Social Grant Relief

 Sassa Social Grant Relief Application

Social relief of distress is the temporary provision of assistance and it is intended for persons in such dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs. The Social Relief of Distress may be in the form of a food parcel or a voucher to buy food. Some provinces give this assistance in the form of cash. Social Relief of Distress is given for a short time only usually for up to three months, which may be extended for another three months.

SASSA does not require any applicant to scan in supporting documents such as ID, proof of address or bank statements. By lodging an application, applicants give consent for SASSA to validate the financial and other information against data sources held by government and financial institutions including SA Revenue Services and banks. The provision of false information in an effort to qualify for the grant is an offence and will result in prosecution.

A confirmation has been received from the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) that banks are ready for the payment cycle. ATMs will be restocked in time for the payment cycle which starts on 30 March. Banks will also carry messaging reminding customers of priority for older persons and persons with disability. Retail outlets have confirmed readiness. A list of high-volume stores just received and will be shared with NATJOC to assist SANDF and SAPS with support planning.

Types Of Social Grant Relief Offered

• Care Dependency Grant
• Child Support Grant
• Disability Grant
• Foster Child Grant
• Grant-In-Aid
• Older Person Grant
• Social Relief of Distress
• War Veterans Grant

Read: How Do I Know If SASSA SRD Is Approved?

Who Is Eligible For Sassa Social Relief Of Distress Grant Application

The following is the list of persons who are qualified to apply for the social relief of distress grants:

• South African Citizens, Permanent Residents or Refugees registered with Home Affairs;
• Resident within the borders of the Republic of South Africa;
• Above the age of 18;
• Unemployed;
• Not receiving any income;
• Not receiving any social grant;
• Not receiving any unemployment insurance benefit and does not qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits;
• Not receiving a stipend from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme;
• Not receiving any other government COVID-19 response support; and
• Not resident in a government-funded or subsidised institution.

Documents Needed When Applying For Social Relief Of Distress

When applying for a grant from Srd, you will need the  following documents:

• Identity Number
• Name and Surname as captured in the ID (and initials)
• Gender and Disability
• Banking details Bank Name and Account Number
• Contact details Cell phone number
• Proof of Residential Address

How To Apply For Social Relief Of Distress

The application for Social Relief Of Distress for the year 2024/2025 is currently open, applicants are to follow the steps listed below to apply:

1. Apply for social relief of distress at your nearest South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office or visit https://srd.sassa.gov.za/.
2. Submit your application with the following documents:
   • your 13-digit bar-coded identity document and your children’s birth certificates.
   • if your identity document and/or birth certificate are not available:
     • an affidavit commissioned by a Justice of the Peace. The affidavit must contain a clause which indicates that the provision of incorrect or inaccurate information will result in prosecution in terms of Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004.
     • a sworn statement by a reputable person who knows the applicant and the child. This may be from a councillor, traditional leader, social worker or minister of religion.
     • proof that an application for a birth certificate or identity document has been lodged with the Department of Home Affairs.
     • where applicable, a temporary identity document issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
     • a baptismal certificate.
     • a road to health clinic card.
     • a school report.
   • please note: No application can be processed without the sworn statement/affidavit.
3. If you do not have an identity document and birth certificate, an affidavit from your local police station, chief, councillor or religious leader may be enough proof.
4. Show proof that you:

• • have applied for a grant
  • have had an emergency (e.g. provide a police report that your house burnt down)
  • have tried to get maintenance
  • have no other support
  • are married, divorced, or single
  • have no income
  • have a short-term medical disability.

Read Also: Sassa Relief 2024/2025

How long does it take For Social Relief Of Distress To  Be Processed?

• Your application will be processed immediately.
• Once your application is submitted, it will be assessed for credibility and your genuine need for the service.
• Even if you do not have all the documents, you will get your first month’s food parcel, voucher or cash.
• Remember to take all the documents to the officer before the second month’s payment is due. If you do not, you may not get your second and third month’s food parcel, voucher or cash.
• If there is no change in your circumstances after you have received the grant for three months, you may apply to have the grant extended for another three months.

Contact Details Of SRD

In terms of the Application process, an application for social relief of distress or a social grant may be lodged electronically over and above any other available means of lodging such applications. The measures applicable include sending a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 and selecting SASSA or an E-mail to SRD@sassa.gov.za(link sends e-mail).

Call Centre

• SASSA call centre 0800 60 10 11
• Call centre available working hours only
• Link to the Postbank call centre for SASSA/SAPO card-related enquiries

As a temporary measure of support aimed at supporting those in such need that they are unable to provide for the most basic necessities of themselves or their families, SASSA will provide Social Relief of Distress (SRD) in the form of food parcels. Visit the official website of Social Relief Distress for more details.

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