decline
4. Keep Records
- Save your application reference number
- Keep confirmation messages
- Document when you reapplied
- Save any correspondence from SASSA
- Keep records of previous applications
5. Follow Up Appropriately
- Wait at least 30 days before following up
- Use official channels only
- Have your reference number ready
- Be patient during processing
- Contact SASSA if no response after 90 days
Common Reapplication Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using Incorrect Information
Problem: Providing information that doesn't match your ID or previous application
Solution: Ensure all information matches your official documents and previous application
Mistake 2: Not Updating Changed Information
Problem: Submitting old information that's no longer accurate
Solution: Update all changed information, especially banking details and contact information
Mistake 3: Multiple Applications
Problem: Submitting multiple reapplications thinking it will be faster
Solution: Submit only one reapplication and wait for processing
Mistake 4: Missing Reapplication Period
Problem: Missing the reapplication window
Solution: Set reminders and reapply as soon as the period opens
Mistake 5: Not Addressing Previous Decline
Problem: Reapplying without fixing the issue that caused previous decline
Solution: Address the decline reason before reapplying
Reapplication Timeline
Expected Processing Times
- Submission: Immediate confirmation
- Initial Review: 5-10 business days
- Full Processing: 20-30 business days
- Approval/Decline: 30-90 business days total
- Payment (if approved): 7-14 days after approval
Important Dates
- Reapplication Period: Usually announced by SASSA
- Submission Deadline: Typically 30-60 days from period opening
- Processing Start: Usually within 5 days of submission
- Decision Timeline: 30-90 days from submission
What Happens After Reapplication
Application Status
After reapplying, your status will show:
- Submitted: Reapplication received
- Pending: Under review
- Approved: Reapplication successful
- Declined: Reapplication unsuccessful
- Additional Information Required: More documents needed
If Approved
- You'll receive SMS notification
- Payments will resume
- Next payment date will be provided
- Grant continues for new period
If Declined
- You'll receive decline notification
- Decline reason will be provided
- You can appeal within 90 days
- Or address issue and reapply
Reapplication vs. Appeal
When to Reapply
- Application period expired
- Want to update information
- Previous application was declined and issue is fixed
- SASSA requests reapplication
- Starting fresh application
When to Appeal
- Application was declined incorrectly
- You have proof decline was wrong
- Within 90 days of decline
- Want to challenge the decision
- Have supporting documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to reapply for the R350 grant?
Reapplication frequency varies but is typically required every 3-6 months. SASSA will notify you when reapplication is needed.
Can I reapply if my previous application was declined?
Yes, you can reapply. However, it's better to first address the reason for the decline, or appeal if you believe the decline was incorrect.
What if I miss the reapplication period?
If you miss the reapplication period, contact SASSA immediately. You may still be able to reapply, but there may be delays in processing.
Do I need to reapply if my grant is still approved?
If your grant is still approved and active, you only need to reapply when SASSA announces a reapplication period or when your approval period expires.
Can I update my information without reapplying?
Some information can be updated without full reapplication (like banking details or contact information). Check the SASSA website for update options.
How long does reapplication take to process?
Reapplication typically takes 30-90 business days to process, similar to initial applications.
Will I receive back payments if my reapplication is approved?
Generally, you'll receive payments from the approval date forward. Back payments for the gap period are not typically provided unless there was a SASSA error.
What if my reapplication is declined?
If your reapplication is declined, you can appeal the decision within 90 days, or address the decline reason and submit a new application.
Conclusion
Reapplying for the SASSA R350 grant is a straightforward process when you understand the requirements and follow the correct steps. Whether reapplying due to expiry, addressing a previous decline, or updating information, ensure all details are accurate and current. Remember to reapply during the designated periods, keep records of your application, and follow up appropriately if needed.
For more information about eligibility, payment dates, or appealing a decline, explore our other comprehensive SASSA guides.
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