The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has confirmed that it received a total of 13.5 million applications for the Special Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) since the end of January 2023. This grant is intended to assist those most vulnerable in society who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
During a recent parliament portfolio meeting, Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu reassured R350 grant beneficiaries that all assessments and payments are up-to-date & running smoothly. This is after she stated that, out of the above-mentioned total, 7.4 to 7.8 million applications are approved every month.
She further pointed out that payments have so far already been made to roughly 95% of applicants that were approved in the early months. However, this coverage is said to have dropped to 90% in August 2022, and to an 85% decrease in recent months.
Postbank. Interim CEO Lucas Ndala also assured grant recipients that they have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure that grant payments are processed punctually without delays as a result of threats to their online systems.
“We have employed a cyber security team to look after our security system. We are looking at security around our system to block threats timeously." Ndala state
To ensure that the SRD grant is distributed equitably, Sassa has implemented a rigorous application process which requires applicants to provide detailed information about their financial situation and other relevant documents. Sassa has also set up an online portal for people to apply for the grant, as well as providing support services such as call centres and physical offices.
Applicants only have to apply once on one channel and not many times on every channel. Sassa will only process one application received from each applicant, and successful applicants will be contacted by Sassa once applications have been processed.
