The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) relief grant is a temporary social relief of distress grant aimed at providing financial assistance to vulnerable individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant was first introduced in 2020 as a response to the economic impact of the pandemic, and has since been extended multiple times.

• The SASSA relief grant is a once-off payment of R350 that is paid to eligible applicants who have been affected by the pandemic and who meet the specific criteria set out by the agency. Applicants can apply for the grant online or via the SASSA WhatsApp line.
• To be eligible for the SASSA relief grant, applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents, must be over the age of 18, must not be receiving any other form of income support, and must have been unemployed or had their income reduced as a result of the pandemic. The applicant must also provide proof of residence and bank account details.
• The SASSA relief grant application process is relatively straightforward, and can be done online or via the SASSA WhatsApp line. To apply online, applicants must visit the official SASSA website and follow the application process. Applicants will be required to provide personal information, including their ID number, contact details, and banking details. They will also need to provide supporting documents, such as a certified copy of their ID and proof of residence.
• Once the application has been processed and approved, the payment will be made directly into the applicant's bank account. It is important to note that the payment may take up to several weeks to be processed, due to the high volume of applications received.
• The SASSA relief grant has been extended multiple times, with the most recent extension being until March 2022. However, it is important to note that the grant is intended as a temporary measure and is subject to change depending on the ongoing situation with the pandemic.
• In addition to the SASSA relief grant, the South African government has also implemented various other measures to support vulnerable individuals during the pandemic. These measures include the expansion of the social grant system, the implementation of a COVID-19 TERS benefit for employees, and the provision of financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Overall, the SASSA relief grant is a critical measure aimed at providing financial assistance to vulnerable individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the grant is subject to change, it remains an important part of the government's broader response to the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic, and provides much-needed support to those in need.