Sassa r350

Introduction

The Sassa r350 is a grant meant for South African Citizens, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Special Permit Holders who are between the ages of 18 and 60 years, who have insufficient means, who do not receive social grants on their behalf/or who are not contributing to or eligible for UIF payment and have no financial support from any other source.

The government declared to give out R350 to unemployed individuals every month for six months. To apply for this grant, you need to provide personal, employment, lifestyle, and banking details, and a mobile number to confirm your eligibility and consent.

In this blog, we will be looking into How to apply for Sassa R350 Grant, How to check if Sassa R350 is approved?, and How to check my Sassa R350 balance, and others.

Let’s delve into it:

How to apply for Sassa R350 Grant

To apply for the SASSA R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant in South Africa, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the SRD portal.
  2. Scroll down to ‘How do I apply for this SRD Grant’ and click on the yellow bar.
  3. Enter your mobile number.
  4. Click “send sms”.
  5. Then enter the one-time pin that SASSA has sent to the number.
  6. Continue the application process by filling in the steps required by SASSA.

You can also apply through the following channels:

  • Email: srd@sassa.gov.za
  • WhatsApp: 082 046 8553
  • USSD: 1347737#

After you have submitted your application, you can track it on WhatsApp. Add 082 046 8553 as a contact, open a chat with the number you have saved, and send a message to the Number saying ‘status.’ Now you will be able to check the progress of your grant. Once your chat has been received, you must provide your ID number and the cellphone number you used when applying for the R350 SRD grant.

What documents do I need to apply for the SASSA R350 Grant?

Looking into the documents that you need to apply for the SASSA R350 Grant, then you must ensure that you have a South African ID card, Green ID book, Asylum permit with a valid File Number, or Special Residency Permit with a Passport and your name and registered cell phone number to complete the SASSA R350 Grant Application online.

How long does it take to receive the SASSA R350 Grant?

This article provides the timeframe it takes to receive the SASSA R350 grant. The processing time for the SASSA R350 grant application may vary, but generally, it takes about two to three weeks for an application to be approved or rejected. However, once approved, the funds will take about two to three working days to reflect in the client’s account after payment has been processed.

How to check if Sassa R350 is approved?

To know whether your Sassa R350 grant is approved, you need to follow the below steps:

  1. Send a new WhatsApp to 082 046 8553.
  2. In the message, type your Name, Surname, and South African ID number.
  3. Send the message and you’ll receive a message with your SASSA grant status for R350.

You can also visit the SASSA portal srd.sassa.gov.za and click on the “Check your Status” tab. Enter your ID number and click “Submit”. Your status will be displayed on the screen, indicating whether your application has been approved or not.

How do I check my Sassa R350 balance?

To know whether your Sassa R350 balance, you can check your SASSA R350 grant balance through the following methods:

Cellphone USSD: Dial *120*3210# or *120*69277# on your cellphone and follow the necessary prompts.

WhatsApp: Add the SASSA WhatsApp contact number to your phone: 082 046 8553. Send the word “SASSA” to the SASSA WhatsApp number via the app. Reply to the next message with the word “Status”. If you have a reference number, reply to the next message with “Yes”. Reply to the next message with your mobile number (this must be the same mobile number you used when applying for the grant). Reply to the last message with your reference number.

Conclusion

In this article, we looked into How to apply for Sassa R350 Grant, How to check if Sassa R350 is approved?, and How to check my Sassa R350 balance, and others.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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