sassa distress grant application 2023-2024
sassa distress grant application 2023-2024
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of people around the world, and South Africa has been no exception. In response to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the South African government introduced the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which was administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
- The SRD grant was aimed at providing temporary financial support to individuals who had been affected by the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The grant was initially set at R350 per month, and was available for a period of six months, from May to October 2020.
- To apply for the SRD grant, individuals had to meet certain eligibility criteria, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident, being unemployed or not receiving any other form of social grant, and not receiving any other form of income. Applicants also had to provide documentation such as their identity document, proof of residence, and proof of unemployment.
- The application process for the SRD grant was initially beset with challenges, including technical issues with the online application system and long wait times for assistance at SASSA offices. To address these challenges, SASSA introduced a WhatsApp application system, which allowed individuals to apply for the grant using their mobile phones.
- While the SRD grant was intended to provide temporary relief to individuals affected by the pandemic, there were concerns raised about the sustainability of the grant and the need for broader economic policies to address poverty and inequality. Nevertheless, the grant provided critical support to vulnerable individuals and families during a difficult time.
- In January 2021, the South African government announced the extension of the SRD grant for a further three months, until April 2021. The grant was increased to R350 per month for the first two months, and then reduced to R250 per month for the third month.
- To apply for the extended SRD grant, individuals had to reapply using the online application system or the WhatsApp application system. SASSA also announced that it would be prioritizing applications from individuals who had not received the grant in the first phase, as well as from those who had been rejected due to incomplete or incorrect information.
- Overall, the SRD grant application process was not without its challenges, but it provided a critical source of support to vulnerable individuals and families during a difficult time. SASSA continues to play an important role in administering social grants in South Africa, and the agency remains committed to providing support to those who need it most.
SOCIAL GRANTS
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Care Dependency Grant
Child Support Grant
Disability Grant
Foster Child Grant
Grant-In-Aid
Older Persons Grant
Social Relief of Distress
War Veterans Grant
Visit the SRD website at
- Email: srd@sassa.gov.za
- USSD: *134*7737#
RELATED LINKS
Click here for more info on SASSA
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