The Department of Social Development (DSD) amended the Social Assistance Act in an effort to increase the amount of people benefiting from the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.
South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) welcomed the changes, as the new regulations could increase the amount of people benefiting from the grant to around 10 million beneficiaries.
Before anyone can receive the grant, they will need to submit an application on the SRD grant website. Once their SRD grant application is considered by Sassa, applicants will be able to check their SRD grant status.
However, some individuals are unable to check their SRD grant status. The Sassa status check is the very important first step. Sassa explained that they have to consider millions of applications which could mean that some grant applicants will need to wait longer for a decision from the agency.
The agency said, “Remember the application system is now processing millions of applications at once. You will be able to view your current status soon.”
Sassa verifies grant applications by sending the information you provide in your grant application (ID number, Name and Surname) to various government agencies and banks. This is done to determine if you meet all the eligibility criteria for the SRD grant.
This process could take some time and applicants are asked to remain patient while these grant verification checks take place.
Knowing your SRD grant status is important as it informs you whether or not you qualify for the crucial relief mechanism. It also provides applicants with the reason why Sassa came to their decision to approve or decline your grant application.
If your grant application is rejected, you can appeal the decision. However, its important to note that Sassa no longer deals with R350 grant appeals. Applicants must now submit SRD grant appeals to the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals (ITSAA).
