The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of challenges for people all around the world. In South Africa, one of the ways the government has tried to alleviate the burden of the pandemic is through the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. The grant was first introduced in April 2020 and has helped many South Africans who have lost their income or jobs due to the pandemic. The grant was initially R350 per month, but it was later increased to R500 per month.

• The SRD grant has been available to South Africans who are unemployed, self-employed, and informal workers who have lost their income due to the pandemic. The grant has also been available to those who receive no other form of income or social grant. To apply for the grant, applicants need to visit the SASSA website or go to their nearest SASSA office to fill out an application form.
• During the lockdown, the application process for the SRD grant was done primarily online to ensure social distancing and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. SASSA also introduced WhatsApp as a means of application, which made it easier for people who have limited access to the internet or computers. Applicants could apply for the grant by sending a message to the SASSA WhatsApp number, which would then take them through a step-by-step process of applying for the grant.
• The application process for the SRD grant during the lockdown period was not without its challenges. Some applicants experienced delays in receiving their payments, while others faced difficulties applying for the grant online. However, SASSA worked to address these challenges and ensure that all eligible applicants received the grant.
• To apply for the SRD grant during the lockdown, applicants needed to provide their personal information, such as their ID number, cellphone number, and banking details. Applicants also needed to provide information on their employment status and the impact of the pandemic on their income. SASSA processed the applications and verified the information provided before approving the grant.
• In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges for South Africans, but the SRD grant has provided some relief for those who have lost their income or jobs due to the pandemic. SASSA has worked to make the application process as accessible as possible, including introducing online and WhatsApp application processes during the lockdown. While there have been some challenges, SASSA has worked to address them and ensure that eligible applicants receive the grant.