The Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, provided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), is one of the most important social welfare programs in South Africa. Initially introduced as the R350 grant, and now increased to R370, it provides financial assistance to unemployed individuals and households facing hardship.
A common question many applicants ask is: “Can I cancel my SRD application and apply again?”
The short answer is yes. You can cancel your SRD grant application and later reapply, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria set by SASSA.
Why Would You Cancel an SRD Application?
There are several reasons why applicants may choose to cancel their grant:
- You found employment or your income exceeds R624 per month.
- You are receiving other financial support (UIF, NSFAS, or other grants).
- You no longer require government assistance.
- You entered incorrect information and want to reapply correctly.
Canceling ensures that the grant remains available for those who genuinely need it and prevents fraud cases from being opened against ineligible beneficiaries.
Can You Reapply After Canceling?
Yes. If you previously canceled your SRD application, you are allowed to reapply. SASSA treats a reinstated application as a new application, and it will go through the same verification process as before. Approval is not guaranteed — you must still meet the requirements.
How to Reapply or Reinstate a Canceled SRD Application
Follow these steps to reinstate your SRD grant after cancellation:
- Visit the official SASSA SRD website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
- Scroll to the “Reinstate My Canceled Application” option.
- Enter your South African ID number and the cellphone number used for your previous application.
- Click “Send Pin” to receive an OTP via SMS.
- Enter the OTP in the required field and click “Verify.”
- Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select “Reinstate My Grant” and confirm by clicking “YES.”
Once completed, your reinstatement request will be submitted to SASSA.
Important Things to Know Before Reapplying
- Eligibility Check – Even if you reapply, SASSA will only approve your grant if you still meet the criteria (unemployed, income below R624, age 18–60, etc.).
- No Automatic Approval – A reinstated application is not guaranteed; SASSA verifies each case.
- Use the Same Details – Always reapply using the same ID and cellphone number as before.
- Regular Reviews – SASSA reviews all SRD grants monthly, so even after approval, your eligibility may be reassessed.
FAQs About Canceling and Reapplying for SRD Grant
1. Can I cancel my SRD application online?
Yes. You can cancel it through the official SASSA SRD website, WhatsApp, email, or by calling the SASSA helpline.
2. How long does it take to reinstate an SRD grant?
The process depends on SASSA’s workload. In most cases, confirmation is given within a few working days.
3. Will I get backdated payments after reinstating?
No. Payments resume from the month of approval, not from the time your grant was canceled.
4. Can I apply again if my reinstated application is rejected?
Yes. You can reapply in the following cycle if your situation changes and you meet the criteria.
5. Is there a penalty for canceling and reapplying?
No penalties apply. In fact, canceling when you are no longer eligible prevents fraud investigations.
Final Thoughts
The SASSA SRD R350/R370 grant is a vital support system for unemployed and vulnerable individuals. If your financial situation changes, you can cancel your application without penalty. Later, if you once again meet the requirements, you are free to reapply or reinstate your grant application through the official SASSA SRD portal.
Always ensure that the details you provide are accurate, and check your eligibility before applying to avoid delays or rejections. For official updates, visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za.
