The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) introduced the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is some detailed information on the SRD grant:

• Eligibility: The SRD grant is available to South African citizens and permanent residents who are currently unemployed and do not receive any other form of social grant or unemployment insurance benefit. Applicants must also be in a state of distress due to the impact of COVID-19 on their household income.
• Application process: Applicants can apply for the SRD grant by visiting the SASSA website or by sending an SMS with the word “COVID” to 082 046 8553. Applicants will need to provide personal information, proof of identity, and proof of residence. SASSA may also require additional documentation to support the application.
• Payment: The SRD grant is a once-off payment of R350 (South African Rand) per applicant. The payment is intended to provide temporary relief to individuals who are experiencing financial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Review and renewal: The SRD grant is a temporary form of assistance, and applicants may need to reapply in the future if they continue to experience financial distress. SASSA may also review the eligibility of existing recipients of the grant to ensure that they still meet the criteria.

It is important to note that the SRD grant is a temporary form of assistance and was initially introduced as a six-month program from May to October 2020. However, it has been extended multiple times since then, with the most recent extension ending on 31 March 2022. SASSA may announce further extensions or changes to the SRD grant program in the future, depending on the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on South African households.